The B-Line: Northern Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail With a Local Twist
A self-guided bourbon trail connecting distilleries, bars, and restaurants across Northern Kentucky
Northern Kentucky has long played an important role in Kentucky’s bourbon story, and the B-Line is one of the best ways to experience that heritage today. Designed as a self-guided bourbon trail, the B-Line connects distilleries, bars, and restaurants across the region, inviting locals and visitors alike to explore bourbon culture at their own pace, one stop at a time.
Stretching from Covington through Newport and Ludlow, and reaching as far as Maysville and Augusta, the B-Line brings together 9 Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour distilleries, 9 bourbon-centric bars, and 10 bourbon-focused restaurants. The result is a trail that blends history, craftsmanship, and food in a way that feels distinctly Northern Kentucky.
A Trail Built for Exploration
The B-Line is intentionally flexible. There’s no required route, no guided schedule, and no pressure to see everything in one day. Participants can pick up a free physical passport at any participating location—or use the digital guide—and start exploring wherever they like.
As you visit stops along the way, you collect stamps from at least:
- Two distilleries
- Two bourbon bars
- Two bourbon-focused restaurants
Once completed, the passport can be redeemed at the Northern Kentucky Convention & Visitors Bureau for bourbon-themed swag. It’s a simple, fun incentive, but the real reward is discovering places you might not otherwise visit.
What You’ll Find Along the B-Line
Craft Distilleries
Choose from nine Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour distilleries: New Riff Distilling, Boone County Distilling Co., Neeley Family Distillery, The Old Pogue Distillery, Second Sight Spirits, Augusta Distillery, Pensive Distilling Co., Becker & Bird Winery & Distillery, and Wenzel Whiskey. Visit a few favorites or tackle all nine for a wealth of unique bourbon experiences. Each offers a distinct perspective on bourbon-making, from modern interpretations to deep family history.
Bourbon Bars
The trail features nine bourbon-centric bars, each with a culture of its own. In Covington, explore The Globe, Wiseguy Lounge, Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar (OKBB), Smoke Justis, Knowledge Bar, and Revival Vintage Bottle Shop. Newport brings Prohibition Bourbon Bar and Jerry's Jug House, while Bellevue offers Three Spirits Tavern. These iconic bars anchor the experience with extensive bourbon selections that appeal to both seasoned enthusiasts and curious newcomers.
Bourbon-Centric Restaurants
Food is a major part of the B-Line, and Northern Kentucky's restaurant scene delivers. The trail includes ten amazing restaurants cultivating the freshest tastes in bourbon culinary delights:
In Covington: Bouquet Restaurant, Libby's Southern Comfort, Coppin's at Hotel Covington, and Lisse Steakhuis. In Newport: The Purple Poulet and Pompilio's. Also featured: Greyhound Tavern (Fort Mitchell), Beehive Augusta Tavern (Augusta), Caproni's Restaurant (Maysville), and Tousey House Tavern (Burlington).
Many menus feature bourbon-forward dishes, creative cocktails, and thoughtful pairings that elevate the experience beyond a standard tasting.
B-Line Restaurants on wellfd
Several B-Line restaurants are already featured in the wellfd directory, including:
- Bouquet Restaurant
- Coppin’s Restaurant & Bar
- Greyhound Tavern
- Libby’s Southern Comfort (YouTube review: https://www.youtube.com/@wellfd)
- Pensive Distilling Co. + Kitchen
- Pompilio’s
- Purple Poulet
- Smoke Justis
- Tousey House Tavern
Each brings its own take on bourbon-infused dining, from refined plates to classic Northern Kentucky comfort food. We’re actively working to add the remaining B-Line locations to wellfd in the coming weeks.
Why the B-Line Matters
Welcome to the edge and beginning of the "Bourbon State." Kentucky is the epicenter of bourbon culture and history, and Northern Kentucky marks your entry after crossing the original Bourbon Line, the Ohio River, which transported the first bourbon throughout the United States.
The B-Line serves as a gateway to Kentucky's broader bourbon culture while staying rooted in local neighborhoods and independent businesses. It's approachable, authentic, and built around discovery, values that align closely with what we aim to do at wellfd. After you enjoy your bourbon experience here on the B-Line, it's just a short journey to the rest of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
Whether you're a bourbon enthusiast or just looking for a great meal with local character, the B-Line is a reminder that some of the best experiences happen when you slow down, explore nearby, and support the places that make Northern Kentucky special.
— That's the wellfd way. —
Written by Chase Francis — part of the wellfd editorial team.
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