Northern Kentucky’s “The B-Line” is a constellation of Bourbon immersed premium experiences. First class distilleries, restaurants, bars, hotels all offering their own lifestyle flavor, all creating a unique top shelf experience as the Northern Gateway To Bourbon Country. Here is your chance to experience it on a silver platter! Enter now for your shot at […]
Northern Kentucky’s “The B-Line” is a constellation of Bourbon immersed premium experiences. First class distilleries, restaurants, bars, hotels all offering their own lifestyle flavor, all creating a unique top shelf experience as the Northern Gateway To Bourbon Country.
Here is your chance to experience it on a silver platter! Enter now for your shot at this FREE SWEEPSTAKES for the Bourbon Country Getaway trip of a lifetime. Remember, you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.
Augusta Distillery in Northern Kentucky’s town of Augusta has some tasty news as they have just released (starting today DISTILLERY ONLY) their Buckner’s 10 Yea Single Barrel Bourbon. AGE: 10 Year PROOF: 126.4 proof (63.2% abv) AVAILIBILITY: Augusta Distillery (Northern Kentucky) The brand got a tremendous boost this year being named “BEST IN THE WORLD” […]
Augusta Distillery in Northern Kentucky’s town of Augusta has some tasty news as they have just released (starting today DISTILLERY ONLY) their Buckner’s 10 Yea Single Barrel Bourbon.
AGE: 10 Year
PROOF: 126.4 proof (63.2% abv)
AVAILIBILITY: Augusta Distillery (Northern Kentucky)
The brand got a tremendous boost this year being named “BEST IN THE WORLD” at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Titled “BEST IN THE WORLD” at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Learn more about Augusta Distillery in our article HERE. Looking for a little fun and adventure in Bourbon Country? Check out Northern Kentucky’s The B-Line, a collection of distilleries, bars, and restaurants – all of which are Bourbon bonified.
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 […]
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.”
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.
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 […]
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’sBEST 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)
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.
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 […]
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.
Photo: Ben Gastright
“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.
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. […]
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.
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?!
Second Sight Spirits. Courtesy
New Riff Distillery. Newport, KY. One of the leading “new” distilleries (est 2014) in the country, putting out some very notable American Whiskey.
New Riff Distillery. Courtesy
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“.
{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 […]
{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.
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.
PRESS RELEASE from “The B-Line“ for Kentucky Senator Bourbon’s upcoming launch Party. Co-founders of Kentucky Senator Bourbon, KY State Senator Majority Leader, Damon Thayer, and equine attorney, Andre Regard, will be at Covington KY’s Smoke Justis on August 10th from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. to launch Kentucky Senator Bourbon’s new release, the John G. Carlisle. […]
PRESS RELEASE from “The B-Line“ for Kentucky Senator Bourbon’s upcoming launch Party.
Co-founders of Kentucky Senator Bourbon, KY State Senator Majority Leader, Damon Thayer, and equine attorney, Andre Regard, will be at Covington KY’s Smoke Justis on August 10th from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. to launch Kentucky Senator Bourbon’s new release, the John G. Carlisle.
Smoke Justis. Part of Northern KY’s “The B-Line” and member of The Bourbon Review’s 2021 America’s Best Bourbon Bars list.
Kentucky Senator Bourbon is a storied brand in the state of Kentucky with deep Northern Kentucky roots. Whiskey makers of excellence, Crigler & Crigler, were based in Covington, KY on Pike and Scott streets prior to Prohibition. They originally produced the Kentucky Senator brand for the world as one the finest Kentucky Bourbons.
Senator Thayer and his business partner Regard gave Kentucky Senator new life by working with various providers to recreate this celebrated brand. They dedicate each release to a Kentucky Senator that has left their mark on history. The first release of Kentucky Senator honored Alben W. Barkley, a Kentucky Senator that became Vice President of the United States under President Harry S. Truman. The second release commemorated William J Deboe, a sponsor of the 17th Amendment to the Constitution. We are especially excited about the third release of Kentucky Senator, celebrating Covington’s John G. Carlisle, who was critical to the passing of the Bottled in Bond Act in 1864.
The John G. Carlisle Kentucky Senator release is a seven-year-old bourbon at a 107 proof. We asked Executive Bourbon Steward and Head Bourbon personality at Smoke Justis, Jade Colwell, to give us some tasting notes to get you excited. She shared her thoughts on the new Kentucky Senator release as “a 7-year-old gem that has budding hints of freshly picked cherries on the tongue. As the bourbon progresses on the pallet shades of sour apple and freshly churned butter appear. Just when you think you are done it hits you with a perfect blend of walnuts and tangerine”.
Make sure to mark your calendar for August 10th at Smoke Justis for a chance to meet co-founders Thayer and Regard, sip some Kentucky Senator John G. Carlisle and learn more about what is next for the brand. The event is open to the public and begins at 6:00 p.m.
For more information on the Bourbon Destinations of Northern Kentucky, please visit www.thebline.com.
(NEWPORT, KY) New Riff Distilling broke ground this week on its new barrel warehouse facility in Silver Grove, Kentucky, a short drive from the distillery and existing warehouse. The 10 acre site will be capable of holding more than 40,000 barrels of whiskey with room for future expansion. The distillery is an anchoring member of Northern Kentucky’s Bourbon Experience […]
(NEWPORT, KY) New Riff Distilling broke ground this week on its new barrel warehouse facility in Silver Grove, Kentucky, a short drive from the distillery and existing warehouse. The 10 acre site will be capable of holding more than 40,000 barrels of whiskey with room for future expansion. The distillery is an anchoring member of Northern Kentucky’s Bourbon Experience titled “B-Line“, definitely worth a road trip.
“Last year we expanded our distillery to increase production,” said co-founder Ken Lewis. “With our Newport facility already nearing capacity before that, it is time to add more storage and we’re happy to be building in Campbell County.”
The 55,000-square-foot
pre-engineered metal building is intended to be ready for use in spring 2023,
Lewis said. JDL Warm Construction is the general contractor for
the project.
Since its founding in 2014, New Riff’s products have attracted a wide following, with demand outpacing supply. New Riff is currently available in 15 states with distribution extending to Illinois and Florida this year. Lewis said the recent production expansion and increased storage capacity will allow the brand to better meet demand for New Riff products.
The 2021 expansion project
increased the distillery by 800 square feet, allowing for the addition of three
additional fermenters and increasing production to 12,000 barrels per year, up
from 8,000 previously.
More About New Riff (Newport, KY):
Kentucky born and urban
bred, New Riff is an independently-owned distillery in
Northern Kentucky — the gateway to bourbon country. In 2014, founder Ken
Lewis, a visionary Kentucky liquor retailer and entrepreneur, saw a
need for a new riff on an old tradition when it came to
Kentucky bourbon. The Newport, Ky., distillery produces bourbon, rye
and Kentucky Wild Gin. Bourbon and rye are made with traditional sour mash
methods and bottled-in-bond without chill filtration. Bourbon and rye are
also available in single barrel selections, and the distillery boasts a
popular private barrel selection program. New Riff sources its
water from an aquifer under the distillery, accessed via a 100’ deep
private well and providing water with four times as much dissolved minerals
than found in other water supplies. New Riff believes
in transparency, so all products feature an age statement and
the mashbills are public. The modern venue hosts a variety
of events and offers an on-site bar, The Aquifer.
