Louisville: Evan Williams Bourbon Experience Tour & Tasting review

My verdict: the cheapest tour on the site and by far the most reviewed, which makes it the safest booking here. One hour on Whiskey Row, an interactive setup, a live host and four bourbons to taste. Reviewers single out the guides again and again. Worth knowing: Kentucky caps how much a distillery may pour you in a single day, so plan tastings across venues rather than stacking them.

4.8★★★★★28 reviewsfrom $23

Duration1 hour

LocationWhiskey Row, Louisville

IncludesFour bourbon tastings

FormatInteractive, live guide

CancellationFree, 2 days

What the tour covers

Evan Williams was Kentucky’s first licensed distiller. This tour walks you through digital recreations of the old Louisville wharf, working pot stills at the artisanal distillery, and a side-by-side comparison of 1800s methods with Heaven Hill’s modern Bernheim plant. Ends with a guided tasting of four bourbons. The venue includes video with flashing lights, and a portion is in bright light for photo stops. One hour total, interactive setup, wheelchair accessible.

What works

Only $23, the cheapest bourbon experience on the site
28 reviews is a real sample, all at 4.8 stars
Interactive setup and a live guide who gets great feedback
Guides praised for being “upbeat”, “informative”, “funny” and “outstanding”
Wheel-chair accessible on Whiskey Row
Four bourbon tastings included
Free cancellation up to 2 days (better than 24 hours)

Worth knowing

One hour is a quick tour
Kentucky law limits you to one tasting experience per day here
Video includes flashing lights (accessibility note)
Small venue means peak times can be crowded
Transport and meals not included

Price$23 per person

Rating4.8 / 5

Reviews28

Duration1 hour

TastingsFour bourbons

LocationWhiskey Row, Louisville

Insider tip

Book this if you’re on a tight budget and only have an hour. The cashiers wrap purchases for travel, which is thoughtful. The "one tasting per day" law means if you do this and another bourbon tour, you’re done tasting for the day. Peak times are late afternoon; early morning is quieter.

Planning your visit?Timed slots are limited, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before. Reserve today, decide later.

Check ticket availability

Who it’s for

Budget travellers. Anyone with only an hour. First-time bourbon visitors who want context before a larger day. Wheelchair users. Families with older teens (21+). Not for people who want a multi-hour experience or anyone who plans to do another tasting that day. See other Louisville options.

What guests say

Michael: “Tour was excellent, fun, informative and our bourbon host was outstanding.” Darryl: “Our guide was really good. Informative and funny.” Cheyenne: “The set up was interactive and fun. The tour guide was so upbeat and friendly.” Donna: “Learned a lot, enjoyed the explanations with tasting.” Timothy praised host Nick as “an amazing host and guide and historian all wrapped up in one”.

Check dates & book the evan williams tour

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure on most tours — book now, decide later.

21+Kentucky’s legal drinking age is 21, and every distillery here checks a valid government photo ID before pouring. Under-21s are welcome on most tours but are not served; some warehouse and hard-hat tours set a higher minimum age of their own. If a tour includes tastings, plan a driver or book one that includes transport — and please drink responsibly.

Other tours nearby

Goes to Buffalo Trace

Frequently asked questions

Is $23 really everything?

Yes. Entry, guide, four bourbon tastings and the Bernheim comparison are all included. No hidden costs at the tasting bar.

Can I do this if I’m not 21?

You can join the tour, but you can’t taste the bourbon. Kentucky law requires 21+. Bring photo ID.

What if I want to do another bourbon tour the same day?

Kentucky law limits guests to one tasting experience per day at this venue. If you do Evan Williams, you’re done tasting here; you can still tour other distilleries that don’t offer tastings.