Queen City Bourbon Cruise FAQ/Stats/Info

Q: What is a Booze Cruise?

Stocking up with alcohol from a neighboring county or state. Like a “beer run” but usually for higher proof spirits.

You will be touring and tasting the Heart of Kentucky along the way.

Q: Cost?

Your cost will ultimately be based upon how long of a tour you want to take and how many people are in your group?

ALL-INCLUSIVE – A group of 8 people starts at $199 per person ($1592) for a 10 hour, 3 distillery experience, and lunch entrees.

Fill out a form on this website for a free quote or free help with an itinerary.

Book Now /Learn More/Contact

Q: What if we don’t like whiskey or don’t drink?

More Than Bourbon

At its core, this experience is about spending quality time with the people who matter most — friends, family, or your favorite travel crew. Sure, bourbon is the centerpiece, but it’s far from the whole story.

We tailor every trip to fit your group’s vibe. Want to dive deep into whiskey history and tasting notes? We’ve got you. Prefer a more laid-back day with great food, shopping, sightseeing, and just a few casual sips? That works too. There’s truly something for everyone, whether you’re a die-hard bourbon buff or just along for the adventure.

Think of it as a mini-vacation — full of flavor, history, and hidden gems across beautiful Kentucky. And yes, we’ve had plenty of guests who weren’t big drinkers tell us they had just as much fun as the enthusiasts.

One Note of Caution:
If you or someone in your group is actively trying to abstain from alcohol, this may not be the ideal trip. While no one on our team will ever pressure you to drink, the environment can be tempting. You’ll be surrounded by some of the world’s best distillers — not just of bourbon and whiskey, but also of moonshine, vodka, absinthe, and even local cremes. It’s a sensory experience, and the temptation can be real.

Still, whatever your pace or palate, we’re here to make sure you have an unforgettable time.

Q: Is this safe?

Yep. Hiring a professional driver is the safest, easiest way to explore Kentucky’s distilleries (no GPS drama, no arguing over who’s driving).
Fun fact: in four years, we’ve had zero injuries and zero people get sick in our vehicles. We’re weirdly proud of that — and we plan to keep the streak alive.

Q: What’s always included?

Transportation in a comfortable, spacious, luxury vehicle. usually with TV’s and your playlists

Bookings/Guaranteed Distillery Accesses including tastings, tours, open bars, and gift shops.

“Experienced” Tour Guide – usually College Degreed (chemistry/science), always 20+ years driving experience

Cooler with ice and bottles waters (usually Dasani/Aquafina)

How many years have you been doing this?

1st Personal Trip to Bourbon Trail was in October, 2009.

1st Paid Tour to Bourbon Trail was July, 2021

Q: How does a Full Day Tour work?

Find a date you and your party can go to about 3 distilleries and 1 restaurant
2-3 Couples is Easier to organize vs larger groups
Fill Out a “Book Now” Form or Dial 513 – 268 – 7266
We tailor your arrangements on your date based on the info you give us
Make a Deposit using Square Invoicing or Venmo
Jump in a High Top Van or Party Bus from your hotel or front door
Relax and enjoy your Premium experiences listed on your itinerary
Arrive home safely with plenty of memories, bourbon, and souveniers

Q: How long does a Full Tour take ?

Cincinnati/NKY -> Frankfort KY – 9-11 hours
Cincinnati/NKY -> Louisville KY – 10-12 hours
Cincinnati/NKY -> Bardstown KY – 11-13 hours

Q: Is anyone else in our ride?

Just your driver/tour guide

Q: How do we plan ?

dress comfy for seasonal Midwestern, United States weather
we wouldn’t recommend heels, opened toed, nor white shoes
bring a tupperware or two of snacks and some choice sips
we supply ice and premium bottled waters in a 90 can cooler
remember we will pass gas stations with suds and snacks

Book Now

Q: Can we eat and legally drink alcohol during the Queen City Bourbon Cruise? What about open containers?

Short answer: Yes.

Drinking alcohol is optional “under roofs” at all points of your experience. Local public open container laws still apply. You may bring a cooler or use one of ours for the ride. Whatever you choose to eat or drink is your business not ours. Chances are you will be enjoying planned tastes at the distilleries, so pack accordingly.

Long answer: There is an exception to open container laws for “chauffeured limousine” like Queen City Bourbon Cruise in OH, KY, and IN. When a customer accepts a contract with Queen City Bourbon Cruise they are granted that exception while on their paid trip. Otherwise, it is illegal to consume alcohol in a passenger vehicle when not paying for a chauffeured limousine service.

All passengers must possess on their person a valid state or federal ID.

No persons under the age of 21 may possess or consume alcohol at any time.

Alcohol is not permitted in the front seats of the vehicle aka the “driver’s cabin“.

1974 Old Taylor Aboard Queen City Bourbon Cruise’s Maiden Voyage in Summer 2021.

STATS

How Many Bourbon Trail Trips? – hundreds – since 2009

Shortest Time a Tour has been booked to pickup time? – 2 hours (customer called at 7 am we were there at 9 am)

Average Time a Tour gets booked? – 2 months ahead of time

Youngest Passenger? – 6 months old

Youngest in Spirit Passenger? – 92 years old

Smallest Tour Size? – 1 person

Largest Tour Size? – 27 people

Average Tour Size? – 5 people

Positive 5 Star Online Reviews? – 100+

Negative Reviews? – 0

Most common celebrations? birthdays, anniversaries, team building, entertaining friends from out of town, Retirement, Bachelors, Just Because

ABOUT US

Meet Tina & Brian Hunter: The Spirits Behind Queen Bourbon Cruise, LLC

Tina and Brian Hunter’s story began at King Library on the campus of Miami University in 2002. Both were science majors with a shared love for good company and great conversation—which often carried over to the bar, where they bartended together in Oxford, Ohio. They started dating before graduating in 2006 and tied the knot in Cincinnati the following year.

Their mutual passion for craft spirits, travel, and discovery took them around the world, exploring distilleries, wineries, and breweries—what they fondly call “libation destinations.” Over time, their personal liquor cabinet transformed into a curated collection of bottles and stories. By 2017, their shared hobby had grown into something much bigger—and the idea for Queen Bourbon Cruise began to take shape.

With Tina’s background in marketing and Brian’s 15+ years of experience in Chemistry, D.O.T. compliance, and business operations, they combined their strengths to bring Queen Bourbon Cruise, LLC to life during the post-pandemic recovery. Their mission? To offer unforgettable, responsibly curated experiences that celebrate spirits, culture, and connection.

In the true spirit of a family business, Brianna, their oldest daughter helped to design the original, now famous, Queen City Bourbon Cruise logo in the summer of 2021. Hannah their youngest daughter assists in designing the logo’s seasonal modifications.