Jim Dailey

Some of my friends might consider me a “Scotch Snob”. Well, I will admit my preferred whisky is Scotch … especially, a good 12 year plus aged Highland Single Malt. So why are we pictured in front of the James B. Beam Distilling Company? Short answer, we discussed Scotland, weighed the expense, the time away and opted for a simpler, less expensive adventure just a few hundred miles from Little Rock

Actually, James Beam was our last visit and we did not do the full tour. However, we did enjoy a wonderful lunch overlooking the James Beam “Campus”. One should note, as well, DJ and I attempted to enjoy the flavor of the Halloween Weekend. Check out my Niki de Saint Phalle tie and DJ’s stunning conversation starter sport jacket.

Quick photo from the deck of James Beam restaurant. These huge buildings hold thousands of barrels of bourbon … aging and awaiting future distribution … and consumption! We found it interesting that the buildings are painted dark … the reason, fermentation causes mold coloration on the exterior surfaces. At least, that’s what we were told. Regardless, I found the contrast appealing,

Buffalo Trace was particularly interesting because of it’s history and 200 plus years of operation. Besides, one of the most famous bourbons in the world, Pappy Van Winkle, is distilled here. Unfortunately, it was not included in our tasting session.

• The above photo represents only a sampling of the thousands of barrels.

DJ, Mark (now Maker Mark), Dad Jim, and Jeff. Pappy Van Winkle smoking a cigar while testing his finest.

Maker’s Mark visitor center above. I love the design of this building … like a piece of modern art amidst centuries of tradition and the pastoral Kentucky landscape.

Lux Row Distillers near Bardstown might have been my favorite. It’s newer in the world of Distillers and yet captures the spirit of “Spirits” … hospitality, variety and a “new age”. Above are the bourbons we tasted with the corresponding bottles and labels behind. Below is the Lux Row visitor center.

We had two nights in Louisville at the Embassy Suites downtown. The hotel was beautiful, the staff was friendly and accommodating, especially Front Desk Manager, Jillisa and a stroll downtown was a fine example of a city preserving its history and heart.

We had one night in Bardstown and fell in love with this authentic, energetic, historic town … great food, in the center of bourbon country and a tasty walk up bakery where a friendly young man bought our pastries.

As you can see, nature’s colors were vibrant … a perfect segue to the stained glass window at Maker’s Mark.

Stained glass window in Maker’s Mark entry vestibule by famed New Jersey-based stained glass artist, Neile Cooper. This and a Dale Chuly glass ceiling offer a special artistic lagniappe on this tour.