Covington - BourbonSphere

Wenzel Whiskey and Molly Wellmann Partner on Limited Edition Bottle Release to Celebrate Major Milestones

Wenzel Whiskey, a whiskey blending experience and event space in the heart of Covington, KY (Northern KY), and Molly Wellmann, one of Cincinnati’s most iconic mixologists and entrepreneurs, have teamed up to release a new limited, locally brewed whiskey called The One 50th Blend. This limited bottle release celebrates Wellmann’s 50th birthday and the 150th anniversary of whiskey being […]

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This limited bottle release celebrates Wellmann’s 50^th birthday and the 150^th anniversary of whiskey being produced at Wenzel. A limited number of bottles will be available for sale on Saturday, September 30 beginning at noon, while supplies last. Wellmann will be onsite to sign bottles.

“This is such an iconic way to celebrate a 50^th birthday,” said entrepreneur, Wellmann. “I had the pleasure of joining several of my friends knowledgeable in spirits for Wenzel’s unique whiskey blending experience where we all created and blind tasted our own whiskeys. Mine won, and that’s how we ended up with The One 50^th Blend Gold Label release.”

Among the friends to join Wellmann, were Jake Warm, owner of O.K.I., Brad Bonds, Co-Founder of Revival Vintage Bottle Shop, and Bill Whitlow, operator of Rich’s Proper, Hangry Omar’s and the soon-to-be Opal Rooftop Restaurant & Bar and brand ambassador for Wenzel Whiskey. This friendly competition and collaboration resulted in the new limited-edition blend.

“Molly and I first met in 2012 while she was opening OKBB and I was opening Goodfellas and Wiseguy Lounge in Mainstrasse Village,” said Whitlow. “We’ve become great friends and, while we’ve done some fun collaborations over the years, this is the biggest one we’ve done to date. What a perfect way to celebrate two regional icons – Molly Wellmann and bourbon.”

Bottles of The One 50^th Blend will be available for purchase, while supplies last, for $99 each on Saturday, September 30 starting at noon at Wenzel Whiskey, located at 15 Tobacco Alley in Covington. Please reach out ahead of time to ensure availability.

For more information on Wenzel Whiskey and the distiller’s iconic whiskey blending experience and signature whiskey, The Proprietors, visit wenzelwhiskey.com.

For the latest in Bourbon, visit www.thebourbonreview.com.

The post Wenzel Whiskey and Molly Wellmann Partner on Limited Edition Bottle Release to Celebrate Major Milestones first appeared on The Bourbon Review.

There’s A New Stop on The Kentucky Bourbon Craft Trail – NKY’s WENZEL WHISKEY

Northern Kentucky located Wenzel Whiskey needs to be on your Bourbon Country destination list. We’ve been there. Done that. It was awesome. Want to do it again. Soon. It was recently announced the Covington, KY (Northern Kentucky) blending business is now a member of the Kentucky Distillers Association (KDA) at the Craft Level meaning they […]

The post There’s A New Stop on The Kentucky Bourbon Craft Trail – NKY’s WENZEL WHISKEY first appeared on The Bourbon Review.

Northern Kentucky located Wenzel Whiskey needs to be on your Bourbon Country destination list. We’ve been there. Done that. It was awesome. Want to do it again. Soon.

It was recently announced the Covington, KY (Northern Kentucky) blending business is now a member of the Kentucky Distillers Association (KDA) at the Craft Level meaning they age at or less than 10,000 barrels.

Wenzel offers the opportunity to blend your own whiskey from their carefully curated whiskey stock. For a more thorough rundown on our first hand experience at WW, CLICK HERE. Their Manager and Brand Ambassador, Bill Whitlow, has an incredible feel for the brown water. He is a spirits guru and owns nearby restaurant/bar Rich’s Proper, an excellent spot to imbibe and eat well, #thatbuffalochickensandwich.

Located at 15 Tobacco Alley in Covington, Northern Kentucky natives Austin Dunbar, Tony Milburn, Todd McMurty and Nic Manning opened Wenzel Whiskey in 2022 and resurrected the historic company. Before Prohibition, the Wenzel Building was a rectifier for whiskey.

Wenzel Whiskey currently produces Wenzel’s Proprietors’ Blend, the first whiskey to be produced in Covington since Prohibition. Wenzel also has a Barrel Proof Rye, a blend of six and seven-year barrels of Indiana rye, and a Wheated #1 six-year-old barrel-proof expression.

WW also has acquired $3 million worth of distilling equipment and barrels of Bourbon from Savannah’s Ghost Coast Distillery, allowing them to accelerate and expand its production facilities sooner than expected.

“We are thrilled to begin producing our very own Kentucky Bourbons and to share them with the world,” Dunbar said.

Most of their blended offerings are made by the consumer themselves. “Wenzel guests can blend their own bottle just for the house or create a 100-bottle blend for their family or firm,” Dunbar said. “We offer an experience that is as unique as you want it to be.”

Learn more at https://www.wenzelwhiskey.com.

For the latest in Bourbon, visit www.thebourbonreview.com

The post There’s A New Stop on The Kentucky Bourbon Craft Trail – NKY’s WENZEL WHISKEY first appeared on The Bourbon Review.

EVENT (May 4th): Wenzel Whiskey’s “Blend Your Own” Evening Extravaganza in Bourbon Country’s Covington, KY

Wenzel Whiskey (Covington, KY) has a special evening in store for you. It involves creating your own whiskey, in an architecturally captivating setting, led by a top industry whiskey palate. Wenzel Whiskey is a gateway for creating your own juice. And like many things in life, its the experience and the journey of how you […]

The post EVENT (May 4th): Wenzel Whiskey’s “Blend Your Own” Evening Extravaganza in Bourbon Country’s Covington, KY first appeared on The Bourbon Review.

Wenzel Whiskey (Covington, KY) has a special evening in store for you. It involves creating your own whiskey, in an architecturally captivating setting, led by a top industry whiskey palate.

Wenzel Whiskey is a gateway for creating your own juice. And like many things in life, its the experience and the journey of how you reach your end destination in which makes this company’s concept so unique. So memorable. So rewarding. And having a liquid trophy to sip and share your experience with friends and family, well, that ain’t so bad either;)

*Blending Experience at Wenzel Whiskey. Photo: Patrick McNamara*

Your whiskey journey will take place in the Wenzel Building, a 150 year old (circa 1873) revitalized building which in itself is the perfect blend of old world exposed brick and hardwood beauty meets modern accent nuances.

Proprietor and co-founder Bill Whitlow is a top palate and whiskey expert. He’s a decorated mixologist, owns Rich’s Proper Food & Drink in Covington (on Bourbon Review’s BEST BOURBON BARS IN AMERICA list), and knows the whiskey game as well as anyone.

Here’s the breakdown of what could be on your horizon of special memories, encapsulated by delicious whiskey of which who’s flavor profile you masterminded.

“Blend Your Own” Details…

DATE: May 4th, 6:30pm EST
BLEND BASE: 6 + 7 Year Indiana Ryes (Carefully Curated)
INCLUDES
- Blending Experience
- Food catered by Rich’s Proper Food & Drink
- Wenzel T-Shirt
- 750ml Bottle of your specific blend
- Additional bottle available for $100
COST: $150

EVENT LINK: CLICK HERE

STAY HERE: Boutique Hotel Within Wenzel Building

How fitting the Wenzel Building should have its very own boutique hotel, should you need a place to rest your head after a hard day’s work of blending;) “The Pickle Factory Hotel” has unbound unique charm to match its unconventional namesake. In a former life, it was a pickle factory.

HOTEL: CLICK HERE

The post EVENT (May 4th): Wenzel Whiskey’s “Blend Your Own” Evening Extravaganza in Bourbon Country’s Covington, KY first appeared on The Bourbon Review.

Who Won The Bottled-in-Bond Battle for the 2nd Annual “John G. Carlisle” Competition in Northern Kentucky?

Whiskey fans across the Tri-State attended the second-annual John G. Carlisle Bottled-in-Bond (BIB) Competition and Celebration Friday, March 3, at Smoke Justis in Covington, KY. For its second year, attendees once again crowned New Riff Distilling as the winner of its blind tasting event, which was held from 6-8 p.m. Friday, March 3. The two […]

The post Who Won The Bottled-in-Bond Battle for the 2nd Annual “John G. Carlisle” Competition in Northern Kentucky? first appeared on The Bourbon Review.

Whiskey fans across the Tri-State attended the second-annual John G. Carlisle Bottled-in-Bond (BIB) Competition and Celebration Friday, March 3, at Smoke Justis in Covington, KY.

For its second year, attendees once again crowned New Riff Distilling as the winner of its blind tasting event, which was held from 6-8 p.m. Friday, March 3. The two other finalists being Early Times BiB and Henry McKenna 10 Year BiB.

During the event, meetNKY and The B-Line®, in conjunction with Smoke Justis, led guests in a guided blind-pour tasting of three of the best BIB whiskey varietals in the country. Members of The B-Line® nominated the three whiskeys for the tastings (New Riff’s Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Early Time’s Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon and Henry McKenna’s 10-Year Single Barrel Bourbon), which patrons then cast votes for the best Bottled-In-Bond whiskey. Guests also sampled specially crafted charcuterie boards to complement each flavor profile.

“We are so honored to have been named as one of the best bonded whiskies two years in a row by those who know and love them,” said Mac Harris, New Riff distiller. “It’s always fun to be able to gather with friends and whiskey enthusiasts in a shared setting to celebrate the industry and the role our region continues to play in creating world-class spirits.”

New Riff also received the John G. Carlisle Award in 2022 at the inaugural Bottled-in-Bond event, which celebrated the 125th anniversary of the passage of the Bottled In Bond Act on March 3, 1897.

“This event is such a fun way to celebrate Covington’s strong historical ties as a leader in setting high standards for the whiskey industry,” said president and CEO of meetNKY, Julie Kirkpatrick. “We enjoyed being back at Smoke Justis to celebrate one of Kentucky’s signature industries. Congratulations to New Riff for taking home the John G. Carlisle Award for the second year in a row for their unique flavor profile and all-around stellar spirit.”

NKY CVB President, Julie Kirkpatrick. Photo Ben Gastright

The 2023 BIB celebration kicked off with socializing in the bourbon bar at Smoke Justis, followed by welcome remarks and a short education on BIB and Covingtonian John G. Carlisle’s role in passing the Federal legislation.

Before Congressman Carlisle championed the passage of the BIB Act in 1897, much of the whiskey produced nationwide often included harmful additives like iodine, tobacco and even paint thinner. As a result of the Act, participating BIB distillers must put their products into federally bonded warehouses for at least four years and bottle at 100 proof (50% alcohol by volume). Additionally, owners must stipulate on the labels of their bottles where the whiskey is distilled and where it was bottled, if not at the same location where it’s distilled.

Learn more about Northern Kentucky travel at www.meetnky.com

Check out NKY’s “B-Line” experience which boasts 12 of The Bourbon Review’s “BEST BOURBON BARS IN AMERICA”.

The post Who Won The Bottled-in-Bond Battle for the 2nd Annual “John G. Carlisle” Competition in Northern Kentucky? first appeared on The Bourbon Review.

TRAVEL: Bourbon Country’s “Northern Kentucky Region” Makes Condé Nast “2023 BEST PLACES TO GO” List

It’s closing time for 2022 (good luck trying to get that song out of your head today). Time to reflect. Time to make those goals and dreams for 2023. As you hunt and gather ideas for your future travel itinerary, you’ll definitely want to keep Bourbon Country’s “Northern Kentucky Region” on your travel wish list. […]

The post TRAVEL: Bourbon Country’s “Northern Kentucky Region” Makes Condé Nast “2023 BEST PLACES TO GO” List first appeared on The Bourbon Review.

It’s closing time for 2022 (good luck trying to get that song out of your head today). Time to reflect. Time to make those goals and dreams for 2023. As you hunt and gather ideas for your future travel itinerary, you’ll definitely want to keep Bourbon Country’s “Northern Kentucky Region” on your travel wish list.

Why? For starters, the prestigious travel guide Condé Nast (CN) just named it on its “2023 BEST PLACES TO GO” list. Here’s a breakdown of what CN had to say…

Bourbon Distilleries – Northern Kentucky Region

Northern Kentucky (NKY) sits on the banks of the Ohio River. It’s ground zero for Kentucky’s beloved Bourbon history as its famed Limestone Port going back to the late 1700’s was THE commerce trading hot spot for loading up that frontier corn whiskey on the journey down the mighty Mississippi, all the way to New Orleans. Its famed Senator John G. Carlisle (Covington, KY) co-founded 1897’s Bottled-in-Bond Act, along with E.H. Taylor Jr.

That was then. Flash forward a deuce and quarter century later, NKY continues to thrive with Bourbon energy.

Neeley Family Distillery. Sparta, KY. Head Distiller Royce Neeley comes from a long bloodline of booze makers. Royce has the distinction of being the first in his family going back many generations to do it legally.

Northern — Neeley Family Distillery, Master Distiller Royce Neeley. Courtesy

Second Sight Spirits. Ludlow, KY. Small craft distillery. Just check out that Sultan’s piercing gaze and the top of that beautiful copper still and tell us you’re not intrigued?!

New Riff Distillery. Newport, KY. One of the leading “new” distilleries (est 2014) in the country, putting out some very notable American Whiskey.

Eat. Imbibe. Shop. Stay.

CN dining highlights include local eat spots Libby’s Southern Comfort (famed goetta hush puppies), the original Agave + Rye with its slushy and tacos, and not noted in CN but one of our favorites being Rich’s Proper.

For the bar scene, CN hat tips local legendary bar owner Molly Wellman, who 10 years prior started My Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar in Covington, KY. The Bourbon bar scene is now thriving as the NKY region boasts 12 spots in The Bourbon Review’s “2022 Best Bourbon Bars in America” list. You’ll want to keep your eyes peeled for the upcoming dazzling rooftop bar Opal in Covington by local legendary bartender/restauranteur Bill Whitlow (owner of Rich’s Proper).

For lodging, CN notes the gorgeous boutique Hotel Covington. When in Bourbon Country, you have to swing by Revival Vintage Bottle Shop, a world class “dusty” destination” by local Brad Bonds. And if you really want to immerse yourself in a unique experience, check out Wenzel Whiskey as they offer a “blend your own” whiskey, including bottling. Not shockingly, co-founded by Bill Whitlow. If you can think of a better Bourbon Country souvenir than your very own blended whiskey, we are all ears.

For more info on travel in NKY, make sure to check out MeetNKY’s “The B-Line“.

For CN’s full article read: CLICK HERE

The post TRAVEL: Bourbon Country’s “Northern Kentucky Region” Makes Condé Nast “2023 BEST PLACES TO GO” List first appeared on The Bourbon Review.

Block Party Weekend! Northern KY Event Dec 2 – 3 Featuring “Chocolate Pretzel Bourbon Ball Imperial Stout” 13% ABV

We all love a good party, right? Even better, a good block party, right? Even better, a good block party that boasts a CHOCOLATE PRETZEL BOURBON BALL IMPERIAL STOUT, right?!! Now this sounds like our kind of gathering, and it’s all going down this Friday and Saturday (Dec 2nd – 3rd) in Northern Kentucky’s river […]

The post Block Party Weekend! Northern KY Event Dec 2 – 3 Featuring “Chocolate Pretzel Bourbon Ball Imperial Stout” 13% ABV first appeared on The Bourbon Review.

We all love a good party, right? Even better, a good block party, right? Even better, a good block party that boasts a CHOCOLATE PRETZEL BOURBON BALL IMPERIAL STOUT, right?!! Now this sounds like our kind of gathering, and it’s all going down this Friday and Saturday (Dec 2nd – 3rd) in Northern Kentucky’s river city of Covington.

meetNKY (the Northern Kentucky Convention and Visitors Bureau) and The B-Line^® (a collection of Bourbon Trail distilleries and bourbon forward bars and restaurants in Northern Kentucky) have partnered with Braxton Brewing Co. for the brewery’s famous Dark Charge event. The winter block party takes place from 3 – 11 p.m. Friday, December 2 and 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Saturday, December 3.

The organizations have partnered on a limited-edition Dark Charge variant, Chocolate Pretzel Bourbon Ball Imperial Stout, which is ONLY AVAILABLE for purchase onsite during the now two-day event. Bourbon aficionados and beer enthusiasts alike can enjoy this rich, imperial stout, aged in bourbon barrels from three distillers along The B-Line^® – Old Pogue Distillery, New Riff Distilling and Boone County Distillery – finished off with hints of cacao nibs and pretzels.

“This year’s Dark Charge event is a full-on, two-day collision of beer and bourbon,” said co-founder and CEO of Braxton, Jake Rouse. “There’s no surprise that the crossover between bourbon and craft beer is a quickly emerging trend, so when we approached our annual Bourbon Barrel Aged beer release Dark Charge we knew we wanted to play into this crossover. Additionally, partnering with meetNKY and The B-Line^® on this event allows us to fully showcase all that our region has to offer on a national level.”

Attendees will also be able to enjoy the new B-Line^® Lounge in the brewery’s loft space during the event. All three distillers will have booths in the lounge where they’ll be pulling bourbon tastings from the barrel and serving them alongside another holiday staple – bourbon balls.

“Nothing speaks to the uniqueness of our region like a fusion of bourbon and beer,” said Jay Erisman, co-founder of New Riff Distilling. “We’re excited to partner with Braxton on this limited-edition B-Line^® brew and to tap into the beer enthusiasts who are curious to learn more about bourbon.”

2022 Dark Charge Variants

In 2022, Braxton plans to release seven variants of its beloved Dark Charge Imperial Stout. So far, the brewery has announced and released for sale:

Dark Charge Imperial Stout – The original bourbon barrel aged imperial stout, serves as the base for the other variants with an 12.6% ABV.
Dark Charge Triple Vanilla Stout – This variant, selected by the Braxton Builders, features Madagascar bourbon, with Tahitian and Indonesian vanilla with an 12.7% ABV.
Dark Charge Maple Pecan – This variant features warm, nutty hints of maple syrup and roasted Georgia pecans with an 13.1% ABV.
Dark Charge Cinnamon Whiskey – Nothing says Happy Holidays like cinnamon whiskey. This double barrel aged in Wild Turkey and cinnamon whiskey barrels, imperial stout has an inviting flavor reminiscent with tastes of the holidays and an 12.9% ABV.
Dark Charge Chocolate Pretzel Bourbon Ball Imperial Stout – Only available for sale at the event, this bourbon centric brew was aged in bourbon barrels from three distillers across The B-Line^® and finished off with hints of cocoa nibs and pretzels with an 13.3% ABV.

Entertainment Lineup

To celebrate this year’s Dark Charge Winter Block Party expanding into a two-day event, Braxton is going bigger than ever with music and entertainment, pulling both local and nationally touring music artists. Open format DJ, DJ JAY KAY, will be playing on the main stage in a special all-day set, establishing a groove throughout Dark Charge Day. Additional acts include:

Friday, December 2

From 6 – 8 p.m., another well-known “progressive auditory ensemble” will take the stage. The final musical act will be announced on November 23.
From 9 – 11 p.m. nationally acclaimed MAGIC GIANT will take the main stage. The band has amassed over 60M streams and was named one of the “10 Artists You Need to Know” by Rolling Stone. In addition, MAGIC GIANT has played festivals such as Coachella, Firefly, BottleRock, Electric Forest and Lightning in a Bottle. Having shared the stage with the likes of Foster the People, The Lumineers, Vance Joy and Mumford & Sons, MAGIC GIANT has shown they are an alt powerhouse.

Saturday, December 3

From 3 – 5 p.m. Jake Speed & The Freddies will play a mix of traditional and original folk, country blues, and ragtime tunes that muse on Cincinnati’s unique past and present.
From 6 – 8 p.m. The Hot Magnolias, Cincinnati’s finest Creole/Cajun shake yo’ tail feather, wave your hanky New Orleans musical act, will take the stage.
Finally, from 9 – 11 p.m. Juice, a band from Boston blending rock, pop, R&B, and hip-hop will get crowds dancing with the diversity of their signature sound.

Dark Charge-Infused Bites

To complement the theme of the event, Braxton worked with seven local food vendors to create food that leverages Dark Charge for attendees to enjoy. These including Dewey’s Pizza, Taco Fuerte, Rich’s Proper Food & Drink, The Empanada’s Box, Parts & Labor New School Barbecue, Smoke Justis and Coppin’s.

While the event is free to attend, two VIP experience options are available for purchase in various packages. The Dark Charge VIP Tickets are available as single day passes or two-day passes ranging from $90 to $175. Dark Charge Winter Block Party Igloobar Experiences are also available for private parties of up to eight ranging from $600 – $1,200. For more information on these packages and general information and updates on the event, visit https://www.darkchargeday.com/.

“This event is a true celebration of all things Northern Kentucky,” said meetNKY President and CEO, Julie Kirkpatrick. “It’s been incredible to see how this winter block party has evolved over the years. We can’t wait to welcome music, bourbon and beer fans from across the country for this exciting two-day event in the Commonwealth and show off some of the southern hospitality we’re known for.”

For more information on The B-Line^® visit thebline.com. To learn more about meetNKY visit meetnky.com/.

The post Block Party Weekend! Northern KY Event Dec 2 – 3 Featuring “Chocolate Pretzel Bourbon Ball Imperial Stout” 13% ABV first appeared on The Bourbon Review.

Wenzel Whiskey Welcomes New Blending Experience To Bourbon Country’s Northern Gateway – Covington, KY

Who’s ready to blend their own Bourbon?! A new experience called Wenzel Whiskey in Covington, KY (perched on the Ohio River right across from Cincinnati) allows you to do just that. We’ve tried it. It’s a cool setup. For a number of reasons. Here we go…. The ‘Wenzel Building’ – Circa 1873 How can you […]

The post Wenzel Whiskey Welcomes New Blending Experience To Bourbon Country’s Northern Gateway – Covington, KY first appeared on The Bourbon Review.

Who’s ready to blend their own Bourbon?! A new experience called Wenzel Whiskey in Covington, KY (perched on the Ohio River right across from Cincinnati) allows you to do just that.

We’ve tried it. It’s a cool setup. For a number of reasons. Here we go….

The ‘Wenzel Building’ – Circa 1873

How can you not love a 149 year old building which dawns outer and inner rustic brick façade. Casts an immediate impression of “if these walls could talk”. It has served a number of industrial functions over the years, including a pickle and soda pop factory. We like pickles. And soda. Off to a good start!

Whiskey Blending – The Experience

Great concept. An immersive experience. You get to play with whiskey! The owners have a stock of single barrel bourbons, which you get to see and choose. The inventory on hand currently is a mixed bag of barrels from KY, IN, and LA (Cajun State).

Per our experience, we selected juice from four different barrels. Then its to the benchtop for the best part – creation. From here, you analyze your samples and “get to know them”. What’s the proof? Age? Tasting the samples is really the best way to get familiar with each barrel’s nuisances – we didn’t complain.

Then comes the tough but fun part – making the plunge and building your Bourbon. This sounds easy enough. Just slosh some samples together, right? Not so fast. Here is where the game of chess comes into play. It’s not just the what, it’s how much. Do you add just a tinge of Sample X to your blend, or do you go heavier with it? How will that effect the end product?

It’s your approach and tactic of balance and where you hope the final cut will land, taste profile wise. It really allows you to experience what goes on in blending a whiskey, making your own small batch, how the sensory elements all play and mingle together.

Competition brings out the best in all of us, right? We had a group of nine competing for world title bragging rights. It got vicious. Kidding. But it was a ton of fun and excitement, wanting to create the winner. Each person had their own favorite blend entered in the blind tasting “taste off”. Getting to try other people’s creations. The anticipation was a rush as you didn’t know which one was your own, and thinking how yours holds up. Was it the lemon? Or the crowd favorite? Such a thrill!

In short, we had an absolute blast!

Pricing Options – Great Versatility

Pricing is extremely reasonable. Per person, you can have the entire blending experience for $30. You’re NOT required to buy even one bottle. If you choose to buy a bottle for a keeps sake, costs will vary dependent on the barrels you choose, but it will likely be in the $80 – $100 range (750ml).

Capacity

You can roll solo. Be a party of 2. For groups larger than 6, calling ahead to book your reservation is highly recommended. Can accommodate up to 20, possibly more but would require checking in with Wenzel Whiskey.

BOTTLING RANGE: Can buy 1 or up to 100 bottles of the desired blend.

This concept was created by four founders: Bill Whitlow , Tony Milburn, Todd McMurtry, Austin Dunbar, Nic Manning .

They all live in Covington and they take a lot of pride in their neighborhood. We know Bill Whitlow, he’s top notch all the way. Has a great restaurant in Covington called Rich’s Proper, which is consistently on our “America’s Best Bourbon Bars” list. Put it this way – Bill. Knows. Whiskey. Is an expert mixologist. He knows flavors, how they work together. Having him heavily involved in their selection of whiskey barrels is a sign of the ultimate approval in our eyes.

How To Book It

Visit: www.wenzelwhiskey.com

Beginning Oct 19th, Wenzel Whiskey will have the blending experience open on Wednesday (5 – 9pm) and Saturday (12 – 4pm).

Bonus: Boutique Hotel Above 1st Floor

Of course, this sensory exercise does likely involve the consumption of alcohol, just a tragedy. Extremely convenient, sitting atop the 1st floor, there is a boutique hotel appropriately named The Pickle Factory Boutique Hotel with eight of the cutest themed rooms you ever did see.

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Win the Ultimate Bourbon Getaway! “Come Find Bourbon” Sweepstakes

As the old saying goes “you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take”….Below is your chance to win one heck of a Bourbon Excursion. And the cost? Nothing. Lets get going! The sweepstakes is being hosted by “Come Find Bourbon“, a regional conglomerate in Bourbon Country between (C)ovington, (F)rankfort, and (B)ardstown. The Grand Prize […]

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As the old saying goes “you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take”….Below is your chance to win one heck of a Bourbon Excursion. And the cost? Nothing. Lets get going!

The sweepstakes is being hosted by “Come Find Bourbon“, a regional conglomerate in Bourbon Country between (C)ovington, (F)rankfort, and (B)ardstown. The Grand Prize package includes lodging, bourbon immersed itinerary (of course), transportation (probably needed), and spending money at all three Bourbon regional hubs of CFB.

“Come Find Bourbon” Sweepstakes Details

TO ENTER, click here to enter the Sweepstakes Homepage: https://www.comefindbourbon.com/pages/authentic-bourbon-tour-giveaway

Deadline: Sept 2nd

The Grand Prize package includes:

Three (3) nights in three (3) authentic Kentucky bourbon destinations: Covington, Frankfort & Bardstown (that’s CFB!) for two (2) adults age 21 or older.
Transportation throughout your stay compliments of TourWithUsKY in a private passenger vehicle. (Once you arrive in Covington, TourWithUsKY will do all the driving: if you fly into the CVG airport, the tour company will pick you up; if you drive to Covington, you’ll park your vehicle in the tour company’s lot.)
Covington
- Accommodations at Hotel Covington
- Tour New Riff Distilling and receive a special bottle of a The B-Line barrel pick
- Dinner and cocktails at Libby’s Southern Comfort
Frankfort
- Accommodations at Home2Suites by Hilton Frankfort
- Take a ride Kentucky River Tours’ Bourbon Boat or a walking tour in downtown Frankfort with ‘Col. E.H. Taylor’
- Tour and tasting at Buffalo Trace Distillery
- Dinner at Serafini, Goodwood, or Bourbon on Main (your choice)
Bardstown
- Accommodations at Fairfield Inn & Suites Bardstown
- Tour Bardstown Bourbon Company or Heaven Hill Distillery (your choice)
- Lunch at The Kitchen & Bar @ Bardstown Bourbon Company
- Beer and dessert at Scout & Scholar Brewing
- Dinner at The Rickhouse Restaurant & Lounge
$600 gift card to cover additional expenses—because there’s so much to do and we want you to pack your itinerary as much as you wish!

One (1) Grand Prize, Eight (8) weekly prizes – Four (4) get to choose any single product from the Come Find Bourbon Store; Another Four (4) will win pairs of Shady Rays sunglasses. These winners will be able to select any one (1) item from the shop at ComeFindBourbon.com.

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Revival Vintage Spirits Expanding to 2nd Location in Covington, KY

{COVINGTON, KY} Things are continuously humming and buzzing on the Northern Kentucky Bourbon scene…Revival Vintage Spirits and Bottle Shop has both an impressive collection of vintage spirits (not just American Whiskey) and modern day bottles. Founders Shannon Smith and Brad Bonds opened their business just shy of two years ago, and already, they’re making big […]

The post Revival Vintage Spirits Expanding to 2nd Location in Covington, KY first appeared on The Bourbon Review.

{COVINGTON, KY} Things are continuously humming and buzzing on the Northern Kentucky Bourbon scene…Revival Vintage Spirits and Bottle Shop has both an impressive collection of vintage spirits (not just American Whiskey) and modern day bottles. Founders Shannon Smith and Brad Bonds opened their business just shy of two years ago, and already, they’re making big moves and opening a second location in Covington, KY. Revival, no stranger to us, making our 2021 America’s Best Bourbon Bars list.

The upcoming new location will be within Hotel Covington, a gorgeous chic boutique 55 room hotel property, and slated to open later this year.

“Our entire team is incredibly excited with the addition of Revival to our master development at North by Hotel Covington. Their business is a great fit not only for our project but for the community at large and continues the development momentum in Covington.” – Guy van Rooyen, President and Partner of vR Group.

Revival Vintage Spirits location, Hotel Covington — Hotel Covington Lobby and Bar. Courtesy

At the new location, Revival will have a full-service bar on the first floor, boasting one of a kind vintage spirits and cocktails, and will continue with their tasting flights.

On the second floor, Revival will have its library of over 4,000+ bottles for sale ranging from your favorite store picks, to Pappy, to that pre-prohibition spirit you never knew you needed to try.

Team Revival will also offer room rentals and will shortly restart their revamped Membership and Subscription Series.

“I am incredibly excited for Revival’s future and the opportunity to share my passion of tasting history through bourbon with everyone! We are looking forward to attracting tourists to the wonderful community of Covington.” – Co-founder and Curator, Brad Bonds.

“We are incredibly excited to expand into North by Hotel Covington, the 55+ guest roomexpansion scheduled to open in late-2022. This area was one major piece behind the catalytic renaissance of Covington’s central business district and our business will continue the trend by supporting the ‘revival’ of 614 Madison.” – Co-Founder Shannon Smith.

You can purchase bottles online at revivalky.com. Revival also purchases bottles from the public, so if you have some old bottles you are looking to sell or trade, give them a call at 859.479.2676. You can follow Revival on Instagram, Facebook, and/or TikTok.

Make a weekend trip to Northern Kentucky and check out “The B-Line“, a collection of first class Bourbon Bars and Restaurants.

Our 2021 America’s Best Bourbon Bars list featured 9 spots from The B-Line.

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UPCOMING EVENT: John G. Carlisle Bottle-in-Bond Competition and Celebration

The 125th anniversary of 1897’s “Bottled-in-Bond” Act is coming in hot. Thankfully, the good folks in Northern Kentucky’s Covington area have us covered with a tongue smacking delicious celebration. And for good reason. The “BiB” Act was the first major legislation providing specific standards of quality for American Whiskey. It guaranteed you knew who made […]

The post UPCOMING EVENT: John G. Carlisle Bottle-in-Bond Competition and Celebration appeared first on The Bourbon Review.

The “BiB” Act was the first major legislation providing specific standards of quality for American Whiskey. It guaranteed you knew who made your whiskey, where it was aged, a minimum age of at least 4 years, and a 100 proof (50% abv). Hard to imagine now but back in those days, it was truly The Wild Wild West and a lot could happen to your whiskey from producer to barkeeper. Keep in mind, whiskey was a common remedy for infants and children.

The Kentucky Connection

Northern Kentucky’s Covington area was the native stomping grounds to the most important politician backing BiB – US Secretary of Treasure John G. Carlisle (resume also boasts US Senator, POTUS candidacy, and a bunch of other gov stuff). As a proud Kentuckian, he was certainly immersed in the Bourbon world as he, along with close friend E.H. Taylor, fought to push BiB through.

Hey…Where The Party At?!

Now, getting back to el festival! On March 3rd, come to Covington’s Smoke Justis (TBR’s “Best Bourbon Bars in America” 2021 Recipient) for a one-of-a-kind grand celebration, honoring John G. Carlisle and the special 125th anniversary of the BiB Act.

This inaugural event will escort guests through a four-course food experience along with four blind pours and a guided tasting of some of the best Bottled in Bond varietals in the country. All attendees are invited to determine this year’s crowning of the best BIB and award the John G. Carlisle Award. No elevated judges determining the winner. Just whiskey for the fans!

The event is produced and sponsored by MeetNKY and Northern KY Chamber of Commerce.

To plan your trip to NKY, here’s a guide for your very own “B-Line” experience!

DATE: March 3rd, 2022

TIME: 6 – 8:30pm EST

LOCATION: Smoke Justis (302 Court St, Covington, KY, 41011)

COST: $40 per person (Limited Tickets)

EVENT & TICKET INFO HERE

The post UPCOMING EVENT: John G. Carlisle Bottle-in-Bond Competition and Celebration appeared first on The Bourbon Review.