Woodford Distillery

Part of the day outing for the NASBO trip was a visit to the Woodford Distillery, where they make top of the line Boubon. It was a small distillery, and the tour guide was very proud of what they do there. It was HOT, but very interesting. Top left shows the bourbon aging in ash casks. Top right is Ray standing next to some examples of the finished product. Both bottom shots show us next to the huge vat where the process begins. It was hot and yeasty smelling. I kept wondering what would happen if I fell in? Could I get out, or would it be like an adult version of 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,' with me coming out drunk as Cooter Brown on the other end? Also, would they have to clean out the vats and start over, or just figure that at some point, the alcohol would kill any contamination I may have caused?
After the tour, we got to sample some bourbon and bourbon balls. It was STRONG! Just a taste on the tip of my tongue sent a hot flash down my throat and to my stomach. Ray was gracious enough to drink his, most of mine, and I think some of Ternisa's sample. Then he proceeded to revisit the Bourbon Ball tray so many times that they finally covered it up. That Ray - he loves a freebie!
Just to save face, I bought a box of the BBs. I also bought a bottle of bourbon, packaged in the limited edition 2006 Kentucky Derby bottle. On the RARE chance that any of you are ever invited over to my house, don't even think about asking if you can have a sip of it!