Ohio - Whiskey Tasting - Train Rides
Published: June 23, 2026
By: Adam Burns
Tucked into the heart of historic downtown Lebanon, Ohio, the Lebanon Mason & Monroe Railroad (LM&M) offers the kind of throwback rail experience that’s getting harder to find: vintage passenger cars, a working railroad atmosphere, and a leisurely ride through Warren County countryside—often paired with themed events, food, and drink. Departing from 16 E. South Street in Lebanon, the LM&M has built a reputation as a family-friendly attraction and a reliable “weekend memory maker,” with trips operating much of the year based on the posted schedule.
While many visitors discover the LM&M through holiday favorites and character trains, the railroad’s lineup has broadened to include experiences aimed squarely at adults—especially its Food & Drink Trains. Among these, the Bourbon Train stands out as one of the most distinctive ways to enjoy a relaxing evening out in southwest Ohio: a scenic heritage train ride paired with curated bourbon samples and onboard refreshments.
About The LM&M
At its core, the Lebanon Mason & Monroe Railroad is a classic heritage operation: you board at a small-town depot area, settle into restored passenger equipment, and let the pace of rail travel reset your day. The railroad notes that riders travel in vintage passenger cars behind a historic diesel locomotive, and that the operation is run by Cincinnati Scenic Railway, a nonprofit organization.
The LM&M also emphasizes the educational side of what it does—something that becomes apparent on their standard rides, where onboard narration often touches on local history and railroad operations. For example, their popular Turtle Creek Valley Flyer is billed as a 1 hour and 15 minute round trip through the Warren County countryside.
The Route
The LM&M runs on a corridor associated with the historic Cincinnati, Lebanon & Northern Railway (CL&N)—a line that dates to the 19th century and forms part of the region’s rich rail story. Modern excursions typically operate south from Lebanon into the countryside, giving riders a front-row view of small farms, tree lines, and the gently rolling terrain that defines this part of Ohio.
Depending on the specific event, the railroad may operate longer or less common segments of its trackage. One example is the Rare Mileage Excursion, described as running south to the end of the line in Mason, then reversing and traveling to Monroe, with a total trip time of about four hours—a reminder that the LM&M is more than a short out-and-back when the schedule calls for something special.
Operator
Operationally, the LM&M is closely tied to Cincinnati Scenic Railway (CSR). The railroad explains that since 2015 the LM&M has been operated by Cincinnati Scenic Railway, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and that CSR contracts with the Cincinnati Railway Company for professional crews qualified on lines controlled by the Indiana & Ohio Railway Company. In short: even though you’re enjoying a leisure ride, there’s a serious professional railroad structure behind the scenes.
Signature Rides
What makes the LM&M especially appealing for visitors (and for travel planners building a weekend itinerary) is the breadth of its program. There are classic sightseeing trips, seasonal events, kid-friendly themes, and premium “experience” packages that pair the train with other Lebanon attractions.
One example is The Lebanon Experience, which combines a train ride with stops at notable local destinations like the Golden Lamb (a historic inn and restaurant in downtown Lebanon). It’s the kind of package that turns a train ride into a full day out—ideal for couples, visiting family, or anyone who loves building a weekend around small-town Americana.
And then there are the specialty trains: themed evenings, food and drink pairings, and limited-date events. This is where the LM&M’s adult-oriented schedule really shines—and where the Bourbon Train earns its reputation.
The Bourbon Train
The Bourbon Train – New Riff & Boone County is designed specifically for adults who want a laid-back tasting experience with a scenic, heritage-rail backdrop. It’s marketed as “a unique experience for fans of bourbon,” and the railroad notes that the series features different flavors for each date, encouraging repeat trips for anyone who enjoys comparing tastings.
What’s included with a ticket?
LM&M keeps the experience straightforward and value-packed:
- Each ticket includes two retail-sized, single-serving bottles, plus a light pairing of meat/mixed nuts.
- Guests can also visit the onboard Queen City Tavern Car for additional drinks or snacks beyond what’s included.
In other words, you’re not just buying a train seat—you’re buying a curated tasting with easygoing “order more if you’d like” flexibility onboard.
Important rules and pricing
Because this is an alcohol-focused excursion, the LM&M is explicit about the age requirement: riders must be 21+, and passengers are carded before departure.
As listed for the Bourbon Train page, ticket prices are typically around the mid-$30s to $40 range (with classes of service shown as $40 and $35, depending on the option).
The vibe: why bourbon + rail travel just works
Part of what makes bourbon tastings enjoyable is the pacing—taking time to notice aroma, sip slowly, compare notes, and talk with friends. A heritage train ride naturally reinforces that rhythm. Once the train eases out of Lebanon and into the countryside, the outside world quiets down: fewer notifications, fewer errands, fewer distractions. It becomes easier to be present—watching the landscape roll by, chatting with your group, and enjoying the novelty of tasting bourbon in a setting that feels like a moving time capsule.
And unlike a bar or tasting room where you’re planted at one table, the train adds a sense of occasion. The click of wheels, the gentle sway, the conductor moving through the cars—it all turns your tasting into an “event,” not just another stop on a Saturday night.
Final Thoughts
For railfans, the LM&M offers something increasingly rare: a working heritage operation with a robust public schedule, varied rolling stock, and a steady rotation of themed events. For families, it’s a dependable “special day” activity. And for adults, the Food & Drink Trains—especially the Bourbon Train—deliver a fun, social night out that feels different from the usual restaurant-and-a-movie routine. To learn more about the LM&M's Bourbon Train please click here to visit the railroad's website.
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