The B-Line: On the Edge of Bourbon Country - Cincinnati Articles
The B-Line™ is a customizable experience centered around four Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® distilleries. The distilleries, along with five bourboncentric bars and five restaurants cultivating the freshest tastes in the bourbon culinary scene, make up The B-Line. Participants can download a Line Guide and collect stamps to redeem for bourbon swag. Look for the symbol for B-Line participating stops. findyoursippingpoint.com
Below is a complete list of participating B-Line destinations that include Distilleries, Sipping Points and Restaurants. Each stop mentioned is happy to share their bourbon heritage and knowledge with you!
SELECT SIX
Six Northern Kentucky venues have banded together to do a special collection of barrel picks exclusively available at any of the participating stops. Look for the symbol at right to identify Select Six members.
DISTILLERIES
Boone County Distilling Co.
With the tagline “Made by Ghosts,” the history and the storytelling at this distillery is top-notch. The brand and its authentic bourbon whiskey products are a living tribute to those who came before and the stories infuse the brand with truth and determination. 10601 Toebben Dr., Independence, KY 859.282.6545 boonedistilling.com
Neeley Family Distillery
Located in Sparta, Ky., Neeley Family Distillery borders the Kentucky Speedway and boasts 11 generations of illegal distilling history. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to meet Papaw while you’re there! 4360 Ky. 1130, Sparta, KY 859.394.3258 neeleyfamilydistillery.com
New Riff Distilling
New Riff ’s sleek, state-of-the-art distillery and event center houses a three-story copper column still producing Kentucky Bourbon and Rye Whiskey, a copper pot still for Malt Whiskeys & special projects, and an event space complete with rooftop deck. East Newport Distillery, 24 Distillery Way, Newport, KY 859.261.7433 newriffdistilling.com
The Old Pogue Distillery
Dating back to the years following the Civil War, the original Pogue Distillery isKentucky registered distillery No. 3. Today, the bourbon-making tradition is continued by fifth and sixth generation Pogues using original recipes. When visiting the distillery, also be sure to check out the Old Pogue Experience at the Kentucky Gateway Museum Center. 715 Germantown Rd., Maysville, KY oldpogue.com
Second Sight Spirits
Featuring a unique fortune-telling pot still, Second Sight Spirits in Ludlow, Ky., is sure to amaze and astound.
Interactive elements of the tour and tasting room make this stop a unique element of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour®. 301 Elm St., Ludlow, KY secondsightspirits.com
SIPPING POINTS
Brass Ring Bourbon Bar
It’s bourbon and only bourbon at this charming bar in Burlington, Ky. Make sure to try their own bourbon expression, Saddler Bourbon, and admire their refurbished bar from an old Cincinnati hotel. 5991 N. Jefferson St., Burlington, KY 859.586.0587, facebook.com/thebrassringKY
Braxton Brewing Co. Taproom & Rooftop
At Braxton, the idea that the garage is where hopes and dreams are built make this local hangout a testament to dreams coming to life. The brewery celebrates determination, knowledge, and humble pride. 27 W. 7th St., Covington, KY 859.261.5600, braxtonbrewing.com
Bourbon Haus 184
Serving a unique experience in Covington’s historic Mainstrasse Village, Bourbon Haus 1841 features a great
atmosphere and specialty bourbon flights, bourboninfused cocktails, locally crafted beers, and fine wines. 522 Main St., Covington, KY 859.888.7038, boubonhaus1841.com
The Globe
The space that now houses The Globe was for many years a gentleman’s club. In 2016, owners Tony & Amy Milburn decided to turn the space into something more inclusive and community-based, so it became a true neighborhood bar with a real sense of history. 12 E. 5th St.., Covington, KY 859.261.1267, theglobecov.com
The Hannaford
Known as the living room bar, The Hannaford features leather couches and chairs, industrial pipe ceilings, and tile flooring original to the 100-year-old building. 619 Madison Ave., Covington, KY 859.261.2178, thehannaford.com
Highlander Bourbon & Wine Bar
Located inside the Fort Thomas Antiques & Design Center, the Highlander is truly a unique place to visit. Some even call it a 24,000 square-foot bourbon & wine bar surrounded by really cool stuff. 90 Alexandria Pike, Ft. Thomas, KY 859.441.2015, nkyantiques.com
Mainstrasse Village Pub
In addition to a fully stocked bar, Mainstrasse Village Pub lives up to their motto, “Drink better beer,” by offering more than 200 different bottled brews from around the world. 619 Main St., Covington, KY 859.431.5552, mainstrassevillagepub.com
NEAT Bourbon Bar
With more than 150 bottles of bourbon, local craft beers, and a southern-inspired menu including shrimp & grits, chicken & waffles, and fried green tomatoes, what’s not to love? 10 E. RiverCenter Blvd., Covington, KY 859.655.4444, facebook.com/neatNKY
Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar
With an expanding selection of Kentucky’s native spirit, there are more than 600 bottles of bourbon and whiskey to choose from at OKBB. Relax on the intimate patio or hang out with the bartender inside. 629 Main St., Covington, KY 859.581.1777, oldkybourbonbar.com
Prohibition Bourbon Bar at Newberry Bros. Coffee
With the look and feel of a small prohibition-era speakeasy, Prohibition features the largest collection of bourbon and rye whiskeys anywhere in the world with more than 2500 and counting. 530 Washington Ave., Newport, KY
859.261.9463, newberrybroscoffee.com
Sapphire Room
Beautiful venue in downtown Covington that’s part-time dance club and full-time bourbon. Enjoy an amazing list of bourbons including an impressive offering of antique bourbons and check their event calendar for entertainment offerings. 611 Madison Ave., Covington, KY 859.261.0298, sapphirecov.com
Sugar Whiskey Sis Moonshine Room
Featuring the epic tacos of next-door Agave & Rye, Sugar Whiskey Sis features four specialty moonshines on tap, more than 50 moonshine offerings, craft cocktails & local beers, plus card games, in-house piano, chess, and bingo! 633 Madison Ave., Covington, KY 859.415.1323, sugarwhiskeysis.com
Union 42 Bourbon & Brew
Local bar featuring a relaxed atmosphere and extensive bourbon and craft beer selections. 9900 Old Union 42, Union, KY 859.384.0222, union42bb.com
Wiseguy Lounge
Wiseguy Lounge doesn’t require a password to enter, but it embodies the energy and ambiance of the 1920s with a modern twist. Located above Goodfella’s Pizzeria, the lounge features low lighting, reclaimed wood, rich leather sofas, and elite bourbons & craft cocktails. 603 Main St., Covington, KY 859.916.5209, goodfellaspizzeria.com/wiseguy-lounge
RESTAURANTS
Agave & Rye
Nineteen tacos, 87 tequilas, and 85 bourbons equals Agave & Rye. Featuring a chef-inspired take on the standard taco, street fare, salads, and more. Don’t miss their Taco Tuesday deals! 635 Madison Ave., Covington, KY 859.360.1060, agaveandrye.com
BB Riverboats
You haven’t experienced Cincinnati until you’ve stepped on a BB Riverboats cruise. Good news is, BB Riverboats is now offering specialty bourbon cruises in addition to their traditional dinner and sightseeing options. 101 Riverboat Row, Newport, KY 859.261.8500, bbriverboats.com
Bouquet Restaurant & Wine Bar
An upscale farm-to-table bistro, Bouquet was one of the first restaurants in the region to embrace local and sustainable farming as a cornerstone of its mission. In addition to an eclectic offering of small plates, entrees, and desserts, Bouquet is known for their extensive bourbon collection. 519 Main St., Covington, KY 859.491.7777, bouquetrestaurant.com
Commonwealth Bistro & Yonder
Commonwealth Bistro is proud to create things from scratch, serving experiences they’d want for themselves and making fast and furious friends with their guests. Yonder is Commonwealth’s unique rooftop bar inspired by Kentucky State Parks as a relaxing oasis featuring small plates and hand-crafted cocktails. 621 Main St., Covington, KY 859.916.6719 commonwealthbistro.com
Coppin’s Restaurant
Coppin’s is driven by hyper-local sourcing and energized by the original Coppin’s Department Store building. Food & beverage menus are designed to encourage camaraderie, while showcasing influences from Covington’s
northern and southern neighbors. 638 Madison Ave., Covington, KY 859.501.1700 hotelcovington.com/dining/coppins
FIRE at RiverCenter
An elegant take on American fare with a diverse list of bourbons, finely crafted cocktails, and patio seating. 50 E. RiverCenter Blvd. Suite 20, Covington, KY 859.392.2850, fireatrivercenter.com
Kitchen 1883
A can’t-miss experience at a Kroger concept restaurant. This American comfort food gastropub is an ideal place
to enjoy a Kentucky specialty dish paired with a handcrafted bourbon cocktail. Check out the whiskey and steak night on Wednesdays! 9003 U.S. 42, Union, KY 859.334.9450, kitchen1883.com
Libby’s Southern Comfort
With a mouth-watering menu featuring southern cuisine including fried chicken, oysters, fried green tomatoes, and goetta hush puppies, Libby’s boasts a comfortable place for friends and families to gather and eat & drink well. Don’t forget the oatmeal cream pies or Cheerwine Bourbon Slush! 35 W. 8th St., Covington, KY 859.261.3106, libbyssoutherncomfort.com
Midway Cafe
A modern menu implementing a difference in opinion as to what most consider bar food, Midway Cafe features a drink selection so broad, it will make your head spin. 1017 South Ft. Thomas Ave., Ft. Thomas, KY 859.781.7666, themidwayky.com
Pompilio’s
Serving local families Italian classics since 1933, Pompilios was featured in the 1988 award-winning movie Rainman. In 2011, a large selection of Kentucky bourbons was added to the shelves of the original back bar. The patio features Bocce courts and music can be heard a few nights a week at this Italian restaurant with Kentucky flavor. 600 Washington Ave., Newport, KY 859.581.3065, pompilios.com
The Purple Poulet
A Southern bourbon bistro inspired by cuisines of Charleston & New Orleans with an infusion of Kentucky. You can’t go wrong with the fried chicken! 603 6th Ave., Dayton, KY 859.916.5602, purplepoulet.com
Rich’s Proper Food & Drink
Bringing a “proper” touch of service to a casual, cozy atmosphere, Rich’s features American pub fare with southern and creole influences as well as an array of cocktails, craft beer, wines, and an expansive bourbon collection. 701 Madison Ave., Covington, KY 859.415.0069, richsproper.com
Smoke Justis
An urban sports bar named after the 1913 opening day pitcher for the short-lived Covington Blue Sox baseball team, Smoke Justis is the perfect spot to grab a drink, eat some smoked wings (or brisket, or ribs, or pulled pork, etc.) and watch the game. They also feature an arcade full of old-school video games and a pour-yourown beer wall. 302 Court St., Covington, KY 859.814.8858, smokejustis.com
Tousey House Tavern
Tousey House offers delicious Kentucky foods, southern hospitality, and a restful escape from the hustle and
bustle of the city. 9596 N. Jefferson St., Burlington, KY 859.586.9900, touseyhouse.com
