Bourbon Country’s Best Bars

From the Bourbon Review Magazine

By Seth Thompson

Kentucky is The Bourbon State as it has the Bourbon Bar prowess to match its distilling chops. Here's your insider's look at the best watering holes in the Commonwealth including one of the country's oldest bourbon bars, the Old Talbott Tavern & Inn in Bardstown (it's said to be haunted – make a special trip for spooky season).

Newcomers to the list include Louisville's Watch Hill Proper with a staggering list of nearly 1,900 American Whiskies. The décor more than lives up to the last part of its name, having sleek eye-catching leather couches/chairs, whiskey lockers (duh), and even a rickhouse level hovering above. NEAT Bourbon Bar & Bottle Shop, another new Lou spot, is a must-see with a warm cozy vintage vibe to match its outstanding vintage whiskey collection. Reasonably priced. And the Bungalou directly behind the bar is where Bourbon heaven meets AirBnB – a collection of Bourbon décor themed rooms to lay your head after a long day (and night) of Bourbon Country immersion. And check out the rooftop view, trust us.

If you find yourself in Northern Kentucky's “B-Line” district, check out Smoke Justis which specializes in smoked meats with a massive 400+ Bourbon collection. Goodfellas Mainstrasse has you covered with mouth-watering Brooklyn-style pizza on the 1st floor and a cool speakeasy vibe lounge on the 2nd armed with a world-class Bourbon selection and cocktails. Rich's Proper is at the top of our list crushing both food & drink. Oysters, huge sammies, massive Bourbon selection, fantastic cocktails.

Come to Kentucky for the distilleries, stay for the bars and restaurants!