The First-Ever Chuck Cowdery Bourbon Tour Is October 16-18, 2013

Picture it.

You, me, a couple of bottles, with somebody else driving. I show you all of the cool and fun bourbon-related places we can squeeze into three days. I'm there the whole time, so you can ask me every obscure bourbon question you've ever wondered about. It's not like a private and personal tour of bourbon country, it is a private and personal tour of bourbon country.

Okay, there will be a few other people along, but not very many. And they'll all be cool. There are just 20 places available for each date. That's it! You can book the inaugural tour (October 16-18, 2013) or get a jump on the spring tour (March 12-14, 2014).

When we have teased about this in the past the response has been enormous, so please don't dawdle. I'll be heartbroken if you're not on the bus when we roll out that Wednesday morning.

The professionals at Mint Julep Tours will make sure we're safe and sound, amply fed and watered, and exactly where we're supposed to be at all times. Go here for complete details. To book, or for any questions, call Josh Dugan at 502-384-6468, ext 306, or email him at josh@mintjuleptours.com.

I lived in Kentucky for nine years, from 1978 to 1987, and fell in love. Actually, I fell in love several times, but only Kentucky herself has been constant. I've never stopped traveling to and around the state and would love to show you why I keep going back.

You may wonder why there are only a couple of distillery tours on the itinerary. It's because the distilleries do a great job of showing you around, explaining everything, and answering your questions. You don't need me to help you tour Jim Beam. In fact, if you want to hit some of the other distilleries, come a day or two early or stay through the weekend. They'll be happy to see you.

So will I. The Mint Julep folks have been great about helping me make this tour really special. We'll get a rare inside look at Vendome, where all the stills are made. Their century-old family business is booming, custom-making stills and other equipment and vessels for distilleries small and large. You'll probably see some stills before their owners do. We have special lunches planned, I'll take you shopping, and we'll wrap it all up with a tasting at a top Louisville bar and restaurant. Each day will begin and end in Louisville, so you can enjoy everything that city has to offer, including some great hotels, bars, and restaurants.

Come on. You know you want to be there.