2024 Bourbon Classic just announced tickets are now on sale for the satellite event TOP SHELF: A Buffalo Trace Antique Collection Experience” taking place at Louisville’s luxuriously eclectic 21c on February 21. Tickets are extremely LIMITED. This special experience entails an intimate evening with a 5 flight tasting of the 2023 BTAC lineup. Culinary might […]
2024 Bourbon Classic just announced tickets are now on sale for the satellite event TOP SHELF: A Buffalo Trace Antique Collection Experience”taking place at Louisville’s luxuriously eclectic 21c on February 21. Tickets are extremely LIMITED.
This special experience entails an intimate evening with a 5 flight tasting of the 2023 BTAC lineup. Culinary might to match the super premium coveted whiskeys will be on hand, provided by 21c’s supremely talented Proof On Main.
SPECIAL GUEST: And perhaps best of all, Buffalo Trace legend Freddie “Daddy ‘O” Johnson will be on hand mingling with attendees.
As if all this isn’t enough, there will be additional bar offering special Buffalo Trace Distillery tastings.
2024 Bourbon Classic, Feb 23 – 24, Louisville
The 2024 Bourbon Classic weekend experience takes place Friday and Saturday, Feb 23 – 24, at Louisville’s “KY International Convention Center”. This is the epicurean trifecta of experiences: Culinary, Cocktail, and Bourbon.
Last Saturday’s super bougie premium American Whiskey Auction via Sotheby’s did not disappoint apparently as 2 coveted rare bottles went for over $90g’s. Records were set. Big cash dished out. The two big blockbusters, LeNell’s Red Hook Rye 23 Year and Rathskeller Rye, each fetched far beyond their highest initial estimate ranges. The LRHR 23 […]
Last Saturday’s super bougie premium American Whiskey Auction via Sotheby’s did not disappoint apparently as 2 coveted rare bottles went for over $90g’s. Records were set. Big cash dished out.
The two big blockbusters, LeNell’s Red Hook Rye 23 Year and Rathskeller Rye, each fetched far beyond their highest initial estimate ranges. The LRHR 23 year scoring $56,250 (est range $20,000 – $30,000) and RR grabbing $37,500 ($18,000 – $24,000).
LeNell’s Red Hook Rye 23 Year Old Barrel #1 67.6 ABV, sold for $56,250 (est. $20,000 – $30,000)
In the 2000s, LeNell Santa Ana Camacho owned a specialty liquor store in the Red Hook section of Brooklyn. Ahead of her time, she reveled in American whiskey: She not only carried brands like Pappy Van Winkle in her shop, but she traveled to Kentucky to see how she could source more. On one of those trips, she met Drew Kulsveen of the Willett distillery; they got to talking, and soon the two were selecting four barrels of rye whiskey, aged between 23 and 24 years and bottled at cask strength. It was a great choice: the barrels came from a legendary run of whiskey distilled at the Bernheim Distillery, in Louisville, in the early 1980s. Other legendary whiskeys came from the same batch, like Rathskeller Rye and the Bitter Truth, but LeNell’s Red Hook Rye has emerged as the most distinctive and sought after American whiskey, perhaps of all time. To top it all off, this bottle is signed by LeNell herself.
Rathskeller Rye 136 Proof 1983 (1 BT 75cl), sold for $37,500 (est. $18,000 – $24,000)
Built by two German immigrants in an opulent European style, the Seelbach is Louisville’s grandest hotel. In its basement sits the Rathskeller, a ceramic-encrusted pub that today is used as a ballroom. In 2007 the hotel’s owners commissioned the Willett Distillery to bottle two whiskeys, a bourbon and a rye, to commemorate its rich history. The 24-year-old rye, known as Rathskeller, came from the same run of whiskey that went into bottles like Doug’s Green Ink and LeNell’s Red Hook Rye – legendary company befitting one of the country’s most desired whiskeys.
Built by two German immigrants in an opulent European style, the Seelbach is Louisville’s grandest hotel. In its basement sits the Rathskeller, a ceramic-encrusted pub that today is used as a ballroom. In 2007 the hotel’s owners commissioned the Willett Distillery to bottle two whiskeys, a bourbon and a rye, to commemorate its rich history. The 24-year-old rye, known as Rathskeller, came from the same run of whiskey that went into bottles like Doug’s Green Ink and LeNell’s Red Hook Rye – legendary company befitting one of the country’s most desired whiskeys.
Key Takeaways
Highest number of total bids ever placed in a Sotheby’s spirits auction
$2.3m in total sales
99% auction items sold
Nearly half of items sold ABOVE pre sale estimates
Bidders across 21 countries
Speaking after the sale, Jonny Fowle, Global Head of Spirits, said: “This weekend represented a great success for the market, with Sotheby’s final whiskey auction for the year in New York setting a number of new records, not least for Red Hook Rye. This sale garnered the highest number of bids ever placed on a Sotheby’s spirits auction, and contributed to a total of $9M in sales globally over the last 4 weeks alone. We look forward to building upon this result for our first ever Sotheby’s Whiskey Evening Sale on 20 January 2024.”
Bourbon Classic (Feb 21 – 24, Louisville, KY) is a celebration of the best of the best in BOURBON, CULINARY, and COCKTAILS, aka the “epicurean trifecta”. We hope you’ll join us for the sensory experience of a lifetime! PURCHASE TICKETS Friday, February 23: Cocktail & Culinary Challenge Cocktail & Culinary Challenge – featuring Bourbon cocktails […]
Bourbon Classic (Feb 21 – 24, Louisville, KY) is a celebration of the best of the best in BOURBON, CULINARY, and COCKTAILS, aka the “epicurean trifecta”. We hope you’ll join us for the sensory experience of a lifetime!
Friday, February 23: Cocktail & Culinary Challenge
Cocktail & Culinary Challenge – featuring Bourbon cocktails and small plate pairings from top talent chefs and bartenders and a closing awards ceremony.
Saturday, February 24: “Bourbon University” and “TASTE”
Bourbon University – Bourbon immersed sessions where education meets entertainment. TASTE – an exclusive opportunity to sample a variety of different Bourbons and enjoy delicious dishes from our featured restaurants.
2024 weekend events will take place at the Kentucky International Convention Center, located in the heart of downtown Louisville, easy walking distance to the nearby urban distilleries.
Special events are also being planned for February 21 and 22. Additional details to be announced.
Tickets are going fast, so be sure to get yours soon!
SPECIAL HOTEL RATE: Book your experience at the Louisville Marriott Downtown (280 W Jefferson St, Louisville, KY 40202)
LOUISVILLE, KY – Bardstown Bourbon Company’s new tasting experience is now open in the heart of downtown Louisville’s storied Whiskey Row. As the modern bourbon experience, the Louisville Tasting Room will feature highly interactive education, innovative craft cocktails, augmented reality and immersive digital environments, curated retail merchandise and exclusive bottles. The new experience is located […]
LOUISVILLE, KY – Bardstown Bourbon Company’s new tasting experience is now open in the heart of downtown Louisville’s storied Whiskey Row. As the modern bourbon experience, the Louisville Tasting Room will feature highly interactive education, innovative craft cocktails, augmented reality and immersive digital environments, curated retail merchandise and exclusive bottles.
The new experience is located at 730 W. Main Street, which anchors the west end of Main Street just past 21c Museum Hotel and a block from the Frazier Museum, enables consumers to experience the brand in a variety of ways. In true Bardstown Bourbon Co. fashion, the Louisville Tasting Room features a full-service bar with innovative craft cocktails and unique tasting experiences. The fresh, modern environment matches their expertise in blending, finishing and whiskey-making with immersive digital environments.
“As a company focused on exploring and showcasing what’s possible in whiskey, we’ve spent years creating a new tradition that celebrates the past while looking into the future. For this space, integrating leading-edge technology and building tasting experiences unlike anything else in the state was key to doing that. Bardstown Bourbon Company has the opportunity to speak to a much larger audience in Downtown Louisville and merged the best of design, experience, and story-telling in order to do so,” said Dan Callaway, Vice President of New Product Development at Bardstown Bourbon Co.
Bardstown Bourbon Company worked with international agency 3rockAR to create a 3D engagement as you enter the spaces, showcasing the family of brands. Hidden augmented reality elements throughout the space — created by local experiential agency HumanX — will tie back to the state-of-the-art distillery in Bardstown, Ky.
“More than 2 million visitors came to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail last year and more people are enjoying bourbon experiences all across the state. While many make the pilgrimage to Bardstown, Louisville is really Kentucky’s open arms. House Bill 500, which granted the ability to open a tasting room, made way for us to educate people about how we’re moving bourbon forward in a distinctly Bardstown Bourbon Co. way, right here in Louisville,” said Mark Erwin, CEO of Bardstown Bourbon Co.
Courtesy
The 3 ExperiencesTo See
The Tasting Room will offer three distinct educational experiences ranging from $25-35 per person and last up to 40 minutes.
The Collaborative SeriesExperience showcases some of the most innovative and complex whiskies on the market, discovering the influence of barrel finishing in partnership with leading producers in a variety of spirits categories.
The Origin Experience showcases the brand’s 100 percent estate-distilled flagship products.
The Art of Blending Experience explores the sensory characteristics of the unique bourbons of the Discovery Series, studying the aroma, flavor, and finish.
The space also features a retail shop that will sell the full portfolio of Bardstown Bourbon Co. products, merchandise, and distillery-only releases at select times. Selections include the latest sought-after collaborations with Goose Island and Foursquare Rum, Discovery 10 and 11, and new releases that will ONLY be available at the Louisville Tasting Room.
The bar menu has been carefully curated to open with a mixture of bespoke cocktails and innovative twists on classics. It will evolve seasonally to feature local ingredients and new riffs.
The Bardstown Bourbon Co. Louisville Tasting Room took nearly a year to construct and was brought to life by a collaborative team of Kentucky vendors, including architecture and interior design by Joseph & Joseph (Louisville, Ky.), Buzick Construction (Bardstown, Ky.), fabrication by Rustic Nail & Co. (Bowling Green, Ky.) and interior design consultants Willie Martin’s (Lebanon, Ky.)
The Bardstown Bourbon Company Louisville Tasting Room will be open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Private event bookings will be available later in the year. For more information or to book experiences, visit bardstownbourbon.com.
Winding roads with heart-stopping views, wineries, historic homes, nature preserves and yes, horses and bourbon, are all highlighted in Kentucky’s latest tourism campaign inviting visitors to take a Joy Ride through Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region. With a nostalgic flair, and the most beautiful scenic byways in America, Kentucky’s Joy Ride campaign encourages travelers to take the […]
Winding roads with heart-stopping views, wineries, historic homes, nature preserves and yes, horses and bourbon, are all highlighted in Kentucky’s latest tourism campaign inviting visitors to take a Joy Ride through Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region. With a nostalgic flair, and the most beautiful scenic byways in America, Kentucky’s Joy Ride campaign encourages travelers to take the backroads, and own the idea that life is all about the journey and not just the destination.
“Travel is booming, and with that, people are re-discovering the joy of the open road,” said Mary Quinn Ramer, President, VisitLEX. “The Joy Ride campaign encourages people to travel like they used to, in the ‘50s and ‘60s, when people took their time to stop at scenic sites along the way, really enjoying the experience of getting to their destination.”
Anchored by a two-minute short film featuring and narrated by Mike Wolfe from The History Channel TV show American Pickers, alongside Heritage Tourism Preservationist Leticia Cline, Joy Ride showcases their trip exploring idyllic spots in Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region. The commercial will run nationwide on Connected TV channels of Discovery Networks, HULU, YouTube, Google and other social channels now through the end of next year.
“As people plan their fall travel and next year’s spring break or summer vacation, we encourage them to travel the way Americans used to travel – taking the backroads and enjoying the time spent together and the memories made,” added Ramer.
Commemorative Posters
The Joy Ride campaign is also supported by nostalgic collectible posters and digital content highlighting these iconic spots in the Bluegrass:
Berea, KY – Historic Boone Tavern
Carlisle – Nicholas County, KY – Wendt’s Wildlife Adventure
Cynthiana, KY – Downtown Cynthiana
Frankfort, KY – Buffalo Trace Distillery
Georgetown – Scott County, KY – Old Friends Farm
Harrodsburg, KY – Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill
Lancaster & Paint Lick, KY – Herrington Lake
Lawrenceburg, KY – Kentucky River at Young’s High Bridge and Wild Turkey Distillery
Lexington, KY – Keeneland Race Track
Nicholasville & Wilmore, KY – First Vineyard and Winery and 1922 House Vineyards and Winery
Paris – Bourbon County, KY – Claiborne Farms
Richmond, KY – Battle of Richmond and Fort Boonesboro
Standford – Lincoln County, KY – William Whitley House and Sportsman’s Hill
Winchester, KY – Ale-8-One Soda, Beer Cheese Trail and Beer Cheese Festival
Woodford County, KY – Woodford Reserve Distillery
Posters are available at each participating site. Kentucky Tourism’s Joy Ride campaign runs from September 20th, 2023 through the end of 2024. For more information on each site, visit bluegrasskentucky.com
About Joy Ride
Joy Ride is a tourism campaign supported by Team Kentucky through the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet. The Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet is dedicated to fostering and promoting the state’s rich heritage as well as continuing Kentucky’s long history of being a premiere travel destination for all travelers to enjoy. For more information visit Tourism News – Tourism, Arts & Heritage (ky.gov)
{Louisville, KY} Barrels & Billets, Hillerich & Bradsby Co.’s (H&B) unique experience where guests blend, create and bottle their very own bourbon, is now an official member of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, run by the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. Located at H&B’s downtown Louisville campus at 8th & Main Street, the bourbon experiences enjoyed by locals […]
{Louisville, KY} Barrels & Billets, Hillerich & Bradsby Co.’s (H&B) unique experience where guests blend, create and bottle their very own bourbon, is now an official member of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, run by the Kentucky Distillers’ Association.
Located at H&B’s downtown Louisville campus at 8th & Main Street, the bourbon experiences enjoyed by locals and tourists alike opened in February 2022 and has seen more than 13,000 guests in its first year.
More than just a tasting, guests at Barrels & Billets blend with six award-winning WoodCraft finished bourbons including a 200 Year Oak, European Oak, American Oak, Cherry Wood, Maple Wood, and Smoked Oak. During the experience, guests learn the art of bourbon blending before the chance to test their skill at blending to their own preferred flavor profile. Once the blending experience is complete, guests are able to have their unique recipe bottled onsite in a personalized, commemorative package.
“The entire Barrels & Billets team is ecstatic to join KDA and play a role in such an incredible Kentucky industry,” said Patrick Shortridge, Director of Guest Experience at Hillerich & Bradsby Co. “This is a big milestone for us and we look forward to building onto Barrels & Billets’ fun and unique take on what people can experience in downtown bourbon.”
Along with the position on the bourbon trail, Barrels & Billets will also release a suite of three new bourbons. The Home Plate Series featuring baseball iconography includes Lucky Lumber Easy Drinking Bourbon, Lead Off Rich & Complex Bourbon and Smokin’ Fastball Smoked Bourbon. Available exclusively in the Barrels & Billets shop, each bourbon is offered for a retail price of $40 and is presented at 90 proof/45% ABV.
Lucky Lumber shows a lithe and lively bouquet of Bing cherry, dried flower, white chocolate, and raw honey. On the palate, sweet maple flavors arise with notes of baked molasses and a lingering impression of ripe berry fruit.
Lead Off offers a bold yet inviting nose that carries hints of freshly baked snickerdoodles, cigar smoke, and saddle leather. It’s remarkably soft on the palate from start to finish, bringing flavors of stewed maraschino cherries, baked orchard fruit, and candied pecans before clove spice kiss the finish.
Smokin’ Fastball’s complex nose showcases a medley of young leather and cigar box aromas with muddled orange peel and bran muffin. Comforting flavors of ripe stone fruit, baked apricots, and vanilla custard come through, rounding out and creating a pleasingly smooth profile that lingers through a smooth finish.
“We entered the tourism and entertainment industry more than 25 years ago when we opened the doors of Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory right here on West Main,” said John Hillerich, President & CEO of Hillerich & Bradsby Co. “We’re excited to join KDA with a one-of-a-kind, fun experience that not only adds to the excitement of historic Main Street, but also complements Louisville’s flourishing bourbon tourism industry. ”
Barrels & Billets is one of 3 venues at H&B’s campus located at 800 W Main St. in downtown Louisville, including the award-winning Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory and The Skybox, a 5,000 sq. ft. event space.
FOR TICKETS: Tickets are available at BarrelsAndBillets.com. Custom bourbon experiences are offered for $35 per person and custom blend 750ml bottles can be purchased for $50. Guests can also try the Flight School experience where they can sample 3 bourbons and 3 different cocktails crafted with the Home Plate Series bourbons.
A variety of Barrels & Billets bourbons are available exclusively at the attraction, including its premium bourbon J. Frederick, created in honor of J. Frederick Hillerich who immigrated to America from Germany on October 7, 1842 as a woodworker and made barrels for the burgeoning whiskey business.
Bourbon Classic (est. 2013) is thrilled to announce tickets are now on sale for the 2024 annual celebration of the best of the best in Bourbon, culinary and cocktails…the ultimate trifecta. Tickets are available at BourbonClassic.com. The event will be held February 21 – 24, 2024, in Louisville, Kentucky. All 2023 Bourbon Classic events SOLD […]
Bourbon Classic (est. 2013) is thrilled to announce tickets are now on sale for the 2024 annual celebration of the best of the best in Bourbon, culinary and cocktails…the ultimate trifecta.
Tickets are available at BourbonClassic.com. The event will be held February 21 – 24, 2024, in Louisville, Kentucky. All 2023 Bourbon Classic events SOLD OUT; those interested in attending in 2024 are encouraged to giddy up and act fast.
The 2024 Bourbon Classic weekend events will take place at the
Kentucky International Convention Center, located in the heart of
downtown Louisville, easy walking distance to the nearby urban distilleries.
“Like
a fine Bourbon, the signature Bourbon Classic event only gets better with age.
We are happy to welcome the event back next year and excited to showcase our
vibrant downtown, including the historic Whiskey Row.”
– Louisville Mayor
Craig Greenberg
Signature Bourbon Classic events returning for 2024 include:
Cocktail and Culinary Challenge(Friday, February 23) – showcasing exemplary Bourbon cocktails paired with a chef’s Bourbon-themed culinary complement
Bourbon University(Saturday, (February 24) – an opportunity to learn from industry experts through lively moderated discussions, demos and tastings
TASTE(Saturday, February24) – grand finale featuring samples from top Bourbon brands, food pairings from featured restaurants and Bourbon-inspired products.
More events to be announced. To be the first to know, sign up for the email list HERE.
Bourbon Classic co-founder, Seth Thompson.
“2023 was a breakthrough year
for us in terms of consumer attendance and brand support, the perfect way to
celebrate our 10th Anniversary. This is why we are ecstatic to take Classic to
our new venue, KICC, where we can continue to grow the right way, in ensuring
an intimate top shelf experience for everyone. As Louisville’s original
Celebration of The Bourbon Lifestyle, we couldn’t be more proud of what has
been accomplished together with the Bourbon and Hospitality Industry, and we
couldn’t be more excited as to what the future holds!”
– Bourbon Classic co-founder
Seth Thompson
The Bourbon Classic is operated by Tony Butler of FSA Management Group and The Bourbon Review’s Seth Thompson.
PARTNERING HOTEL (Preferred Rate): A preferred rate is available at the Louisville Marriott Downtown, 280 W. Jefferson St. The hotel is an easy walk to the weekend venue, the Kentucky International Convention Center. The terrific downtown location is in close range to Whiskey Row, dining, and major visitor experiences. CLICK HEREto access the preferred rate.
Ticket information about additional 2024 events will be announced soon.
It’s Christmas in July, aka AMAZON PRIME DAY. Who doesn’t love the thrill of the deal? For some (OK, a lot of us), the hunt surpasses the deal itself. But scrolling through the ends of the e-earth, that takes time. You’re very welcome as we’ve done the hunting for you and rounded up some pretty […]
Who doesn’t love the thrill of the deal? For some (OK, a lot of us), the hunt surpasses the deal itself. But scrolling through the ends of the e-earth, that takes time.
You’re very welcome as we’ve done the hunting for you and rounded up some pretty cool things that you likely never knew you needed until now. Some stellar deals and good gift giver items for you to enjoy. Cheers!
As if enough awesome things haven’t happened in the “Bourbon Capital” of Bourbon Country – BARDSTOWN, KENTUCKY. Now, the charming town seeped in Bourbon history and oozing with new Bourbon development can add another jewel to it’s amber crown – PENTHOUSE. “Brindiamo Penthouse” to be precise. Located as any good penthouse should be, the Brindiamo […]
As if enough awesome things haven’t happened in the “Bourbon Capital” of Bourbon Country – BARDSTOWN, KENTUCKY. Now, the charming town seeped in Bourbon history and oozing with new Bourbon development can add another jewel to it’s amber crown – PENTHOUSE. “Brindiamo Penthouse” to be precise.
Located as any good penthouse should be, the Brindiamo Penthouse sits on the top floor of the iconic Spalding Hall in downtown Bardstown. The magnificent space, made possible by a generous $150,000 donation from the Brindiamo Group, a Nashville-based beverage alcohol industry consulting firm, promises to become a centerpiece for bourbon enthusiasts that reflects Bardstown’s status as the Bourbon Capital of the World.
Aside from being eye candy, it will serve as a multifunctional venue for the Bourbon Capital Alliance, offering an exclusive setting for member meetings, tastings and enhanced exposure to the nine partner distilleries. The space will also house the Bourbon Capital Academy’s purpose-built classroom, designed to provide an immersive bourbon education experience complete with sensory components, interactive elements and the renowned Taste of Bardstown flight board featuring delectable bourbons from partner distilleries.
Classroom space at Brindiamo Penthouse.
The concept and design were meticulously crafted by the Cadillac of Bourbon Industry architectural firms – Joseph & Joseph + Bravura Architects. A multi-generational family operated design firm (circa 1908) headquartered in Louisville that has been the creator of more Bourbon-centric experiences then you can shake a stick at.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear expressed his excitement, stating, “Kentucky’s signature bourbon industry is a vital part of the commonwealth’s continued success, whether that is through production, tourism or the numerous other opportunities the sector brings to our state. I am thrilled to see this new venue opening in Nelson County and the prosperity that bourbon continues to create throughout this region and statewide. Congratulations to the Bardstown community and everyone who had a hand in making this project possible.”
“We are thrilled to unveil the Brindiamo Penthouse to the world!” said Sam Lacy,Executive Director of the Bourbon Capital Alliance. “This extraordinary space embodies the essence of Bardstown’s bourbon heritage. Thanks to the generous donation from the Brindiamo Group and our partnership with the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, we have transformed the space into a premium meeting venue for the Bourbon Capital Guild and a cutting-edge classroom for our Bourbon Capital Academy.”
Jeff Hopmayer, Founder of the Brindiamo Group, expressed his support: “By contributing to the funding of this exceptional facility, Brindiamo Group is proud to be a part of advancing the Bourbon Capital Alliance, Kentucky Bourbon Festival, and the Bourbon Capital Academy. This dedicated space will serve as a focal point for raising awareness and knowledge about bourbon, further enhancing the global success of Kentucky bourbon.”
“We could not be more excited to help create and unveil the new Brindiamo Penthouse,” said David Mandell,Chairman of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival. “This tremendously generous gift supports the bourbon industry, the KBF, and the community of Bardstown, Kentucky.”
Brindiamo Penthouse.
About the Bourbon Capital Alliance
The Bourbon Capital Alliance is a 501c3 nonprofit organization based in Bardstown, KY. Established in 2017, the organization has been dedicated to fostering additional bourbon experiences and events, enhancing the visual presence of bourbon in Bardstown/Nelson County, and preserving and promoting the rich bourbon heritage and culture.
About the Brindiamo Group, LLC
Founded in 2012, the Brindiamo Group is a leading consulting firm and one of the world’s largest bulk bourbon and whiskey suppliers. Comprised of seasoned entrepreneurs and executives with over 150 years of combined experience in the spirits industry, the Brindiamo Group has provided expert guidance and strategic partnerships to distilleries, brands, and individuals worldwide, shaping the future of the beverage alcohol industry.
About the Kentucky Bourbon Festival (Bardstown, KY)
The Kentucky Bourbon Festival, scheduled for September 15-17, 2023, is a celebration of Kentucky Bourbon and the esteemed Bourbon Capital of the World, Bardstown, Kentucky. What originated as a Bourbon tasting dinner has evolved into an authentic and immersive experience that brings together bourbon enthusiasts from across the globe. With over three decades of history, the Kentucky Bourbon Festival stands as one of the Commonwealth’s premier cultural festivals.
Northern Kentucky Tourism (meetNKY) is celebrating the 5th Anniversary of its Bourbon travel destination creation “The B-Line” in proper style and fashion. Think of The B-Line as a collection of Bourbon distilleries and Bourbon bar/restaurant destinations that you certainly want to both add and check off your experiential list. A B-Line official stop must follow […]
Northern Kentucky Tourism (meetNKY) is celebrating the 5th Anniversary of its Bourbon travel destination creation “The B-Line” in proper style and fashion. Think of The B-Line as a collection of Bourbon distilleries and Bourbon bar/restaurant destinations that you certainly want to both add and check off your experiential list. A B-Line official stop must follow strict criteria of which is described in more detail below. Essentially, you can’t be any geek off the street.
To honor The B-Line’s half decade milestone and also National Bourbon Day (June 14th), they are adding 5 new Bourbon destinations:
“We launched The B-Line® in 2018 as a way to remind people that Northern Kentucky is the gateway to Bourbon Country,” said meetNKY President and CEO, Julie Kirkpatrick. “It celebrates the businesses that are passionate about being part of the Commonwealth’s rich bourbon heritage, representing and elevating Northern Kentucky on an international scale. There’s no better way to celebrate National Bourbon Day, a holiday created to recognize the high standards for distilling and celebrating ‘America’s Native Spirit’ than by adding these five new spots for visitors and locals to enjoy!”
The B-Line was created to help capture the bourbon-curious audience of millions of people who drive down I-75 or fly into CVG (Cinci Airport, actually in NKY) annually to visit Kentucky’s famed Bourbon Trail, of which there were 2.1 million in 2022.
“Revival is known for our vintage, rare and eccentric collection of spirits, which is a perfect addition for The B-Line®,” said Shannon Smith, co-founder of Revival Vintage Bottle Shop in Covington. “We look forward to showcasing what Northern Kentucky has to offer to bourbon fans who come to us from all over the world to experience our region’s own rare and eccentric nature.”
Revival. Courtesy
The new additions to The B-Line® bring the number of bourbon bars, craft distilleries and bourbon-centric restaurants throughout Covington, Newport, Independence, Sparta, Augusta and Maysville, Ky., to 23. A full list of participating establishments can be found on The B-Line’s website.
“On this B-Line stop expect to experience history, tradition, hospitality, a continued passion for family, a little Hollywood and great Italian food,” said lead bartender for Pompilio’s, Kristin Knollman. “The bar at Pompilio’s dates back to 1886, was the first bourbon bar in Northern Kentucky and houses a vast and growing bourbon selection. Once alcohol became legal again, Pompilio’s earned and still holds the first liquor license awarded in Kentucky after prohibition. Pompilio’s has provided visitors from around the region and nationally with classic cuisine and great spirits for over 90 years. With a heritage almost as rich as bourbon itself, this new B-Line stop is the perfect backdrop to create your own traditions.”
Pompilio’s. Courtesy NKY TourismPompilio’s owner, Joe Bristow. Courtesy
There are seven, strict criteria the new stops have to agree to in order to be a part of The B-Line®. These include things like fostering a culture around bourbon through continuing education and stocking certain types of bourbons. Restaurants must have at least 50 labels of bourbon (with a preference for Kentucky Bourbon) while bars must stock at least 100. Weekly bourbon-infused food and drink specials are also a requirement. For bars, they must also host bourbon-related events and offer specialty flights.
Distilleries
must be a member in Good Standing with the Kentucky Distillers Association and
be part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® or Kentucky Bourbon Trail
Craft Tour®. Full details on qualifying for The B-Line®
can be found on meetNKY’s website.
In conjunction with the new additions and National Bourbon Day festivities, The B-Line® also launched a new line of merchandise, designed by BLDG, including t-shirts featuring bourbon-centric puns, hats, and glasses. People can receive this new swag by completing their B-Line® passport by visiting each stop along Northern Kentucky’s bourbon trail. (Passports can be acquired at any official B-Line location.) To redeem a passport, visit meetnky.com/redeem.
