Your High Proof Tours experience begins after your visit to Jim Beam Distilling Company, giving you time to explore one of bourbon’s most iconic names before the drive comes alive. At Jim Beam, visitors can choose from a range of guided distillery tours that walk through the full bourbon-making process—from grain to barrel—along with tastings of classic and premium expressions. For a more hands-on experience, the Beam Made Bourbon tour even allows guests to fill, seal, and label their own bottle. Beyond the distillery, you can grab a meal at The Kitchen Table restaurant, enjoy a cocktail at the bar, or browse the gift shop for exclusive bottles and merchandise. Once you’re back on the road, your phone-guided tour begins—turning the drive ahead into part of the bourbon storey.

As you leave Jim Beam and make your way towards Maker’s Mark, you’ll pass through Bardstown—widely known as the “Bourbon Capital of the World.” Along the way, you’ll hear from historians, industry insiders, and Bill Samuels Jr., President Emeritus of Maker’s Mark, as he reflects on growing up in Bardstown and spending time with his godfather, Jim Beam. His stories bring a personal lens to a town where bourbon isn’t just made—it’s part of everyday life. With more than a dozen distilleries nearby and a historic city centre filled with 18th-century buildings, Bardstown offers a glimpse into the deep roots of Kentucky whisky culture. As you drive through, you’re not just passing a town—you’re moving through the heart of bourbon history, one mile at a time.

On the drive to Maker’s Mark, you’ll hear from Bill Samuels Jr. as he reflects on the early struggles of building the brand and the unconventional decisions that shaped its future. You’ll also hear from Amanda Humphrey, Manager of Star Hill Farm Advocacy & Experiences, who shares how Maker’s Mark is leading conservation efforts across its historic property. At the distillery, visitors are welcomed onto a beautifully preserved campus where bourbon is still made with a hands-on, small-batch approach. Guided tours walk through the full process—from grain to bottle—often ending with tastings of their signature wheated bourbon. Guests can also dip their own bottle in the brand’s iconic red wax, explore the grounds, or enjoy a cocktail (if they have a designated driver or plenty of time) while taking in the incredible scenery. It’s a distinctive stop that blends tradition, innovation, and a strong sense of place—an essential experience on your first day.

On the drive to the Kentucky Cooperage Visitors Centre, you’ll hear from Brad Boswell, CEO of Independent Stave Company, as he explains the craftsmanship behind barrel making—and why oak is just as critical to bourbon as the distillate itself. At the Visitors Centre, guests can explore a thoughtfully designed space that feels part museum, part introduction to the art of coopering. Exhibits walk through how barrels are built, toasted, and charred—bringing a deeper understanding to every sip of bourbon. For those able to plan ahead, the real highlight is a tour of the working ISC cooperage across the street, where barrels are made in real time. These tours are limited, offered only on select weekdays, and often sell out quickly—so advance booking is essential. It’s a fitting final stop for Day 1, revealing the craftsmanship that shapes every barrel-aged pour. It reminds you that good things take time and need to rest for a while.