09/17/23
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Friday was the first FULL day of the KBF.  We decided to head to the area at 8 AM and we were rewarded with a prime parking place. We then walked to Mammy’s for breakfast.  Whew – they were slammed but we had time and knew the wait would be worth it – and it was.  Wayne kicked things off with a Bloody Mary.  He then chose the omelette while I had country fried steak.  

We walked over to the Blind Pig Bourbon Market to get a bottle of Milam & Greene since they were not able to sell at the KBF this year.

At about 10:30 AM we proceeded to get into the VIP line as the gate was scheduled to open at 11 AM.  We were several hundred back and knew we should have gotten there earlier.  It’s always a tough call – stand in line extra long to get in or stand in line at a distiller’s tent when you get inside.  Lines are lines!

Just as the line started to move, Wayne was asked to do an interview with American Whiskey Magazine.  I went on in because we had a plan and I knew he would find me at the Jim Beam line.  Yup – just as as planned it.  They had a nice selection of bottles for offering; however, we were targeting (1) KBF special selections and (2) hard-to-find ones that we did not have in our collection.  We were successful in acquiring both.  The KBF Barrel Select for 2023 is a Knob Creek Rye.  Our other one was the Hardins Creek – Boston.

Our next order of business was to find the entrance for the VIP tent and secure a bottle locker – because no one wants to carry bottles around all day!! We were successful with both quests. We spent a bit of time in the VIP tent as the AC and a comfortable chair reinvigorated us to start the rounds.

First stop – Neeley Family Distillery!  While Royce and Rebekah were not there, PawPaw was and he was signing bottles of his Birthday Barrel. We were the first to buy it and got Bottle #1.

We tasted at Blue Line and Blue Note.  Next was Lucky Seven. We were able to meet both the Master Distiller and Master Blender. It was interesting to chat about their process and where their ideas for mashbills and finishes are derived.  We enjoy their products and it was fun to taste a few of their newest releases..

A new one for us was Lawrenceburg Bourbon Company.  We had a nice discussion with Greg, their Founder and Master Distiller, and picked up two bottles as well.

We did tastings at Wild Turkey and Lux Row.  Then headed over to the main stage to enjoy the band and await the “Pairing Bourbon and Cigars” talk featuring Stephen Fante.  

We were inspired by the cigar discussion and headed over to the Angel’s Envy Cigar Lounge with Philip Stinson.

Next we determined that lunch was in order so we went back to the VIP tent.  Fruit cups, sliders, deviled eggs and my favorite bite of the buffet …. Mini Hot Browns.  YUM!  The food, AC, and a large cold bottle of water gave us our second wind!

It was time to head to our first “add-on” experience at the Great Tent for The Bourbon Engagement, featuring James B Beam.  We got a table up front – always better to see and hear over those who can’t keep quiet! We were greeted with a cocktail made with Little Book 7.  We were also provided neat pours of Knob Creek and Little Book.  There was a small plate of delights provided by The Kitchen Table – who is part of the James B Beam campus. 

Fred and Freddie Noe spoke, shared stories, and answered questions.  We have been at several events with them and they are always wonderful.  They are authentic, open, and funny.  Fred has a great storytelling approach and always brings a smile. He shared stories of getting started in the business with his dad and his “training” in those days. Freddie contrasted with his own experience.  It was terrific and the time flew by.  Of course, they took time for pictures afterward.

It was now after 5 PM and we were tuckered out!  Back to the tent to retrieve our bottles from the locker and then we headed out.  Which reminds me – we were able to get a bottle of the Bardstown Goose Island Collaboration as well!

Another fantastic day of the KBF 2023 was in the books.  Two more days to go!

Cheers!
Rebecca