09/16/23
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer

It is finally here.  The Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown, KY.  This is our second year to attend and it should prove to be a bit different experience for several reasons.  First, it’s not our first rodeo.  Second, we have VIP tickets.  Third, we completed the Kentucky Bourbon Trail in May. Plus, we know several people who are attending and it will be great to see them as well as the folks we have met along the trail.

We headed out on our 150 mile trek at about 11 AM.  With the time change, we anticipated arriving just in time to check into our lodging.  We were thrilled to be staying exactly 1 mile from the festival grounds – a great improvement over last year when we had to stay 20 miles away in Elizabethtown. Booking almost a year in advance, we were able to secure the Old Bardstown Inn (motel).  When we arrived, our room was ready and lower level as requested.  While not fancy, it has all we need and even a small refrigerator and microwave. 

First up, the Bourbon in the Air Reception at the festival grounds. Bardstown was HOPPING for a Thursday night and traffic was heavy.  We opted to park at the same little spot we found in 2022 – the only parking spot on a little side street and only two blocks to the gate.  As always, it is fun to chat with fellow bourbon lovers while waiting in line.  We met people from Florida, New York, and Chicago.  Everyone has a story and it is great to hear what brought them to the KBF this year. 

Finally, the gates opened at 5:30 PM and it was time to kick it off! Naturally, we were greeted with a cocktail as we entered.  Let the fun begin!  The layout was very similar with a few minor adjustments so we were able to quickly acclimate and determine where we wanted to head first.

The Buffalo Trace tent was our first stop.  The folks from Barton’s were pouring Sweet Wheat 1792 and Thomas S. Moore. We had never had either of those and each pour was terrific.  The only bummer was that they would not be selling any bottles.

Next we decided to not follow the crowd and head to the Craft Distiller area.  With a great spot. There was Barry Brinegar and RD1 Spirits as we entered!  It was nice to chat with him and his wife, Tori, while sipping on his wonderful RD1 with the Amburana wood finish. 

Our next taste was at Heaven’s Door.  Wayne tried the Revelation while I sampled the Ascension.

We returned to the main area to visit a place we love – Bardstown Bourbon Company. We had read of their latest collaboration release and were hoping there would be a sampling – we were not disappointed. 

Goose Island Bourbon County: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey finished in Goose Island Bourbon Country brand stout barrels. They were not selling it for the reception but we knew we would be able to acquire a bottle on Friday.

Just across the way were our friends at Green River Distilling!  Both Aaron Harris (Master Distiller) and Caryn Wells (Brand Ambassador) were at their booth.  We chatted, sampled, and had fun – as always!

Nearby, another favorite – New Riff.  They had a special single barrel just for the KBF.  As always, it had a great nose and taste – PLUS – they were selling that evening.  New Riff became our first bottle purchase of this year’s KBF!

We wandered a bit more.  Visited with Bulleit, Maker’s Mark, and Rabbit Hole.  Each had a terrific pour.

Next we noticed a place we were unfamiliar with – Milam & Greene.  We got a couple of pours and took a rest in their comfy chairs.  A lovely lady came to ask how we were enjoying our choices. We asked if the Master Distiller would be around and she said – that is me – I’m Marlene (Holmes).  She proceeded to talk about her journey in the industry and affectionately discussed how she “cut her teeth” at Jim Beam.  She also called over Heather (Greene), their Master Blender. We loved meeting her and plan to stay in touch.

Our final, and very important stop – the buffet!  It was a fantastic spread with a wide range of choices.  While we enjoyed it all, my favorite bite had to be the Kentucky Hot Brown Macaroni & Cheese.  Wow! Just crazy good.

It was nearly 9 PM and time to head back to our hotel.  It was a great night, but with the full festival kicking off on Friday, we need to rest up!

Cheers and Happy Trails!
Rebecca