September is Bourbon Heritage Month and The City of Many Ways is celebrating with tastings, tours, and plenty of ways to savor America's spirit. Here are four ways to join in the fun this month and all year long.
Take the Forgotten Spirits Tour
Did you know Paducah has a rich history of bourbon makers and brands? Join Atomic City Tours for an award-winning walking tour through the history of Paducah’s contributions to the bourbon industry. You’ll learn about the visionaries connected to our region and the many immigrants who helped build Paducah’s bourbon legacy.
Tour guide Emily Parker leads a group through downtown Paducah.
The tour is wheelchair accessible and includes nine stops through downtown Paducah and along the riverfront. Tickets are available online.
Visit a Paducah Distillery
Whoever said Western Kentucky isn’t in the bourbon business hasn’t been to Paducah lately. Celebrate Bourbon Heritage Month at Paducah’s newest distillery, Abstraction Spirits. This working distillery and tasting room is downtown’s newest bourbon destination (and they’re already winning awards).
Abstraction Spirits offers a strong core lineup of bourbons available on site.
Silent Brigade Distillery on Broadway is another great stop for lovers of straight bourbon whiskey. With regular events like karaoke and themed dance parties, this downtown dive is the right place for those who like their whiskey a little wild.
Sip, Sit, Savor
If you’re looking for a specific or rare bourbon to sip on, look no further than Barrel & Bond. Featuring over 1,000 bourbons and American whiskeys, this downtown staple can satisfy even the most discerning of bourbon lovers. It’s so good, it was featured in The Bourbon Review’s list of Best Bourbon Bars (along with Freight House, another Paducah favorite).
Barrel & Bond is an inviting gathering place for even the most discerning bourbon connoisseur.
Tip: If the weather’s nice, sit outside with a view of the Wall-to-Wall Floodwall Murals and Ohio River beyond.
Trade Your Snifter for a Shopping Bag
And for those who prefer shopping even more than the bourbon itself, check out BBQ & More’s brilliant selection of barware and bourbon-centric treats.
Artistically designed glassware is just the beginning of BBQ & More's bourbon offerings
Locally owned and operated since 2011, BBQ & More offers a beautifully curated selection of glassware, kitchen and bar towels, cocktail ingredients and accessories, and snacks. (Plus, just about everything in the store that can be tasted is available for sampling.) Try Bourbon Crunch popcorn or purchase a glass that can only be found here. When you’re done, walk the few blocks down Broadway to With Love From Kentucky for even more bourbon-themed treasures.
