You could say that every day is Bourbon Day in Bardstown, the self-proclaimed Bourbon Capital of the World.
However, for the third year in a row, a week in June – this year June 14-21, is making it official. Tickets are on sale now for an eight-day journey of exclusive tastings at 17 distilleries and tasting rooms, behind-the-scenes distillery experiences, special releases, and some 30 events inspired by America’s only native spirit. It would probably be safe to say that every distillery tries to make its events stand out from the rest.
For example, do you spend opening day (Sunday, June 14th) with the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience team in a celebration of Elijah Craig (featuring tastings, food and cocktail offerings, live music and craft demonstrations), or head over to Preservation Distillery for the Boone Family Reunion with barbecue, live music, craft cocktails and interactive experiences on the farm? (In case you’re wondering, the Boone whose family is reuniting was Wattie Boone who distilled bourbon on what is now Preservation in 1776.)
If you purchase a ticket to this event, you can celebrate Boone’s bourbon and America’s 250th birthday at the same time.
One of the most popular of the week’s events occurs on Monday, June 15th as the James B. Beam Distilling Co. carries on the tradition of Booker Noe’s famous “Bourbon-Ques,” a combo of BBQ and the distillery’s best spirits.Join the Beam team for a Kentucky-style luau in Jim Beam’s backyard.
If you are a serious bourbon scholar, Tuesday, June 16th is tailored just for you. Learn about the process of bourbon distillation through a conversation and guided tasting with owner and founder Wally Dant at Log Still Distillery.
Or you can craft your very own bourbon when you join the founders of Old Steelhouse Distillery at their historic property.
There’s more fun on Wednesday, the 17th as visitors can choose either a barbecue with open bar and live music at Lux Row Distillers or a more intimate soiree in the Visitors Center at Maker’s Mark which provides the opportunity to meet Bill Samuels, Jr. during an evening of curated heavy appetizers and specialty cocktails.
However, it’s not all fun and no work on the 17th. At the Big Vat Blending Class Jane Bowie, owner of the Potter Jane Distilling Company, will lead an intimate session on the art of whiskey blending.
Okay, we admit - it will be a little fun.
The James B. Beam Distilling Co. is the place to be on Thursday, June 18th for their Kitchen Table Restaurant multi-course dinner experience. Each course will be paired with a curated selection of Beam whiskies designed to bring out the bold flavors and seasonal ingredients of the food. Be forewarned: Better make your reservations early for this one as it’s a favorite.
TGIF! Because on Friday, June 19th, it’s the Bourbon Capital Mash Up. The stunning Bespoke in Bond event space in downtown Bardstown will be the site of this fun evening where 10 master distillers pair up with a local chef to tempt the tastebuds with small bites and bourbon.
Saturday, June 20th ushers in the weekend with a gentle start (Barrels and Biscuits Brunch at Limestone Branch Distillery); continues with the Big Vat Bar Crawl (crawling begins mid-afternoon at Evergreen Liquors), and follows with the 23rd Annual Bourbon City Street Concert on Third Street in downtown Bardstown.
What better way to conclude National Bourbon Week than by honoring Dad? On Sunday, June 21st, visitors will have the opportunity to do both at the Father’s Day Brunch & Tour at Barton’s 1792 Distillery, Bardstown’s oldest continuously operating distillery.
National Bourbon Week, organized by the Bourbon Capital Alliance, is truly a “Spirited” Celebration and a can’t-miss event for anyone who appreciates America’s native spirit.
For more information on events and how to purchase tickets, go to nationalbourbonweek.com. For more information on Bardstown attractions, go to VisitBardstown.com.