Through Chloe's Blue Eyes: Bourbon and history

June 24, 2021

White's Acres CG, Bardstown, KY

Okay, I know, I've been slack in my writing. But there is a really nice playmate....well, not quite as nice as my BIG friend Sue, the Great Dane...but this lab mix is only 1 1/2 and needs someone to play with.

Momma and Dad aren't the only ones having a good time. This morning they dashed off and left me to visit My Old Kentucky Home: "Federal Hall"

.....the inspiration for Stephen Foster's song that the tour guide sang for us with her delightful, rich voice.

There is even a statue of Stephen Foster.

The house had two docents, one for the downstairs rooms and one for the upstairs rooms. Both were equally enchanting as they shared history while we gazed at the period furnishings....no photos allowed.

Lunch was enjoyed at an old time soda fountain that was attached to a Drug Store. Mmmmm...milk shakes. The kind served up in a tall glass along with the metal cup that the shake was made in. It was definitely plenty to share. Or just drink alone and enjoy a second and third glass!! Filling for sure.

I'll bet you can guess where the gals are while the guys enjoy the benches outside the shops off the downtown square.

Aren't these glass globes gorgeous?

The afternoon was finished off at a distillery. Momma said she never had any idea why this Kentucky area is the best place for bourbon. It has to do with the climate that enhances the flavor as the bourbon ages in barrels. As the barrels react to the ever changing spring and fall temps of cold today, warm tomorrow, the barrels expand and contract. We kept seeing large black buildings with tons of windows as we entered Bardstown. We kept wondering what they housed. Answer: Barrels of aging bourbon.

There is also availability of the limestone spring water needed to add during the process of making bourbon. The distillary we toured was a smaller operation. They only produce 7-12 barrels a day.