Back
Thinking of where to head for your next United States locum tenens assignment? Kentucky might not be first to mind—though it should be.
This state is home to a lot of iconic things: there's the Kentucky Derby, bluegrass music, baseball bats and barbecue to name a few. Oh, and there's bourbon, too. Kentuckians are such experts on the spirit they have an entire trail dedicated to the experience.
The Birth of the Bourbon Trail
The Bourbon Trail, spearheaded by the Kentucky Distillers' Association, became an official entity in 1999. In hopes of sharing the history of bourbon whiskey with the entire world, it showcases its award-winning and world-renowned distilleries as one collective adventure.
Bourbon-making in Kentucky began in the 1700s, when the first settlers realized that fermenting leftover grain eliminated waste during long agricultural hauls, and made transporting that grain significantly more fun. As bourbon became more popular in the Bluegrass region, Kentucky developed a reputation for distilling high-caliber whiskey that it's still known for today.
And yes—bourbon is named after Bourbon County. In fact, in Kentucky, they call Bourbon whiskey "America's Official Native Spirit." All you need to know? Visiting these distilleries on your locum tenens assignment can be one awesome, historic experience.
Bourbons of the Bluegrass
Though there are countless bourbon distilleries in Kentucky, a specific collection is showcased on the Bourbon Trail (i.e., Heaven Hill, Jim Beam, Maker's Mark, Town Branch, Wild Turkey, Woodford Reserve, Evan Williams, Bulleit and Four Roses). You can even download a Bourbon Trail passport to chronicle your adventures when you set out on the famed pathway.