Bourbon Barrel Foods Tour and Taste offers an immersive experience for foodies in Louisville. Explore the artisanal process behind crafting bourbon barrel-aged soy sauces and smoked spices. Guided by knowledgeable hosts, visitors explore the traditional brewing methods and indulge in flavorful samplings. The tour culminates in a chance to discover the award-winning products, leaving one’s palate intrigued and eager to explore further.
Good To Know
- A 1-hour immersive tour of Bourbon Barrel Foods’ artisanal soy sauce microbrewery and bourbon barrel spice smoking techniques in Louisville, Kentucky.
- Opportunity to sample flagship Bluegrass Soy Sauce and specialty bourbon barrel-aged soy sauce varieties during the guided tasting experience.
- Tour showcases the traditional brewing methods and double fermentation process used to craft the renowned soy sauces.
- Highlights the unique bourbon barrel spice smoking techniques that infuse the products with a rich, smoky flavor.
- Retail offerings include the sampled products and over 100 other artisan items at the historic Butchertown Market location.
Overview of the Bourbon Barrel Foods Tour
The Bourbon Barrel Foods Tour offers visitors an engaging experience to explore Louisville’s award-winning artisan foods manufacturer inspired by Kentucky’s renowned Bourbon Country.
During the 1-hour tour, guests can witness the soy sauce brewery and spice smoking techniques.
Led by knowledgeable live guides, the tour is wheelchair accessible and allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Visitors can enjoy the captivating world of bourbon barrel-aged soy sauces and smoked spices, discovering the artisanal methods that have made Bourbon Barrel Foods a standout in the industry.
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Exploring the Soy Sauce Microbrewery
As visitors step inside the Bourbon Barrel Foods’ artisanal soy sauce microbrewery, they’re immediately immersed in the rich aroma of fermentation and the intricate process of crafting America’s original soy sauce.
The tour guide explains the traditional brewing methods, showcasing the microbrewery where soy beans, wheat, and a proprietary koji culture undergo a meticulous double fermentation process.
Guests learn how the soy sauce is then aged in repurposed bourbon barrels, imparting a distinct flavor profile.
Visitors can sample the flagship Bluegrass Soy Sauce along with other specialty varieties, such as the Bourbon Smoked Bluegrass Soy Sauce.
Bourbon Barrel Spice Smoking Techniques
Next, the tour explores Bourbon Barrel Foods‘ unique bourbon barrel spice smoking techniques.
Guests witness the intricate process of smoking spices with staves from used bourbon barrels. This imparts a rich, smoky flavor infused with hints of vanilla and oak.
The tour guide explains how this artisanal smoking method sets Bourbon Barrel Foods’ products apart. Visitors sample the bourbon smoked spices, marveling at the depth of flavor.
The tour provides an insider’s look at the company’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship, showcasing the care and attention to detail that goes into every product.
Tasting the Bourbon Barrel-Aged Soy Sauces
What better way to experience the true essence of Bourbon Barrel Foods than by tasting their renowned bourbon barrel-aged soy sauces?
Guests are invited to sample the flagship Bluegrass Soy Sauce, the first naturally brewed and barrel-aged soy sauce in the U.S. They’ll also get to try the Imperial Double Fermented Soy Sauce, Bourbon Smoked Bluegrass Soy Sauce, and Small Batch Bourbon Ponzu.
The guided tour allows visitors to learn about the unique production methods that impart rich, complex flavors reminiscent of Kentucky’s bourbon heritage.
Tasting these artisanal soy sauces is a highlight of the Bourbon Barrel Foods experience.
More Great Tours NearbySampling the Bourbon Smoked Spices
Beyond the bourbon barrel-aged soy sauces, the Bourbon Barrel Foods tour also highlights the company’s bourbon smoked spices.
Guests have the opportunity to sample a selection of these all-natural, award-winning spices, smoked with spent bourbon barrel staves. The distinctive smoking process imbues the spices with a rich, complex bourbon aroma and flavor.
Offerings include smoked paprika, smoked oregano, smoked black pepper, and more. Knowledgeable guides explain the smoking techniques and how the spices can be used to elevate a variety of dishes.
Guests often purchase these unique spice blends to take home and experiment with.
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Discovering the Award-Winning Artisan Products
As guests explore the Bourbon Barrel Foods tour, they discover the company’s extensive selection of award-winning artisan products.
Bourbon Barrel Foods started as a soy sauce microbrewery in 2006 and now offers over 100 all-natural, unique items. Their flagship product is the Bluegrass Soy Sauce, the first naturally brewed and barrel-aged soy sauce in the U.S.
Bourbon Barrel Foods began as a soy sauce microbrewery in 2006 and now offers over 100 all-natural, unique items, including their flagship Bluegrass Soy Sauce.
Other standouts include:
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Imperial Double Fermented Soy Sauce
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Bourbon Smoked Bluegrass Soy Sauce
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Small Batch Bourbon Ponzu
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A variety of bourbon smoked spices
Guests can purchase any of these products during or after the tour, further enhancing their experience.
Enjoying a Bourbon-Inspired Cocktail
During the Bourbon Barrel Foods tour, guests can enjoy a cocktail made with the company’s unique products, further immersing them in the bourbon-inspired experience. The cocktail features a selection of Bourbon Barrel Foods’ artisanal offerings, creating a delightful blend of flavors.
| Cocktail Ingredients | Description |
| — | — |
| Bluegrass Soy Sauce | Provides a rich, umami base |
| Bourbon Smoked Maple Syrup | Adds a subtle sweetness and smoky notes |
| Bourbon | Enhances the whiskey character |
| Lemon Juice | Balances the sweetness with a citrus zing |
This cocktail exemplifies the bourbon-influenced artistry that defines Bourbon Barrel Foods’ approach to creating exceptional culinary experiences.
Practical Information and Retail Opportunities
The Bourbon Barrel Foods tour takes place at the company’s location in the historic Butchertown Market. Guests should wear closed-toe shoes, as bare feet aren’t allowed. The tour is suitable for participants 8 years and older.
The Bourbon Barrel Foods tour is held at their historic Butchertown Market location. Closed-toe shoes are required, and the tour is suitable for ages 8 and up.
After the tour, visitors can explore the retail offerings:
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Purchase products tasted during the tour, including the flagship Bluegrass Soy Sauce and other barrel-aged sauces and smoked spices.
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Browse the selection of over 100 all-natural, award-winning artisan food products.
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Enjoy a cocktail made with Bourbon Barrel Foods products at the on-site bar.
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Retail and bar hours are Thursday through Saturday, 11 AM to 5 PM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Purchase Products Online if I Can’t Visit the Tour?
Yes, you can purchase Bourbon Barrel Foods’ products online if you can’t visit the tour. The company offers a selection of its award-winning artisan items, including soy sauces and smoked spices, through its website for nationwide shipping.
Do You Offer Any Gluten-Free or Vegan Soy Sauce Options?
Yes, Bourbon Barrel Foods offers a range of gluten-free and vegan soy sauce options, including their Imperial Double Fermented Soy Sauce and Bourbon Smoked Bluegrass Soy Sauce. These allow customers to enjoy their products regardless of dietary restrictions.
Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour Participants?
The tour is suitable for participants 8 years and older. There’s no minimum age requirement, but children under 8 may not find the content as engaging.
Do You Provide Any Discounts or Package Deals for Group Bookings?
Bourbon Barrel Foods offers discounted rates for group bookings of 10 or more people. Groups can take advantage of special package deals that include the guided tour, product tastings, and exclusive retail offers. It’s a great way to experience the tour with friends or colleagues.
How Often Do You Rotate or Introduce New Bourbon Barrel-Aged Products?
Bourbon Barrel Foods frequently rotates and introduces new bourbon barrel-aged products, often driven by seasonal ingredients and customer demand. They continually experiment with their core soy sauce and spice offerings, providing a dynamic and engaging experience for visitors.
The Sum Up
The Bourbon Barrel Foods Tour and Taste offers a captivating one-hour experience, guiding visitors through the unique process of crafting bourbon barrel-aged soy sauces and smoked spices. Participants explore the traditional brewing methods, enjoy tastings of distinct flavors, and have the opportunity to purchase artisan products. This engaging tour is accessible to all ages, providing an insightful look into Louisville’s thriving artisan food scene.
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