Lexington, KY October 8-10

 In all of Neal's Kentucky adventures in the last 2.5 years he has not made it to Lexington.  Since he is getting married there in May, we though it might be a good thing for him to put his stamp of approval on the "Horse Capital of the World."  So we spent the weekend in the Bluegrass Region!  A few wedding related appointments were scheduled  to justify the trip and move along in the planning process, but we managed to work in a few highlights that involved bourbon and horses!   

First stop Woodford Reserve Distillery, Kentucky Fried Chicken! 

 Second stop,Woodford Reserve Distillery.  If you find yourself in the Lexington area, please please please make the 25 minute drive to Versailles to visit the distillery.  You can thank me later, it is awesome and quaint and a part of what makes Kentucky, well Kentucky! 

The ABC's of bourbon:

A: 95% of bourbon is made in Kentucky but to be bourbon it doesn't have to made in Kentucky, just made in America. 

B. Has to be aged in a new charred oak Barrel

C. Has to consist of at least 51% Corn

The day we were at Woodford, it was a perfect autumn afternoon, it seemed like everyday the colors of the leaves were more intense.

Sour Mash

Copper Pots

Aging Warehouse

All Woodford Reserve is aged for 6-8 years.  This warehouse is the only aging warehouse for Woodford.  Each barrel is worth $9,000.

Every good tour ends with a tasting!

From Woodford, we drove back to Lexington passing spectacular horse farms.  The kind of farms where the horse barns are just as nice or nicer than the residential homes.

 Third stop, Keeneland Race Track.  As luck would have it the fall meets at Keeneland opened the same weekend.  This was my first Keeneland experience! Our yuppie alter eagos soon appeared as Buffy and Calloway enjoyed the races.

After the races we, Buffmeister and Calloway,  rememebered an article from Garden and Gun, referencing many local dining options in Lexington (article here).  From the list we chose Dudley's on Short for dinner.  We shared two short plates and one appetizer, we highly recommend the Country Ham Gritters, delicious, fried grits and ham! 

We can't wait to share the city with all of guests in May!

PS: The official Neal Carlton aka Calloway stamp of approval was given!