Bourbon & Food Pairings to Complement Your Kentucky River Cruise

Kentucky River Tours • 26 August 2025

If you're planning a bourbon boat tour in Kentucky, you're in for more than beautiful views. There's something special about sipping your favorite bourbon as the boat glides past limestone cliffs and historic riverbanks. And like any good bourbon tasting, the experience only gets better with the right food pairings.

tasting whiskey glasses and sliced cheese pairings on two wood cutting boards at Kentucky River Tours near Frankfort, KY

Whether you’re booking a Frankfort bourbon tour with friends or planning a date night, bringing along a thoughtful snack or enjoying one of our food-inclusive tours can turn a great cruise into an unforgettable one.

What Snacks Should I Bring on a Bourbon Boat Tour?

We often get asked what guests should bring aboard, and food is a good start. While some of our cruises include snacks or bourbon samples, many guests love packing their own bites to enjoy during the ride. Here are a few pairings we’ve seen work really well:

  • Dark chocolate and a smooth wheated bourbon: The sweetness of the chocolate brings out caramel notes and softens the spice.
  • Kentucky country ham and a high-rye bourbon: Salty and bold meats stand up well to the heat of a rye-heavy pour.
  • Pecans or walnuts with small-batch bourbon: Nuts offer a subtle contrast to richer bourbon varieties and travel easily.
  • Soft cheese and single-barrel bourbon: Brie or Camembert paired with a single barrel release? Trust us on this one.

Just remember: We do not allow you to bring your own alcoholic drinks on board. We also prefer that you bring snacks that are easy to transport and clean up.

Or, save yourself the hassle of bringing snacks along and purchase snacks on the boat. You can guarantee that anything we offer will pair well with the drinks served.

Cruise Options That Include Food or Drinks

Some of our popular cruise options include:

  • Boone National Forest.Bourbon History Tour: Learn about Kentucky’s bourbon heritage with guided tastings.
  • Sunset Cruise (perfect for snacks and champagne): Pack a picnic and enjoy golden hour on the river.
  • Custom Private Tours: You can fully customize the catering and beverage selection. We’ll work with you to design the perfect floating tasting room.

Make sure to check the tour description when booking, as some experiences already include samples or options for add-on refreshments.

Where to Go After Your Tour

Looking to keep the evening going after your cruise? Here are a few local stops right off the riverbanks in or near Frankfort:

  • Buffalo Trace Distillery: A local icon and must-visit for anyone following the Kentucky Bourbon Trail™ Tour.
  • Goodwood Brewing Frankfort: Grab a craft beer or bourbon barrel–aged cocktail.
  • Downtown Frankfort Restaurants: From barbecue to upscale dining, there’s no shortage of great food near the water.

Ask your tour guide for personal recommendations. They’re always happy to share their favorite local spots.

Plan Your Perfect Day on the Kentucky River

Whether you're a bourbon connoisseur or just starting to explore Kentucky's signature spirit, a bourbon boat tour is the perfect way to experience the region’s flavors and scenery in one memorable outing.

Want to know more about what to expect, what to pack, or which tour to choose? Head to our FAQ page or contact us to learn more about our offerings!

We are locally owned and family operated, proud to serve the Kentucky region.