These Kentucky inns offer a taste of history along with the famous drink

One might not think of this historic property as being bourbon-themed, but it certainly is bourbon-centric. A visitor can drink bourbon to his or her heart’s content.

Start off with a signature drink in the Jockey Silks Lounge — maybe a Bluegrass Rose (Four Roses bourbon, blueberry puree, triple sec and lemon juice) or, if you’re really brave, a Kentucky Iced Tea (Evan Williams bourbon, Rittenhouse rye, Carpano Antica vermouth, Peach schnapps, peach puree, Goslings Ginger beer and lime).

The Jockey Silks’ list of 150 bourbons is exceeded by the newly reopened Down One Bourbon Bar with its inventory of 200 bourbons.

This sophisticated New York-style eatery has a subterranean speakeasy feel and elevated American pub grub, which pairs well with one of the hand-crafted cocktails. To honor the Derby, have a Mint Julep or, if you prefer the fillies, an Oaks Lily.

To further emphasize bourbon at the Galt, the rooftop restaurant, Swizzle, offers a monthly bourbon dinner with area distilleries, and also beginning in November, America’s most celebrated chefs will present dishes cooked with bourbon.

Kicking it off will be Dallas-based celebrity chef Kent Rathbun. His dishes will remain on Swizzle’s menu until February when chef Noah Sandoval of Chicago’s 2 Michelin-star restaurant Oriole takes the helm.

Thanks to The Galt House, guests can have their bourbon and eat it too.

140 N. Fourth St., Louisville; (502) 589-5200; galthouse.com