[2] The trail was created in 2004 by the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States.
[3] It is not a linear route, but circles through various points of interest such as historic bars, museums, coopers, and still-makers, with whiskey distilleries being the main focus.
[3] The American Whiskey Trail consists of various historical sites – some with operating distilleries – that are open to the public for tours.
[6] Besides recognized historic sites, a number of operating whiskey distilleries are open to the public for tours and, in many cases, tastings.
[7][6] In addition to sites and distilleries tied to the history of American whiskey production, the Distilled Spirits Council provides information and promotes a range of other distilleries around the country in conjunction with promotion of the American Whiskey Trail.