Beyond the Barrel: NuLu Walking Bourbon & Food Pairing Experience
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Uncover the secrets of Kentucky bourbon! Go beyond the barrel to dive into bourbon's storied history - and learn all the stories they won't tell you on a Kentucky Bourbon Trail distillery tour.
Visit award-winning restaurants, scenic rooftop bars, and intimate tasting rooms in NuLu. Trace the origins of bourbon whiskey from its roots in the Appalachian foothills to today's thriving bourbon scene, and leave with a profound understanding of bourbon's cultural importance in Louisville, Kentucky and beyond.
Unlock bourbon's surprising versatility and depth of flavor through paired bites, pours, and cocktails, and land a few coveted tables at some of the most hard-to-book restaurants in town, including by James Beard winning and Michelin starred Chefs.
Perfect for both bourbon newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts, this guided walking tour offers an experience that you won't find at any bourbon distillery. Reserve your spot early to experience the world's only walking food & bourbon tour!
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This tour is 21+ and infants are NOT allowed per Kentucky law.
Mocktail options available for non-drinkers, please message us to let us know.
Please note that the itinerary and menu is subject to change, based on the locations' availability, weather, and other circumstances.
Suitable for all fitness levels, but please note that this tour covers roughly 1 mile of walking.
Tours run in rain, shine, or snow unless weather becomes severe or constitutes a dangerous situation.
This tour can accommodate vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free options. Please notify us in advance at least 24h before the tour start time if you have any dietary restrictions.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
You'll begin your tour at the Church of Bourbon, seated in front of one of the largest bourbon collections in the world.
Taste Fine Wines & Bourbons
Begin the tour at a local bottle shop for a guided bourbon tasting and cheese plate. You'll also have the opportunity to shop for rare and premium bottles.
What‘s Included
The unfiltered history of bourbon in Kentucky that they don't tell you on bourbon distillery tours
Upgrade available to add 4 rare and premium bourbon tastings to your tour
Opportunity to purchase rare, premium, and hard-to-find bourbon at a local bottle shop
Small group for a more personalized experience
Delicious paired bites at 5 of the best restaurants in NuLu, comprising a full dinner
Bourbon tasting and craft cocktails that showcase bourbon’s versatility
Gratuities
Transportation
Distillery visit
Options
Premium Bourbon Upgrade
Premium Bourbon Pours: Elevate your experience with 4 rare, top-shelf bourbon pours served throughout your tour.
Standard Ticket
Bourbon & Food Pairing Tour: Enjoy 3 bourbon cocktails and 2 tastings showcasing bourbon’s versatility, along with 8-10 delicious paired bites.
Reviews
161 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Tasty, friendly, and fun tour!
rebeccay807,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a great tour—Cathy was knowledgeable and friendly and shared the real taste of Louisville with us. She also had lots of insights around the neighborhood and history that kept us engaged and interested. The bars and restaurants were delish and welcoming. We would take this tour again!!
Tour that checks all the boxes!
JenRN87,Mar 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Came for a business meeting, had a free day in Louisville before my meetings started. Wanted to safely see the city (I was by myself), experience the local food and drink, get some exercise and meet some nice people. This tour checked all of these boxes. Anna was our tour guide, and did an amazing job! She grew up in Louisville and had lots of interesting facts to share as we walked through the “Nulu” section of the city. I’m not a huge bourbon fan, but actually enjoyed the bourbon cocktails that were part of the tour. Her food choices were spot on! I loved everything that she picked out for us. Highly recommend this tour, thanks Anna!!
Great walking bourbon and food tour!
G3287PYmargarets,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Cathy was a great guide! We learned about the history of bourbon as we strolled the streets. The 4 locations we ate and drank at were fantastic! The food was delicious, and even though we aren't big bourbon drinkers, we enjoyed several of the tastings! It was a fun evening!
Book it! Worth every cent!
Jet469340,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Take this tour!!! The cocktails, food pairings and historical stories were fantastic! Cathy was an amazing guide and I can’t think her enough for doing the tour with just a few of us! I’m not even a big bourbon fan but my husband is and I loved every part of this. Cocktails were amazing! Honestly a great value for the price of the event. A perfect evening! We’re already making plans to return to Louisville and bring our friends.
Great food and bourbon!
Susan F,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour of an up and coming Louisville neighborhood. Great selection of places visited, yummy food and good balance of straight bourbon and cocktails to try. Our guide, Anna, was very knowledgeable and a delight.
Go!
indig0y,Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fun! Interesting! We had a really great time. We would strongly recommend it. The food was delicious and we learned a lot.
Well pleased.
Darmstadtdoll,Nov 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Well pleased with the quality of this tour. Allison was enthusiastic, and had interesting stories. The restaurants were nice, food variety and quality was very good. We were extra fortunate to meet another couple with whom we enjoyed conversing. Give this experience ***** !
A tasty experience!
tdtt613,Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such a great experience with a combination of history and flavors. Cathy was a great guide and all stops were amazing. Thanks for a great time.
Yummy
Sightseer250370,Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Enjoyable and yummy! Best stop was byrdies. Great to support local businesses and try the food and bourbon. They also accommodated my food preferences
Bourbon/food tour
deniseb365,Oct 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Allison was our tour guide. She was such a pleasure to hang with. So much fun. So informative. Food and drinks all delicious.. Highly recommended.
From US$199.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Louisville Food Tours