L & G

We recently revisited Woodford Reserve Distillery, when my parents came for a visit. It was a gorgeous weekend! The weather could not have been better. This is only the second distillery I have visited on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. It sits in the quaintest setting, right next to a brook, in a little valley in horse ranch country.

It was a busy day at the distillery—the same day as the Bluegrass Stakes at Keeneland. Our tour guide was also a bit long-winded at times, but when he started droning on, I started snapping photos. All the better for me! *smile* I mean, some people are really passionate about bourbon.

Woodford Reserve is famous for their copper pot stills, and they are quite a sight! This was the first time I had seen them in person. I loved taking them in!

My favorite part of the tour at any distillery is entering the barrel warehouse. I love being hit in the face by the "angel's share" as I walk in. It's funny how the smell almost knocks you over at first, and then softens as you stay. I love the barrels, too. There's just something so earthy about them. I mean, these are virgin white oak barrels! As you stand in front of the massive walls of bourbon-laden barrels, you can't help but be awed by the huge amount of liquor over your head.

Now, I wish I could have sat (that's poor grammar isn't it?) in this chair (above) to sip my sample of bourbon, but we were ushered into the tasting room, which is really nice, too. I love that they give bourbon balls along with the tastings. Mmmm! I can't decide if I like my bourbon better with ice or not. I think it depends on my mood. Hot summer evening . . . on ice. With dessert . . . no ice. It just depends. But, either way, it was a fun day!