Evan Williams Bourbon Experience

The most affordable tour on Louisville's Whiskey Row and the perfect starting point for first-time Bourbon Trail visitors. Immersive history exhibits, a working artisanal still, and a Prohibition-era Speakeasy bar downstairs.

🏇 Official Bourbon Trail 🏙️ Whiskey Row
Location
Louisville, KY
Booking
Easy
Tours
$18
📅
Book Ahead
1–2 Weeks
Tour Length
60 min
🏆
Our Rating
7.8 / 10
📍
Region
Louisville

What to Expect

The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience sits right in the middle of Whiskey Row, making it the most convenient stop to pair with Old Forester and Angel's Envy. At $18, it's also the most budget-friendly tour on the Row — and for what you get, it's a solid deal.

The experience is heavy on history, which sets it apart from the production-focused tours at Old Forester and Angel's Envy. You walk through immersive recreations of 1780s Louisville, see a working artisanal still, and end with a guided tasting. It's the most educational start to a Bourbon Trail trip you can get.

The real bonus is the Speakeasy bar downstairs — a Prohibition-themed cocktail lounge that's worth visiting even without the tour. Excellent craft cocktails at reasonable prices.

Tour Options

Bourbon Experience Tour

★ Top Pick

The standard experience walks you through bourbon history via immersive exhibits, past the working artisanal still, and ends with a guided tasting. Well-paced and educational. The best value on Whiskey Row at $18.

💰 $18
60 min
📅 Book 1–2 weeks ahead

Speakeasy Cocktail Experience

Fun Add-On

A cocktail class in the downstairs Prohibition-themed Speakeasy. You learn to make classic bourbon cocktails. Good for couples or groups who want something beyond a standard tour.

💰 $30–$40
60 min
📅 Book 1 week ahead

How to Book

Evan Williams is one of the easiest bookings on Whiskey Row. Walk-ups are often available, especially on weekdays. A reservation 1–2 weeks out is more than enough for any time slot.

This is a great one to book as your morning warm-up on Day 1 — start here at 10 AM, then walk to Old Forester and Angel's Envy in the afternoon.

Booking Method
Website / walk-up
Best Experience
Standard Tour ($18)
Cancellation
Flexible
Walk-Up Chance
High

Gift Shop

Smaller gift shop with Evan Williams products at MSRP. They sometimes have distillery-exclusive single barrel picks. The branded glassware and small souvenirs are affordable. Don't expect the depth of a Buffalo Trace or Heaven Hill gift shop.

Our Honest Ratings

Tour Quality
7.5
Value for Money
9.0
Campus & Grounds
7.2
Gift Shop
6.8
Booking Ease
9.5
Crowd Level
7.0

The Bottom Line

Evan Williams is the best value on Whiskey Row and the ideal first stop for Bourbon Trail beginners. The history-focused approach gives you context that makes every subsequent distillery tour better. The Speakeasy bar downstairs is a hidden gem. Pair this with Old Forester and Angel's Envy for a complete Louisville day.

Practical Info

Address: 528 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202

Hours: Monday–Saturday 10 AM – 6 PM, Sunday 12 PM – 5 PM

Parking: Street parking and nearby garages.

Kids: Allowed on tours, no tasting under 21.

Nearby & Pair With

📍 Itinerary Fit

Evan Williams Bourbon Experience is featured in our 3-Day Bourbon Trail Itinerary. See the full day-by-day route for how it fits with nearby stops.