For years we've heard it said that Kentucky makes three-fourths of the world's bourbon and three-fourths of our 120 counties are dry. For years it was also pointed out that Bourbon County was dry and Christian County wet. Go figure!

Well, some things are changing albeit rather slowly. In fact, Bourbon County recently voted to legalize the sale of alcohol in some areas of the county.

But the fact remains that we are what we are and Kentucky does distill a lot of bourbon. Bourbon, for years, has been a big part of the state's promotional efforts. After all, it is part of our state's heritage and culture that dates back over 200 years.

Most of us don't know the difference between bourbon and whiskey. Some bottles say bourbon and others whiskey. Why?

Federal regulations stipulate that distillers meet six requirements in order for products from their distilleries to be called a bourbon.

First it must be made in America. It must be aged in a new white oak charred barrel. Corn must be the primary grain, 51 percent to 79 percent. It cannot be distilled over 160 proof, and it cannot be entered into the barrel over 125 proof. And finally, no filtering or additives can be used to change the taste or color.

If all six of these steps are not followed, everything else is whiskey, not bourbon.

It just so happens that pretty much all of Kentucky distilleries have located in the same proximity of the state, within an hour's drive of each other. How did this happen?

Some say it's a coincidence. Some say it's the water. Some say it was the accessibility to the oak barrels and the availability of nearby grain. Others say it's the humidity in the aging process.

Perhaps it's a little bit of each. But nevertheless, visitors can actually see good ole Kentucky bourbon being made. Seven of the largest distilleries have gone together and created a "bourbon trail:" You can visit one or all in a relatively short period of time. Most have great gift shops. You will definitely want to call ahead to make sure they are open as their tour schedules differ slightly according to holidays.

Bardstown is the self-proclaimed "bourbon capital of the world," so this would be a good place to start. It's the home of the Oscar Getz Whiskey Museum (502/348-2999), as well as the annual Bourbon Festival. Because of this, many people think most of Kentucky's distilleries are in Nelson County, when in fact only Heaven Hill is. You'll hear about Evan Williams, Kentucky's first distiller, and Rev. Elijah Craig, the father of bourbon. (502/348-3921).

Jim Beam's American Outpost actually sits in Bullitt County, closer to Shepherdsville than Bardstown. This distillery is very visitor friendly. It's tour features a film depicting the history of bourbon and the six generations of the Beam family that has been actively involved. (502/543-9877).

You may want to check out Bullitt County attractions. Heartland Decanter and Steins features a complete collection of Jim Beam decanters that can be purchased. It's located at Lebanon Junction, just off I-65. (1-800-526-2068).

Maker's Mark at Loretta is a Marion County distillery. It promotes itself as the oldest working distillery on its original site. Visitors who decide to purchase a bottle can hand-dip it in the red wax themselves. (270/865-2099).

Lawrenceburg, in Anderson County, is home to Four Roses and Austin Nichols distilleries.

Four Roses offers daily-guided tours. The hacienda Spanish style distillery building in itself is unique. The distillery sits on the banks of Salt River and has been in operation since 1911. (502/839-3436).

Austin Nichols sits high atop a gorge overlooking the Kentucky River on Wild Turkey Hill, and their specialty is, of course, Wild Turkey. (502/839-4544).

Labrot & Graham is a Woodford County distiller bottling, what else? Woodford Reserve. The historic site has been restored to its 1800s splendor, with a visitor's center that features interactive displays and a fantastic gift shop. (859/879-1812).

Buffalo Trace has become a popular attraction in Frankfort. It sits on the Kentucky River and plays off of the history of the great buffalo trails in the area. The first modern distillery was built on the site in 1857. (502/696-5926).

Plan ahead and see one or all. It's a great time of the year to learn about our bourbon heritage.