THE BOURBON TRAIL AND HORSE RACING

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO THE
JOHNS HOPKINS ALUMNI COLLEGE IN KENTUCKY
AN EQUESTRIAN AND SPIRITS FILLED ADVENTURE
WITH PROFESSOR HOLLIS ROBBINS
THE BOURBON TRAIL AND HORSE RACING
SEPTEMBER 26 – 30, 2014
OVERVIEW:
What is the recipe for a perfect Kentucky Bourbon whiskey? Family tradition, limestone and a little bit of magic. These are
the basic ingredients needed to create this distilled spirit, affectionately referred to as “liquid gold.” As Scotland and
Ireland are known for their whiskies and Russia for its vodka, Kentucky is recognized as the true producer of this
American cocktail, with its roots going back 200 years.
Taking in the distilleries in Louisville, Bardstown and Lexington will leave you with a great appreciation for the process
through which corn is mixed with wheat, rye and/or malted barley before being ground into mash, mixed with water and
fermented with yeast. The clear liquid created is placed in oak barrels for aging and develops its infamous caramel color
from the sugars in the charred wood. The aging process can take anywhere from 2 to 10 years, though one of the most
famous (and expensive) Kentucky Bourbons, is aged for upwards of 23 years! The opportunity to taste different bourbons
may leave you sighing, “So many bourbons, so little time!”
But Kentucky isn’t all bourbon and sunshine. The Bluegrass State is also known for its horses and horse racing, some of the
best in the world. The most famous of these races is the Kentucky Derby, the fastest 2 minutes in sports, dating back to
1873. Not only do you visit Churchill Downs, the host site of the Derby, but you will also have the opportunity to see firsthand how race horses are raised, trained and bred on multi-million dollar horse farms, and receive an impression of how
race winners are put out to stud.
ITINERARY:
DAY 1 ~ FRIDAY ~ SEPTEMBER 26
LOUISVILLE~EVAN WILLIAMS BOURBON EXPERIENCE
Upon your arrival at Louisville International Airport,
proceed to your hotel at your leisure. (Transfer is not
included)
Louisville is home to famous distilleries, Churchill Downs
and the Kentucky Derby, all of which you will experience
during your stay.
To begin your trip, visit Louisville’s famous Bourbon Row
and the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience. Featuring an
artisanal distillery and tastings, the experience celebrates
the original Kentucky Bourbon distiller, and the tradition
that remains today.
This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at one of Louisville’s
premiere restaurants.
DAY 2 ~ SATURDAY ~ SEPTEMBER 27
KENTUCKY DERBY MUSEUM ~ CHURCHILL DOWNS ~ JIM BEAM DISTILLERY
A full day of Kentucky culture and history await you! Enjoy a presentation at 21-C Museum Hotel by Professor Hollis
Robbins on “War, Prohibition and Bourbon Standards.” Then your bus departs for the Kentucky Derby Museum.
Dedicated to American thoroughbred horse racing and the preservation of the history of the Kentucky Derby, the museum
highlights the stories of owners, trainers and jockeys. Watch every Kentucky Derby from 1918 on and learn about the
painstaking procedure of breeding and training young
foals, including the arduous path to the Kentucky
Derby’s Winner’s Circle.
Your next stop is Churchill Downs, the thoroughbred
race track and host of the annual Kentucky Derby.
Designated a National Landmark in 1986, Churchill
Downs has hosted the Kentucky Derby since it began in
1875. In 1895, the infamous twin spires were placed on
the grandstand and the traditional presentation of the
garland of roses to the winner at the end of the race were
added.
Enjoy lunch at the Derby Café, known for its Kentucky
themed food including the classics: Kentucky Burgoo, a
slow cooked stew that dates back to Daniel Boone,
containing “a large variety of meats, vegetables and
spices” and Derby Pie, a walnut, chocolate chunk and
bourbon pie creation, both of which will successfully
help ruin your diets. Don’t forget to wash it all down
with a classic Mint Julep.
Travel onward to the first distillery tour of your trip – Jim Beam in Clermont. A seven generation dynasty, it has been
producing bourbon since 1795, interrupted only by Prohibition in the early twentieth century. The Boehm Family
emigrated from Germany and opened their distillery; known as Old Tub, in the late eighteenth century, then moved in the
1820’s to capitalize on the connecting network of railroad lines. James Beauregard Beam managed the business before and
after Prohibition and founded the James B Beam Distilling Company or Jim Beam, as it’s now known, in 1935.
This evening, return to Louisville for a reception with local
alumni, and enjoy dinner at your leisure.
DAY 3 ~ SUNDAY ~ SEPTEMBER 28
MY OLD KENTUCKY HOME STATE PARK ~ HEAVEN
HILL DISTILLERY ~ BARDSTOWN ~ MAKERS MARK
After breakfast, enjoy a presentation at 21-C Museum
Hotel by Professor Hollis Robbins on “’My Old Kentucky
Home’: Stephen Foster, Uncle Tom and Southern
Nostalgia.” Next, travel into the Kentucky heartland for
more history and bourbon. Your first stop is My Old
Kentucky Home State Park and Museum. It was on these
grounds that Stephen Foster wrote, “My Old Kentucky
Home,” the now famous state song played prior to every
Kentucky Derby and most formal and sporting events in
Kentucky. At the center of the Park in Federal Hill, sits the federal style home that served as inspiration for the song.
En route to Bardstown, enjoy a visit to the Heaven Hill Distillery and Bourbon Heritage Center. Heaven Hill produces Evan
Williams Bourbon, as well as Elijah Craig and Parker’s Heritage Small Batch Bourbon. The Heritage Center features
displays with information about the history of the production of the spirit, as well as the surrounding area.
Arrive in Bardstown and enjoy a walking tour of one of the oldest cities in the state. The town is home to the annual
Kentucky Bourbon Festival and is aptly referred to as the “Bourbon
Capital of the World.” Established in 1788, Bardstown reflects the
westward migration of Americans after the end of the Revolutionary
War and its downtown is on the National Register of Historic Places. .
Right off of Courthouse Square is the Old Talbott Tavern, built in 1779.
Famous Americans including Daniel Boone and Abraham Lincoln
enjoyed bourbon on site, and there are bullet holes in an upstairs walk,
reputedly shot by American Outlaw Jesse James. The Oscar Getz
Museum of Whiskey showcases the history of the production of the
spirit and the Civil War Museum, one of the most important of its kind,
features and authentic Pioneer Village. This reproduction of a colonial
settlement features original cabins dating back to the late eighteenth and
early nineteenth centuries. The museum also features an exhibition on
woman in the Civil War, highlighting the role of female soldiers, nurses
and even wartime spies.
After lunch on your own, continue along the Bourbon Trail, which leads
you to the Marker’s Mark Distillery in Loretto. Maker’s Mark is smallbatch bourbon known for its distinctive square-shaped bottles which are
sealed with bright red wax. Production of this bourbon began in 1954
and its first bottle sold in 1958. The buildings on site are black and
feature distinctive red shutters, complete with cutouts in the shape of
the bottles. The Quart House was the distiller’s home before the Civil
War and today it serves as a pre-Prohibition retail store as well as the
oldest package liquor store in America. Every day except Sunday, visitors can purchase souvenir bottles to dip in the
signature red wax.
This evening, return to Louisville and enjoy dinner at your
leisure.
DAY 4 ~ MONDAY ~ SEPTEMBER 29
KENTUCKY HORSE FARM ~ FOUR ROSES DISTILLERY
As you pass well-kept horse farms and rolling fields, where
country roads are shaded by a canopy of oak, ash, and maple
trees, find yourself at the Kentucky Horse Farm outside
Lexington. At the entrance to the world’s only park dedicated
to the relationship between man and horse, you will see the
statue “Memorial of Man o' War,” dedicated to the best race
horse that ever lived. Known for winning 20 out of the 21
races in which he competed, Man o’ War symbolized
courage, strength, and magnificence.
Arriving at the Kentucky Horse Park, join in on a 2-3 hour
behind the scenes, immersive tour of well-known, famous
thoroughbred race horse farms. This tour is a service offered
exclusively at the Kentucky Horse Park and explores the
world’s most famous Thoroughbred farms and equine-related facilities in the area. This rare opportunity lets you see some
of the most important horses to ever set foot on a racetrack and defend their stakes. You will tour the grounds of historic
estates as well as impeccably-maintained, multi-million dollar farms of international contenders. On this tour, hear behindthe-scenes stories about the individuals and horses that make Lexington, Kentucky ‘The Horse Capital of the World.’
Return to the Kentucky Horse Park and visit the International Museum of the Horse, a Smithsonian affiliate known for its
collection of 19th century horse drawn carriages and racing vehicles. Permanent exhibits highlight the history of the horse
from ancient times to the many popular sporting
events of modern times, while more specific exhibits
such as “All the Queen’s Horses: The Role of the Horse
in British History” and “A Gift from the Desert: the
Art, Culture and History of the Arabian Horse”
provide insight as to how horses have helped to shape
human history.
The Hall of Champions brings to life the excitement of
the racetrack and show ring using an elite group of
champion horses. Here, you will meet Thoroughbred
legend Cigar, Kentucky Derby winner Funny Cide, as
well as Standardbred Pacers Western Dreamer and
Staying Together are all shown in special presentations.
Not to miss are the Draft Horses - lovingly known as
"Gentle Giants" – who pull the park’s tour trolleys,
including teams of Belgians, Clydesdales, Percherons,
English Shires, and Suffolks; belonging to the breed of
Friesians and Haflingers, the lighter carriage horses
pull the park’s smaller vehicles. Also watch true
‘work’ horses as they are groomed and harnessed for
their day in the Big Barn.
The park offers horseback riding and pony rides for anybody who has never experienced the view from a saddle, or who
simply wants to explore a part of the park most visitors don’t get to see. Trail rides are conducted through the countryside
around the park, and pony rides give the youngest guests the chance to join in on the fun.
Enjoy lunch at the Horse Park with a special presentation by Professor Hollis Robbins on “’Jocko Graves’: Lawn Jockeys
and Black Jockeys of the Kentucky Derby.”
Before leaving the Lexington area, visit one more famous thoroughbred farm, Claiborne Farm. Claiborne Farms is a world
renowned Thoroughbred Farm that has been producing award winning horses for decades. Though the farm was started
by a former Civil War Captain in Virginia, his son opened a Kentucky branch, eventually eclipsing the Virginia operation.
The farm has produced winners including Gallant Fox, Whirlaway, and the immortal Secretariat (all Triple Crown
Winners).
Continuing on, you’ll find yourself at the Four Roses Bourbon Distillery. Established in 1888, the distillery is listed on the
National Register of Historic Places. Known not only for its bourbon, but also its Spanish Mission-style architecture, the
company was founded by Rufus Mathewson Roses, his brother, and their two sons. Four Roses was the bestselling brand of
bourbon between 1930 and 1950 until the owner chose to focus on rapidly growing markets in Europe and Asia. It has
recently made a comeback, becoming available in the United States in the last decade after the distillery was purchased by a
new owner.
Later this evening, return to Louisville, where your farewell dinner awaits you.
DAY 5 ~ TUESDAY ~ SEPTEMBER 30
LOUISVILLE
CHECK OUT AND DEPARTURE
After breakfast, transfer to the Louisville Airport for your flight home. Don’t forget a bottle of your favorite bourbon, to
share with your friends at home.
INCLUSIONS
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Deluxe motor coach throughout with experienced driver/guide.
All meals as specified in the itinerary.
All entry fees and tastings as specified per the itinerary.
Lectures as described in the itinerary.
EXCLUSIONS
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Round trip air transportation between home town and Louisville including departure taxes and fuel surcharges.
Accommodations in Louisville.
Baggage charges levied by airlines.
Meals and beverages, other than specified.
Laundry and other items of a personal nature.
Personal and baggage insurance.
Gratuities to driver/guides and other conveyance attendants.
Cost for anything not specifically mentioned in the listing above.
Please Note That The Itinerary Sequence Is Correct At The Time Of Writing,
But Is Subject To Change.
Participants:
• Participants should also be able to stand and / or walk moderate distances at an easy pace for up to a few hours at a
time when visiting towns or other sites. Some, if not most, of this walking may be on uneven ground or uphill.
Please visit the website to obtain enrollment form – http://www.travelguard.com/classicescapes/. For any questions you may
have on insurance, contact Travel Guard at 1-866-385-4839.