Willett Distillery, 1869 Loretto Rd, Bardstown, KY 40004, US

Jim Beam American Stillhouse in Clermont, Kentucky, is one of the oldest distilleries in the world and its process for making bourbon is little changed from that original formula created by Jacob Beam in 1795. Today, Jim Beam is known the world over and is the world's best-selling bourbon. This stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail will let visitors see where it all began and allow for a taste of what all the fuss is about.Parking and public transportation at Jim Beam American StillhouseThere is no public transportation available to the distillery. Since Clermont is a small town just off a major interstate, I-65, private transportation is best and there is ample parking at the distillery, even on busy days. However, several tour companies in the area do offer day trips and tours to the local distilleries.Best and worst times to go to Jim Beam American StillhouseSince the tour is mostly through the bourbon storage barns, it can get incredibly hot and uncomfortable during the humid Kentucky summer days in July and August. For that reason, the spring and fall months are really ideal, especially since Jim Beam is located in the country and the drives during that times are beautiful. Another really busy time to go, and times with the worst crowds, is during the Bourbon Festival, held every mid-September. The distillery is busier on the weekends, but tours run continuously and the groups are numbered. During very busy times, there might be a wait to tour, but there is plenty to see and do while waiting.Admission to Jim Beam American StillhouseJim Beam recommends making reservations 48 hours ahead of time and this is wise advice for weekend and busy summer trips. Usually, the tours during the week and during cooler months aren't as busy and it's possible to walk in and get a tour. The tours last about an hour and cost $10 for adults; those under 21 years of age are free. Private tours with a Master Distiller are also available, for a cost of around $200. These tours last four hours and include a bourbon-themed lunch, a barrel sampling, a bourbon tasting, and a bottle to take home.Must see/do at Jim Beam American StillhouseJim Beam is actually a large complex with several different buildings including a museum, a cooperage where the bourbon is aged and stored, and the Beam family home. The highlight of the tour happens at the end when guests over age 21 get to sample different spirits at a unique bar.Other places to visit near Jim Beam American StillhouseJim Beam is the suggested first stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, which also includes Four Roses Distillery, Jim Beam Distillery, Heaven's Hill Distillery and Visitor Center, Wild Turkey Distillery, and Woodford Reserve, among others. If you're on the American Whiskey Trail, you'll want to add the Tom Moore Distillery and the Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey. If bourbon isn't quite to the preferred taste or spirit preferred, there is also Forest Edge Winery located close by.Author's bio: CC Thomas is freelance writer and Kentucky native who loves to travel. Follow the adventures at www.iknowfuntravel.blogspot.com.