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Discover the Bourbon Barrel Foods Tour & Tasting in Kentucky

The Bourbon Barrel Foods Tour & Tasting in Louisville, Kentucky offers a behind-the-scenes look at a unique artisan food producer specializing in bourbon-barrel–aged soy sauce, sauces, and seasonings. This guided production tour takes visitors inside a working facility where traditional fermentation, small-batch aging, and local bourbon barrels come together to create distinctly Kentucky flavors. Ideal for food lovers, bourbon fans, and culinary travelers, the experience blends craft food production with Louisville’s bourbon heritage.
Why it’s special:
Bourbon Barrel Foods is one of the few producers in the world making soy sauce in the United States using traditional methods. Visitors explore a real, operating facility where barrels previously used for bourbon give their signature character to the products.

History & Story of Bourbon Barrel Foods

Bourbon Barrel Foods was founded in Louisville with the goal of creating authentic, small-batch foods rooted in Kentucky tradition. By combining traditional Japanese soy sauce fermentation with Kentucky bourbon barrels, the company created a new category of artisan food products. Today, Bourbon Barrel Foods remains independently owned and produces all of its goods locally, supplying chefs and specialty retailers nationwide.

What You’ll See & Do on the Bourbon Barrel Foods Tour & Tasting

Tour a working artisan food production facility
Learn how soy sauce is fermented and aged
See bourbon barrels used for aging and flavor development
Learn about ingredient sourcing and small-batch methods
Discover how barrels influence aroma and taste
Enjoy a guided tasting of Bourbon Barrel Foods products

Hands-On Elements: Guided tasting and ingredient sampling.
Photo/Video Policy: Photography allowed throughout the production and tasting areas.
Souvenirs & Extras: On-site retail shop with sauces, soy sauce, spices, gift sets, and Kentucky-made food products.

Pricing of Bourbon Barrel Foods Tour & Tasting

Guided tour with tasting included
Adult price: $5 per adult
Advance booking recommended due to limited group sizes

Visiting information

Tours last approximately 45–60 minutes and are offered as guided experiences every Saturday at 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM. The experience is suitable for adults and older teens. Accessibility is generally good, and closed-toe shoes are recommended.

Exact Facility & Tour Hours:

Tours: Saturday at 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM
Retail Shop Hours:
- Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM

Nearby

Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
Downtown Louisville
Kentucky Bourbon Trail distilleries

FAQs About Visiting the Bourbon Barrel Foods Tour & Tasting

Do I need to reserve a tour in advance?
Yes, advance reservations are recommended, as tour sizes are limited.

Is this a food production tour or a distillery tour?
This is a food production tour focused on fermented soy sauce and barrel-aged products, not alcohol production.

Are tastings included in the tour?
Yes, guided tastings of Bourbon Barrel Foods products are included.

Can I purchase products on-site?
Yes, visitors can shop for sauces, spices, and gift sets in the on-site store.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Older children may enjoy the tour, though it is best suited for adults and food enthusiasts.