Bardstown is known for a lot of things – beauty, charm, history, heritage – but nothing more so than bourbon. The amber liquid in large part defines Bardstown – so much so that it has become known as “the Bourbon Capital of the World.” Come see for yourself bourbon’s importance to Bardstown when once again the city takes visitors on a week-long journey of exploration, featuring exclusive tastings, behind-the-scenes distillery experiences, special releases and bourbon-inspired events.
National Bourbon Week (June 9-15) provides the perfect opportunity for bourbon enthusiasts from around the world to come sip, savor and study America’s only native spirit and our signature product. “As we kick off the second annual National Bourbon Week, we’re proud to celebrate not only Nelson County’s deep-rooted bourbon heritage, but also the growing economic impact this event brings to our community,” says Stacey Phelps, president of Bardstown/Nelson County Tourism Commission.“This weeklong celebration is a true toast to the spirit, craftsmanship and community that makes us so special,” she continues. Over the course of the week, nine Bourbon Capital Alliance partner distilleries will host more than 20 events designed to please everyone from the novice bourbon drinker to the aficionado.The events will range from panel discussions and distillery tours to one-of-a-kind tastings and a Bluegrass bash you’ll not soon forget.
Get things started on June 9th with the Beam Backyard Luau at the home of James B. Beam Distilling Company Master Distiller Fred Noe. The luau-style pig roast will also feature live music and three specialty Beam-made cocktails. No word yet about a hula contest. On June 10th, get Father’s Day off to an early start with a classic tailgate celebration in honor of the Father of Bourbon Elijah Craig. As part of the Heaven Hill Experience, there won’t be any football, but there will be tailgate-themed food and games with prizes, access to a cigar garden and one complimentary Elijah Craig cocktail. On June 13th, you’ll have a chance to meet all the distillery partners, along with chefs from local restaurants at the downtown Bourbon Capital Mash Up. The restaurants will pair small bites with pours from participating distilleries. Distilleries and their restaurant partners are: Preservation Distillery and The Trail Hotel’s Oak & Ember; Bardstown Bourbon Company and Toogie’s Table; Log Still Distillery and The Legacy at Log Still; Lux Row Distillers and Dust & Flour Co.; James B. Beam Distilling Co. and the Kitchen Table; Barton 1792 Distillery and Flour & Oak Bakery; Old Steelhouse Distillery and Bourbon Ball Inn; Maker’s Mark Distillery and Star Hill Provisions, and Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience and Five Brothers Bar & Kitchen.
The week will wrap up on June 14th with two major events. The first is the 22nd annual Bourbon City Street Concert which will have Bardstown’s Main Street rockin’ with the sounds of three bands, The Locals, Fly2K, and Mixtape – 80s Tribute Band. The second event is a throwback to the 80’s when, according to Michael Douglas in Wall Street, “greed was good.” The Maker’s Mark Totally Bourbon Bash is a ticketed downtown event at the Bourbon Academy’s Brindiamo Penthouse giving partygoers three reasons to celebrate (Bill Samuels, Jr.’s birthday, the Wall Street Journal article that came out in the 80’s and National Bourbon Week itself). It’s okay – remember it’s the decade of greed so three reasons are preferable to one. In addition to a rad 80s theme, there will be retro music and fashion, curated cocktails inspired by the decade and Bill Jr.’s favorite dessert. So, get out those leather rocker jackets and spandex leggings and groove to Def Leopard, Duran Duran and Depeche Mode.
Sam Lacy, Executive Director of the Bourbon Capital Alliance, is overseeing the week-long event. He says that in just its second year, it has already become a driving economic factor for the city. “This robust seven-day series of events highlighting Bardstown’s unrivaled bourbon heritage, has also had a positive impact on our thriving downtown,” says Lacy. “From an economic impact perspective, National Bourbon Week will be second only to the annual Kentucky Bourbon Festival in terms of driving tourism to Bardstown and Nelson County.”
For more information on National Bourbon Week, go to www.nationalbourbonweek.com