Bourbon Country

My cousin Rob Hecker has been persistently, and graciously, inviting me to Central Kentucky. It so happened that http://www.thebourbonsocial.com/ was slated for Oct. 11-15.

Son James was available, Linda chose to enjoy some solitude at home, so the plan was set in motion.

James took the train after work Friday night from Chicago to Indianapolis. I picked him up there, and Saturday morning we drove to Frankfort. Yes, the train (and bus) station is right there. You probably missed my Suburban and my plate in the foreground. That's OK, it's dark:



The next morning, once we made it through Louisville (less construction than anticipated!) it was freeway all the way to Frankfort. We get off the exit for Rob and Wynee's house, and this is the sign about a half mile from their house:




Yo James, I think we hit the mother lode!!!!!

Rob and Wynee were ready to go, so we jumped into Rob's awesome F-150 and the fun began!!!! My sequencing is off, as everyone will be telling me (should anyone actually read this post) but here goes. First, a map, courtesy The Google (oh and you can click for a larger view):



We launched from 5105 Huntington Woods Rd. :



First stop on the tour, Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg:

photo courtesy of Wynee Young Hecker


Yes I did spring for a Russell's Rye. No I have not cracked it yet. 104 proof.

I highly recommend this tour. It's fascinating to see how the hooch is made. There is so much more than looking at barrels stacked up in warehouses. Which, to be sure, is not a bad thing in and of itself!

photo courtesy of James Hecker


One of the perks of the tours is the tasting. Oh yes we did. Hey, Rob drove and Wynee is not a fan, so yeah, doubles for the Michigander Heckers!!!

photo courtesy of James Hecker

Of course, the process begins quite a bit earlier, this business of distilling bourbon. First your mash bill needs to meet up with your yeast and that magical KY water and then cook a spell. How about a few vats? At a mere 30,000 gallons each?

photo courtesy of James Hecker


Yes we had to pose. Sharing the joy!

photo courtesy of James Hecker (oh and I think Wynee!!)


Our next stop on the tour was a one-man distillery. Glenns Creek Distillery. Because it is a small shop, he needs help puttin' up the white dog. First up, Master Distiller Steve Hecker:

photo courtesy of James Hecker


So the old dog showed how to put up the white dog. How about the pup?


photo courtesy of James Hecker (shot by Steve?)


Next up, so much more! Turns out I have a life outside of blogging, and things are piling up. Stay tuned for Bourbon Country 2!!!!
 

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