National Geographic Traveler has named the Kentucky Bourbon Trail one of its “Drives of a Lifetime — The World’s Greatest Scenic Routes” in the magazine’s September issue. The newsstand edition features the Kentucky Bourbon Trail as part of its “20 Great American Drives.”

The online roundup expands the list to 50 classic road trips in the U.S., Canada, Europe and the Caribbean. “Sometimes it’s the journey, sometimes it’s the destination — and sometimes, it’s both,” the online version says. “Traveler has scoured the globe for the world’s 50 most beautiful, interesting, and off-beat road trips.”

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail links eight of the state’s historic distilleries, nestled among the most beautiful scenery the Bluegrass has to offer: Buffalo Trace, Four Roses, Heaven Hill, Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Tom Moore, Wild Turkey and Woodford Reserve.

Traveler describes bourbon as

“as crucial to Kentucky legend as Daniel Boone himself.” “The bluegrass byways winding through bourbon country make for a great road trip, taking in distilleries offering free tours and tastings and revealing pockets of rich southern history. You’ll find white-water rapids, grazing thoroughbreds and mint growing wild along the roadsides, lending the landscape the aroma of a perfect julep.”

Traveler highlights tours at distilleries and other attractions, including Elkhorn Creek, Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace, the Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History and many others.

Eric Gregory, president of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, said it’s an honor to be listed among such landmark drives.

“Kentucky is the only place in the world where you can enjoy the true bourbon experience,” “Thousands of people every month are exploring the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and learning about our rich history and proud heritage. It’s the experience of a lifetime — and now the drive of a lifetime — 200 years in the making.”