Tours Begin October 1.

The historic Tom Moore Distillery (formerly known as Barton), home of 1792 Ridgemont Reserve, has joined the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and will begin offering tours on Oct. 1, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association announced today.

The Bardstown landmark is owned and operated by Constellation Spirits, the former Barton Brands, Ltd. It was founded by Tom Moore in 1879. Its super premium 1792 brand bourbon is named for the year Kentucky gained statehood.

"We’re excited and proud that visitors will be able to get a behind-the-scenes look at what our employees do best – make excellent Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey," said Johnnie Colwell, Vice President and Plant Manager of Constellation Spirits.

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail was formed in 1999 and has become one of the state’s most popular tourist attractions, said Eric Gregory, President of the Kentucky Distillers' Association. Visitors come from all 50 states and 25 countries, he said.

This is the first time the Trail has grown past its original seven founding members. The Tom Moore Distillery joins Jim Beam, Buffalo Trace, Four Roses, Heaven Hill, Maker’s Mark, Wild Turkey and Woodford Reserve.

"It’s an exciting time to be part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, and we’re thrilled that Constellation Spirits has joined," said Gregory.

Located near downtown Bardstown, the Tom Moore Distillery’s walking tour will showcase its entire bourbon-making process, from distilling to aging to bottling, Colwell said. "It will be an up-close look at the best kept secret in Kentucky," he said.

Plans also are underway for a visitor’s center to open in 2010.

Tours will be offered on weekdays at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (502) 348-3774 at least one day in advance. Participants must be at least 21 years old.

Constellation Brands, Inc., based in Fairport, N.Y., has more than 250 brands of wine, spirits and beer with sales in 150 countries. To learn more about the company and its products, visit their web site at www.cbrands.com. (As I'm posting this, that website isn't working, but the old Barton Inc. one still is.)

To learn more about the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, visit www.kybourbontrail.com.