Kentucky's Bourbon Country Offers One Unusual, Unforgettable, And Luxurious Sleeping Arrangement

If you haven't spent the night inside a giant whiskey barrel, can you even call yourself a diehard bourbon fan? That question will need answering before you plan a trip to Bourbon Barrel Retreats, a unique stay in the heart of Kentucky Bourbon Country, near 17 standout distilleries. Nestled between rolling hills, overlooking wooded thickets and endless skies, the retreat's nine bourbon barrel-shaped tiny houses are the main draw. Each beautifully crafted barrel has been transformed into a cozy nest for your luxe getaway, featuring a plush king-sized bed, a kitchenette, a private bathroom, heating and air conditioning, and a large window perfect for watching the sunset or gazing at the scenery. Every detail has been thought of in advance, ensuring an ultra-comfortable stay. In addition, most of the barrels come with a private outdoor hot tub, where guests can relax after a day exploring the distilleries and take in the night sky. 

The resort also provides hammocks throughout the communal areas, fire pits, and add-ons for enhancing your stay, such as room decoration for a special occasion and a VIP package with custom glasses and a charcuterie board for grazing. The retreat is conveniently located off US-62, about 45 minutes from Lexington. Although Lexington has a small airport with several non-stop flights, Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) is only an hour away and offers non-stop or single-connection flights to most major airports across the country. 

Only 25 minutes from Bardstown, a picturesque town known as "the Bourbon Capital of the World," it's hard to imagine a place more ideally located for discovering the rich history and flavors of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail than Bourbon Barrel Retreats. Even better, the complimentary concierge service will help craft a bespoke itinerary, with a focus on hidden gems and experiences you might not find on your own. This includes arranging transportation, tasting experiences, dinner reservations, distillery tours, as well as non-whiskey recommendations. 

One stop you can't miss is the Buffalo Trace Distillery, which has won over 1,000 awards and has a 200-year history. Choose from five tours, including the coveted Hard Hat behind-the-scenes tour, offering insight into the art of making bourbon. Registration for Buffalo Trace tours opens every Wednesday at 10 a.m. with dates up to eight weeks in advance — spaces fill up notoriously quickly, so it's good to book early. In fact, many of the top distilleries have limited tour availability, so contact Bourbon Barrel Retreats' concierge as soon as you can to get your preferred tours. 

Another destination to add to your list is Castle & Key, a historic gem with sprawling European-style gardens that was once the distillery of E.H. Taylor, the man known as "The Father of the Modern Bourbon Industry". Next, you can't miss watching Maker's Mark's iconic red wax seal dry at the farm-like distillery in nearby Loretto. Other notable distilleries in the area include Four Roses, Willett Distillery, and Woodford Reserve.

Although the retreat truly goes above and beyond in terms of anticipating guests' needs, there are a few things you'll want to add to your packing list. Thanks to the off-the-grid feel and lack of TVs in the rooms, the communal fire pits are the resort's main social hub. Make sure you pack bonfire-friendly clothing that you won't mind getting a bit smokey. It's also worth noting that while Bourbon Barrels Retreats allows kids to stay, the rooms have a maximum capacity of two people, and you'll need to make sure your desired distillery allows minors. 

Bourbon Barrels Retreats is open year-round, but if you visit between December and February, you'll want to pack warm clothes, including gloves, a knit hat and scarves, jackets, and plenty of layers for transitioning from the snowy outdoors to well-heated buildings. Despite the cold, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail is one of those places that should be added to the ultimate destinations for a winter travel bucket list. During this time of year, you'll encounter fewer crowds and will be able to chat at length with staff during distillery tours. 

Once you've checked the Kentucky Bourbon Trail off your bucket list, embark on the American Whiskey Trail. This trail starts at George Washington's Mount Vernon Distillery, a historic gem and one of America's oldest whiskey distilleries. It then takes visitors through some of the most well-known whiskey producers in the country.