Bluegrass, Bourbon & Beyond: an expert guide to Kentucky

While Kentucky may first bring to mind a particular global fried chicken brand, this sun-soaked state offers so much more than finger-lickin wings. There are a million reasons to take a holiday in Kentucky: it’s the birthplace of Bluegrass music, the horse-racing capital of the world, and proudly responsible for 95% of the world’s bourbon – and that’s barely scratching the surface. There are more than 90 distilleries in Kentucky, and 40 on the Bourbon Trail, offering an in-depth look into the world of America’s only native spirit. It’s integral to the fabric of Kentucky’s bourbon culture, thanks partly to New Riff, a distillery that uses unique whiskey-producing techniques that set it apart from fellow distilleries. Louisville is Kentucky’s largest city, and there is plenty to do here for the culture-curious, whether you’re visiting to watch horse racing at the Kentucky Derby, digging into its thriving arts scene, or strolling around world-class museums like the famous Louisville Slugger Museum.