Bourbon lovers, get ready for an unforgettable journey to the heart of Kentucky! This isn’t just a whiskey review; it’s a deep dive into the rich culture of Western Kentucky at the renowned Kentucky Bourbon Festival. Join us as we explore a unique tasting event: “A Taste of Western Kentucky: Whiskey, Barbecue, and Dessert.”
In this video, we’re joined by an all-star lineup of experts: Kevin Gibson, the owner of Thomason’s BBQ, a true legend in Henderson, Kentucky; Zach Hargis, the president of Silk Velvet Whiskey, who shares his passion for their incredible blends; and Jacob Call, an 8th Generation Master Distiller and Co-Owner of Western Kentucky Distilling Company, bringing centuries of expertise to the table.
We’ll be tasting two exceptional whiskeys from Silk Velvet: their smooth Blended expression and the complex Single Barrel. Then, we’ll dive into the bold flavors of the Western Kentucky Distilling Single Barrel. But the experience doesn’t stop there! We’ll also be pairing these bourbons with the famous Thomason’s BBQ, featuring their mouth-watering mutton and signature BBQ dip, alongside classic baked beans and a delicious banana pudding.
Get ready to discover the best of Kentucky bourbon, learn about the art of distillation, and find out how these incredible spirits pair with authentic Kentucky barbecue. Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon connoisseur or new to the world of whiskey, this video is packed with valuable insights, tasting notes, and a whole lot of flavor.
So grab your favorite glass, settle in, and let’s share this together! Click play ▶️ NOW!
👇 What’s the profile of your favorite type of bourbon event? Let us know in the comments below! 👇
Are you a true bourbon fanatic, always on the hunt for the next exceptional pour?
Then smash that like button 👍 to show your appreciation for fine whiskey!
Hit subscribe 🔔 so you never miss our reviews of rare and remarkable spirits, and
Share this video ➡️ with your fellow whiskey lovers. Let’s build a community of enthusiasts who appreciate the art of exceptional bourbon!
NOTE: This event ticket was purchased by us. We were not compensated by the food or spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.
Get ready for an epic bourbon adventure! Join us on a week-long journey through the heart of Kentucky, including a can’t-miss trip to the Kentucky Bourbon Festival. We’re not just tasting bourbon—we’re on a mission to hunt down some of the most sought-after bottles in the state.
In this video, we’re detailing our 32-bottle bourbon haul, breaking down everything we found both inside and outside the festival grounds. We hit up legendary spots like Heaven Hill, Preservation, and Lux Row, and even managed to snag a coveted Booker’s Reserve 2025. But the biggest highlight? Finally scoring a bottle of the elusive Jim Beam Bowling Pin after striking out multiple times.
Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon connoisseur or just starting your collection, you’ll love the detailed breakdown of each bottle we acquired, from the unique OCD Premium Hazmat to the intriguing Blind Pig Santa Claus Lawn Gnome Decanter. We’ll cover every bottle, share our honest recommendations, and give you a glimpse into what it’s really like to spend seven days immersed in Kentucky’s bourbon culture.
Don’t miss out on the full bottle list and our final recommendations. This is one bourbon hunt you won’t want to skip!
Did you attend the 2025Kentucky Bourbon Festival? Let us know in the comments below!
So grab your favorite glass, settle in, and let’s share this hunt together! Click play ▶️ NOW!
What’s the most exciting bottle you’ve ever hunted down? Let us know in the comments below!👇
Are you a true bourbon fanatic, always on the hunt for the next exceptional pour?
Then smash that like button 👍 to show your appreciation for fine whiskey!
Hit subscribe 🔔 so you never miss our reviews of rare and remarkable spirits, and
Share this video ➡️ with your fellow whiskey lovers. Let’s build a community of enthusiasts who appreciate the art of exceptional bourbon!
Join us as we relive our incredible experience at the 2025 BBQ & Barrels festival in Owensboro, Kentucky! This annual celebration of barbecue and bourbon is a “must do” Kentucky experience. The 2025 festival, held May 9-10, transformed downtown Owensboro, centering around West 2nd Street—temporarily renamed “BBQ Boulevard.”
We indulged in a spirited Bourbon Pairing Dinner at Green River Distilling and soaked up the vibrant atmosphere of the Owensboro waterfront. Of course, we dove headfirst into the festival itself, savoring free samples from the cooking teams and grooving to the live music. One of the highlights was a bourbon education class led by Brent Elliott, Four Roses Master Distiller, followed by an epic three-hour bourbon tasting event featuring 40 distilleries! And don’t forget the Western Kentucky barbecue.
This video highlights:
A Spirited Bourbon Pairing Dinner at Green River Distilling
Enjoying all that the Owensboro waterfront has to offer
Taking in the festival and cooking teams – including free samples
Live music
A bourbon education class with Brent Elliott, Four Roses Master Distiller
The three-hour bourbon tasting event with 40 distilleries.
Don’t just take our word for it—watch now and discover why YOU absolutely must add this incredible bourbon and Kentucky experience to your “must do” list for 2026!
Be sure to get your tickets at BBQandbarrels.com for next year’s event!
NOTE: The spirits and events in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producers for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.
Event: Thursday September 12 – Sunday September 15, 2024 By Rebecca Herman McBrayer
Wayne and I found this year’s Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown, KY to be outstanding! But please understand … like many things in life, it takes planning, flexibility, a great attitude, and someone you want to spend it with to have an amazing experience!
EarlyPlanning for KBF 2024
Our planning for the 2024 event began on our drive home from Bardstown in 2023. What did we love doing in 2023? What might we do differently in 2024? What were we most excited about trying next time? Without knowing the schedule, we had discussed what we might strategize to to acquire in the schedule. One thing we knew for certain, it would once again be critical to book our hotel early. How early you ask? Well, we booked our room 10/14/23!!! We were incredibly fortunate to be able to add two extra nights in early June. If you can stay within the limits of Bardstown, it is very helpful and saves a lot of travel time.
2023 had been our first opportunity for VIP access and we evaluated that it was well-worth the ticket price; however, the tickets would be limited. What would be our backup plan if we couldn’t get the level of ticket that was our first choice. Here is a link to our KBF 2023 VIP Experience.
As soon as the schedule and “add-ons” are published, it is time to plan each day. Are there educational sessions or events that we want to attend? What is our first, second, or third choice? Do those choices fit into our budget? What if what we want isn’t available – is our next choice going to be satisfying? If it is your first KBF, know that the tickets FLY out the door, even for the add-ons. It is imperative that you have a WRITTEN plan and are ready to make quick decisions while staying in your planned budget! We had been blessed the past two years to acquire Premium Events and Panels that we desired … if not in 2022 we got them in 2023. For 2024 we had a discussion and decided that we would forego the “Great Tent” and “Penthouse” sessions and attempt to get tickets for the Saturday evening Icons Dinner. But if it sold out too quickly, we had a back-up plan for the other sessions.
I am often teased about my color-coded Excel spreadsheets, but it has made planning and execution very successful.
April 16, 2024 – Tickets On Sale!
The date was here and it was time to see if the planning would work out. The release of the tickets was not without some hiccups in the system as emails with the code were delayed for many, myself included. My notice arrived nearly 25 minutes after the designated time, and that was a tad stressful.
Even so, I was able to acquire VIP tickets for Wayne and myself. We got one Flask Force VIP and one Enthusiast VIP. PLUS, we were able to secure two tickets to the icon dinner!
Kentucky Bourbon Festival 2024 Finally Arrived!
Thursday, September 12, 2024
The long-awaited event was here! We kicked it off on Thursday night with the amazing Bourbon in the Air! At the Kentucky Bourbon Festival Grounds – Bourbon in the Air, an exclusive evening event held on Thursday, September 12, from 6 to 9:30 pm. This highly sought-after experience offers a limited number of attendees access to a night of bourbon indulgence under the stars. At Bourbon in the Air, guests will enjoy catered hors d’oeuvres, exclusive cocktails, and neat pours from top distilleries across Kentucky while live music sets the scene for a memorable weekend for bourbon aficionados. Not only does Bourbon in the Air provide an opportunity to mingle with fellow bourbon enthusiasts and distillery representatives, but it also offers a sneak peek of the festival grounds and distillery booths before the official start of the event on Friday.
We truly enjoyed visiting the various booths, especially in the Craft Distillery area, to chat with the teams from each distillery and share in their excitement for the festival. We had a few tastes, listened to music, grabbed a bite to each, and picked up our VIP packages. The Flask Force Swag included a gift bag, with a gift box, and it contained: Flask Force T-Shirt, Elijah Craig Single Barrel signed by Conor O’Driscoll, Copper Flask, Commemorative Coin, KBF VIP etched Glencairn glasses with leather carry case.
Friday, September 13, 2024
It was pouring down rain and not expected to stop until perhaps noon, but we were ready with ponchos and umbrellas. We started our day with a wonderful breakfast at Mammy’s. That also meant that our very early arrival garnered us a parking place just a block from the festival gates. The rained changed to an occasional drizzle and we spent an hour in line before the VIP gates opened at 11AM.
We stopped by the VIP tent several times to grab bottled water, cool off, listen to the featured Master Distiller, get a premium pour, or even a bite to eat. Since we often hung out in the back area with the craft distilleries and the stage, it was nice to have the option to pop into the VIP area for a little break.
We spent quite a bit of time in the very nicely shaded Evergreen Main Stage area that had ample seating. There we could people watch, enjoy great live music, and also listen to the Bourbon:30 shows that were held on the half hour.
On Friday, we learned from these free shows – all led by Steve Coomes:
12:30 – The Bourbon:30 Talk Show – This Really Happened On A Tour! Distillery tour ambassadors educate and entertain some, well, interesting guests on the job. Hear Caryn Wells (Green River), Josh Hollifield (Heaven Hill) and Damian Gallaher (Angel’s Envy) share some amusing first-hand experiences about their work in bourbon tourism.
1:30 – The Bourbon:30 Talk Show – When Maker’s Got Old: The Story Of Cellar Aged. In 2023, Maker’s Mark released its oldest bourbon ever, an 11-year pour dubbed Cellar Aged. Maker’s managing director, Rob Samuels, and innovation manager, Beth Buckner, will tell the story behind Maker’s first long-aged innovation.
3:30 – The Bourbon:30 Talk Show – Will Changing Climate Change Our Whiskey? With topsy-turvy weather now the new normal, will fluctuating temperatures affect how whiskey matures? Potential water shortages also are a concern that may affect whiskey production. Experts Bernard Peterson (Peterson Farms), Jeffrey Lewis (Independent Stave Co.) and Rachel Nally (Heaven Hill) will weigh in on those and other potential climate-related impacts on American whiskey.
4:30 – The Bourbon:30 Talk Show – All In The Family: Heaven Hill Distilleries. After 89 years in operation, Heaven Hill Distilleries isn’t just one of the largest independent spirits producers in the U.S., its ownership hasn’t changed since the Shapria family founded it in 1935. Listen in as executive chairman, Max Shapira, his wife Elln Shapira, his daughter and co-CEO, Kate Latts, and her husband, co-CEO Allan Latts, talk about the unique family-focused effort behind this large and historic spirits company.
Of course, there were distilleries where we tasted pours, met new people, connected with friends, and bought a bottle or two. The first full day was in the books and it was a great one!
Photos: Kim Bard in front of The Bard’s booth; with Amine Kar of Old Louisville Whiskey Co., with Stephen Beam of Limestone Branch, and with Rebekah Neeley of Neeley Family Distillery.
Saturday, September 14, 2024
Like Friday, we arrived early for breakfast at Mammy’s and secured excellent parking. We lined up in the VIP line at 9AM and that provided two hours of getting to know the people who were also crazy enough to be in line two hours early. LOL!
We headed right to Jim Beam to get the Booker’s Reserve, enjoyed a few tastes along the way. Old Forester had a neat pour of The President’s Choice topped with a donut hole. Now if that doesn’t epitomize the festival and bourbon for breakfast, I’m not sure what does. We went back to the VIP tent where there was a bit of a circus theme for the day, grabbed some water, and used the air conditioned rest rooms. Yes – another great perk!
On Saturday, we learned from these free shows – all led by Steve Coomes:
12:30 – The Bourbon:30 Talk Show – (Always) Under Construction: New Kentucky Distilleries. As American whiskey continues its creep into international markets, new producers continue entering the space to make more of it to sell abroad. Listen in as veteran distillery operators John Hargrove (The Whiskey House), Caleb Kilburn (Eastern Light Distilling) and Denny Potter (Potter Jane Distilling) share progress updates on their brands’ state-of-the-art production plants set to open in 2024 and ‘25.
1:30 – The Bourbon:30 Talk Show – Explain Premium Pricing–Please! Consumers often wonder why whiskey prices are so different from store to store. Some blame distilleries, others retailers, and others still, distributors. Listen in as our panel of experts, including Mike Fisk (Evergreen Liquors), Elizabeth McCall (Woodford Reserve) and Justin Sloan (Justins’ House of Bourbon), discuss why pricing is so varied and what forces drive those prices.
2:30 – The Bourbon:30 Talk Show – Battling For Attention: Struggles Of Small Brands. One of the biggest weapons large distilleries have in their marketing quiver is big budgets. As smaller whiskey makers like Royce Neeley (Neeley Family Distillery), Amine Karaoud (Old Louisville Distilling Co.) and Stephen Beam (Limestone Branch Distillery) will tell you, it’s hard to get noticed in a marketplace dominated by bigger brands.
Lunch and a bit of down time in the VIP Tent.
Like the previous day, between the shows, we visited distilleries, reconnected with friends, and bought a bottle or two. We made this day a bit shorter, departing at 4PM. This gave us time to cool off from the heat and get ready for the KBF Icons Dinner, which you can read all about HERE.
Photos: With Alex Castle of Augusta Distilling, Jane Bowie of Potter Jane Distilling, and with Royce Neeley of Neeley Family Distillery.
Sunday, September 15, 2024
Sounds like a repeat and it is! Breakfast at Mammy’s. In the VIP line at 9AM for the 11AM opening. Again, we met several very nice people and there is plenty of time to chat when waiting for two hours. The gates finally opened and we had made a decision to “brave” the Heaven Hill line on this last day. We went straight there and estimated that we were #125 in line. We heard that it was Old Fitzgerald BIB 13 YO, about 200 bottles, so we decided to wait it out. It was hot and the sun was pounding. Both Green River and New Riff were walking the line and handing out samples. How awesome was that? After an hour and twenty minutes, it was our turn to buy our bottles. Whew. This is the first time we have owned an Old Fitz and since this is the only true line we stood in for the event, it was worthwhile.
We headed straight for the VIP tent for water, AC, and a chance to sit for awhile. Met some terrific people while sharing one of the seating areas. Honestly, if you attend the KBF and don’t make new friends, you are truly missing out. Bourbon people are awesome!!
We made the rounds at some of our favorite craft distillers to check in and see how their weekend had gone, especially those attending for the first time. We were thrilled to hear that they found it to be a valuable experience and that they believed they garnered new customers through this experience.
On Sunday, we learned from these free shows – all led by Steve Coomes:
1:30 – The Bourbon:30 Talk Show – Press for Information: Whiskey Reporters Panel. American whiskey writers see and experience the industry in ways most consumers never do. Listen in as David Thomas Tao, Sara Haven, Frank Dobbins and Patrick Garrett discuss trends, share their research on the industry.
2:30 – The Bourbon:30 Talk Show – The Takeaway: Tell Us What You Learned At the 2024 KYBF. The KYBF welcomes some 7,000 visitors each year to taste whiskey, talk to the people who make it and listen to industry buzz. KYBF Chairman, Cordell Lawrence, KYBF President & COO, Randy Prasse, KYBF Vice President of Distiller Relations, Stacy Pritchard and Bourbon:30 host Steve Coomes and some KYBF team members review what’s new and ask audience members about their favorite parts of KBF 2024.
After the final show concluded, we made a few final goodbyes as we wanted to be on the road by 3:30! Once again, this was an amazing experience. We were tired, hot, and ready to get home but we know that we will cherish each memory and start the count down to KBF 2025, which will be September 5-7! Yes, we have already secured our hotel room. Do not wait to do that!
It is great to be home until our next adventure. Here is a look at the 15 bottles that we selected during this year’s KBF. We can’t wait to start tasting them!
Event Date: Saturday, September 14, 2024 6:00 – 10:00 PM By Rebecca Herman McBrayer
Wayne and I were absolutely thrilled for this event! Over the past two years, we have passionately enjoyed bourbon dinners that have left an indelible impression, and attending the Supper Club events at James B. Beam Distillery has been nothing short of a culinary adventure. Each occasion brought us exquisite food meticulously prepared and captivating stories that enveloped us in the rich heritage of bourbon.
Event Description: A special evening with 7th & 8th generation master distiller’s Fred & Freddie Noe at Fred’s home in Bardstown, KY with some of their renowned friends. Dinner will be provided by the Kitchen Table restaurant with an opportunity to enjoy pours and cocktails from each participating distillery. You will be delighted with stories during an exclusive round table tasting featuring a product from each brand, and the opportunity to interact with top professionals in the bourbon industry.
The speakers for the evening included: Brent Elliott – Four Roses, Royce Neeley – Neeley Family Distillery, Steve Nally – Bardstown Bourbon Company, Rob Samuels & Bill Samuels Jr – Maker’s Mark, and Fred & Freddie Noe – James B. Beam. Baker Beam was also at the dinner but did not speak on the panel.
The Noe’s Home in Bardstown – A Spectacular Setting
As instructed, we parked at a nearby church and walked to the driveway entrance where we were checked in and joined others in anticipation for it to be 6PM. Although it was an incredibly hot day, we were joyful for no rain and excited that the sun would be setting beautifully as the night unfolded. We met some fantastic people in line and enjoyed a delightful dinner with them – Michael & Dawn Mitchell of Chasing Neat.
Freddie Noe welcomed us, provided a brief overview of the evening, and invited us to enjoy our cocktails.
Neeley Family Distillery Cocktail and Appetizers
As described by Chef Landry – the cocktail was a New Orleans classic Sazerac made with Absinthe from the Neeley Family Distillery. Chef sought to match the absinthe flavors with the herbs in the oysters and the fennel in the spinach tart.
They started passing the appetizers early on and they were terrific! The Hidden Barn Cherry Picker Sazerac was outstanding!
Distiller Icon’s Panel Discussion and Tasting
This experience was nothing short of extraordinary! Having the chance to listen to each of these icons delve into their histories, share their passions, and express their spirits was truly awe-inspiring. The atmosphere was wonderfully relaxed and engaging. We were incredibly lucky to have Andy Treinen, the President of the Frazier History Museum, as our moderator, guiding us through this excellent discussion. There were moments of delightful banter among the speakers and some truly entertaining stories shared that added to the magic of the evening!
Each icon had an opportunity to speak and then introduce their pour. **Brent Elliott – Four Roses 2024 Limited Edition Small Batch. **Royce Neeley – Neeley Family Distillery, Hidden Barn. **Steve Nally – Bardstown Bourbon Company, Discovery Series #12. **Rob Samuels & Bill Samuels Jr – Maker’s Mark 2024 Cellar Aged. **Fred & Freddie Noe – James B. Beam, Booker’s ‘The Reserves’ 2024.
At the conclusion of the talks, Chef Brian Landry introduced the menu. He has been working with Fred and Freddie for the last three years and they have done many collaborative dinners. He strives to align well with them and the liquids they place in the barrels. Chef reminded us the the Beam’s saying, “Drink it any damn way you please!” However, he noted that tonight we would be drinking as the distillers’ pleased because they selected the cocktails and then Chef Landry reverse-engineered the menu.
Four Roses Bourbon Cocktail and First Course
Chef Landry – Four Roses Single Barrel Vieux Carre another New Orleans cocktail has a little bit of Benedictine in it, a lot of herbal notes, and it’s finished with some bitters that are heavy on star anise. The pork belly was marinated with soy sauce and then finished with the caramel sauce that has a bit of fish sauce in it. This was served with corn pudding.
The pork belly was cooked to perfection! Plus, the creaminess of the corn pudding was amazing. Fantastic course.
Bardstown Bourbon Company Cocktail and Second Course
Chef Landry – Anytime we come here we have to do Fried Chicken, so we’re going to do a fried chicken thigh with truffle honey, truffle grits, and a wild mushroom au jus that will go with the High Wheat Side Car from Bardstown. The Side Car has a lemon juice and Orange Curacao that will help cut through the richness of the fried chicken.
I’m personally a push-over for fried chicken and love grits – this combo did not disappoint! Wow – the chicken was very flavorful and crispy and the grits were delightfully creamy.
James B. Beam Cocktail and Third Course
Chef Landry – For the final savory course, Fred is the master of the grill, so we are doing a 14 oz veal chop. It is an Italian style dish, a Veal Saltimbocca. It is cooked on the grill with garlicky breadcrumbs, sage, and country ham chips from Freddie’s country ham.
This veal chop was indescribably good. Cooked to perfection and seasoned amazingly. Unfortunately, we were so full by the time it arrived that we could only enjoy part of it. To-go bags would have made for a terrific midnight snack!
Maker’s Mark Cocktail and Dessert
Chef Landry – The final course is sweet. The cocktail is a Maker’s Mark 46 Apple Butter Old Fashioned. Then, the burnt cinnamon pot due crème was made with burnt cinnamon sticks that we steeped in cream and then added a bit of orange zest and vanilla. It is finished off with cane syrup granola, salted caramel, and green apples.
As mentioned previously, we were full by the veal chop. Even so, we had to at least taste the cocktail and this scrumptious dessert. There might have been more than one bite involved!
Freddie Demonstrating the Kentucky Whiskey Ham Luge
Freddie is well-known for his cured hams and for hollowing out a portion to pour bourbon over it. This night probably would not have been complete if Chef Landry hadn’t put the challenge out to do this, which Freddie did with ease. But turnabout’s fair play – Freddie then challenged Chef and he accepted with great skill as well! Fun times!
A Great Night to Connect with Awesome People
In addition to Fred Noe signing a bottle of Booker’s ‘The Reserves’ 2024 for us, he and Baker Beam also signed our 1990s mini set of Booker’s, Baker’s, Basil Hayden’s, and Knob Creek.
We also had an opportunity to chat with and get pictures with Royce & Rebekah Neeley, Steve Nally, and Lisa Wicker!
It was a night that we will always cherish! Thank you, one and all, for spending the evening with us!
We started the weekend on Friday night with the kick-off dinner, Spirited Bourbon Pairing Dinner at Green River Distillery. However, Saturday, May 11, was the big day – and BIG it was. The 2024 BBQ & Barrels event was amazing. There was competition BBQ in the streets, a great line-up of live music all day, a very interesting auto show, education sessions in the afternoon, followed by the bourbon festival. Of course, that doesn’t mean the day is complete until gathering with friends and an opportunity to view the Northern Lights. What a day! Something for everyone!
BBQ Competition and Street Fair
Cooking teams, BBQ competition, Food Trucks – this Street Fair lined 2nd Street in downtown Owensboro, KY. It was fun to walk and smell the amazing aromas coming off of those smoker. Wow – if only cameras had smell-a-vision!
On Friday we sampled one item and enjoyed a cocktail from Castle & Key.
Saturday we had the opportunity to sample from the various competition teams. So many yummy bites of smoked chicken, pork, bologna, ham, sausage, venison, etc. It is amazing how full you can get sampling with a toothpick!
Rob, Wayne, & April
Champions Motorcar Invitational
The car show was new this year. I’m not sure I would have been aware of it if I hadn’t known someone who was showing his 57 Chevy. While there weren’t as many cars in the field as one might expect, they were all incredibly different and quite stunning. Ultimately, 12 barrel head trophies were awarded.
Education Session with Evan Williams
We enrolled in the Master Class with Evan Williams Bourbon Experience (EWBE) Artisanal Distiller, Jodie Filiatreau. The BBQ & Barrels classes are a terrific value. Held one hour prior to the VIP entry for the bourbon tasting, the last two years there have been three options available and only $25 a ticket for a 45 minute session.
Jodie introduced himself and provide some background on his 42 years of experience, working his way up, of being a part of the Heaven Hill family-owned operation.
He then led us on a detailed tasting of two award-winning Evan Williams Bourbons made in distinctly different styles. The small cups, in the photo above, contained various elements, such as cherry, cinnamon, walnuts, etc. that might be on the nose or the palate of the two expressions. We were also provided a water dropper and were encouraged to try each a second time with a drop of water to see how it might open up differently.
First up was the Evan Williams Single Barrel made in column stills at the historic DSP-KY-1 Bernheim plant. This expression is 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley. The notes provided were accurate for our palate as well – nose of dark caramel, sweet oak, and charred wood; taste of oak with honey, fruit notes of apple and orange, and a very nice spice.
Next was the Square 6 wheated bourbon made in the EWBE Artisanal Distillery using Vendome pot stills. We have tried and purchased the Square 6 previously and the wheated expression is one of our favorites. It is a blend of two mashbills. The first is 74% corn, 16% wheat, and 10% malted barley. The second is 68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malted barley. This is bottled at 105 proof. All aspects of this is wonderful. The nose starts with caramel, vanilla, figs, cherries, and oak. The nose continues on the palate and adds confectioners’ sugar and walnuts. The walnuts continue on the finish as well as oak and cinnamon. It is a yummy flavor bomb.
Rebecca, Wayne, & Jodie
Lisa & Jodie
Jodie loves what he does and it shows in his excitement when talking about these spirits. It was really nice to meet him, hear his story, and taste these spirits again with his enthusiasm as an added bonus. After the session concluded, we were able to get pictures with him for us and our friend, Lisa Stinson.
Barrels Bourbon Festival– VIP
View of the BBQ & music festival from the Convention Center
The VIP ticket included the all-important one-hour early entry (3PM vs 4PM). Everything else aside, this is critical because it is much less crowded and this allows you to sample more easily and spend time talking with the various distillers. Of course, the passed heavy hors d’oeuvres and commemorative VIP BBQ and Barrels Glencairn tasting glass is very nice as well.
With 35 distilleries, we approached it somewhat methodically but also ensured we had time with some of our favorite people!
Rebecca, Kim, & Wayne: The Bard DistilleryBarry with RD One DistilleryAaron with Green River DistillingJustin with Spirits of French LickRebecca, Amine, & Wayne: Old Louisville Whiskey CoAJ of Casey Jones Distillery
There were legacy distilleries, craft distilleries, and some who were just getting started. It is wonderful to see everyone together and in a support environment.
Starlight DistilleryMichter’s DistilleryCoal Pick DistilleryWestern KY DistillingBrothers of the Leaf DistilleryEvan Williams Bourbon Experience
The crowds were substantial following the VIP hour but everyone was polite and friendly. People shared tables to visit and take a break. Distillers shared their stories, provided samples & tchotchkes, most were able to sell bottles a well. It was a great opportunity to be reminded of why we have enjoyed these folks while meeting new people and tasting new expressions.
We made our bottle purchases (pro tip: wait so you don’t have to carry!) and exited the event a little after 5PM. We enjoyed our time there and two hours was just about perfect for us.
Bourbon Friends & Northern Lights
It was a wonderful day and a beautiful evening; thus, we couldn’t let the fun end at the conclusion of the festival. Many of us gathered at about 8PM for a “bottle share” around the bonfire at one of the hotels on the river. Again, time with old friends and time to get to know new friends. That is what the bourbon journey is all about. Sharing a pour with stories, laughter, and even some cigars. I’ve said it before and will say it again – bourbon has an amazing culture and it is one that we feel immensely blessed to be a part of.
Lisa, Phil, Ann, & JeffSarah & LisaTori, Barry, Lisa, & Phil
This also happened to be a night where viewing the Northern Lights was a possibility. Being on the river, without excessive lights, was a lovely setting to gain a glimpse. We all looked, watched, and hoped for several hours. Ironically, it wasn’t until Wayne and I were walking back to our hotel at about midnight that we were finally able to capture the magical view. Wow – the Northern Lights truly placed a colorful bow on what had already been a perfect weekend.
The Glover Cary Bridge (also known as the Blue Bridge) connecting Indiana to Owensboro KY always has an amazing light display.
That’s a Wrap for BBQ & Barrels
Wow – what a wonderful weekend! We could not have asked for better weather. The event was well-organized and everyone we met was friendly and fun. It is always difficult to say what was the best part or the best memory. While the events were excellent, it is always the people who create the memories. Seeing folks that we haven’t seen for some time. Making new friends. Spending time with people who come from various locations and walks of like to share a common passion – bourbon.
If you haven’t been to Owensboro, KY or this BBQ & Barrels event, mark your calendar for 2025. The BBQ event has been a staple on the riverfront for decades and in 2023 the “barrels” portion was added. This year was the first time for the car show. With the live music, it is truly a festival atmosphere. There is something for everyone and that is why the attendance continues to grow. Bookmark their site, tickets usually go on sale late February or very early March.
Again, we highly recommend this event. If you haven’t attended a bourbon festival before, this is a terrific chance to do so in a non-overwhelming environment. And if your friends, spouse, or significant other are not “into bourbon” that’s ok because there is so much to do!
This was a great memory for Our Bourbon Journey – be sure to add it to yours!
Before closing the books on the 2023 Kentucky Bourbon Festival, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the VIP experience. There were three VIP options to select from: Bourbon Enthusiast ($495), The Flask Force ($595), and The Decanter Club ($1195). After reviewing the benefits versus costs of each, we determined that The Flask Force was the best fit for us.
At a minimum, I highly recommend getting a ticket that includes a one-hour early entry. While there are still many people in line to get in and then at the distiller tents who are selling special offerings, it is still a much lighter feeling than when the main gates open. For us, it also meant we left the festival at 5PM each day versus 6PM because six hours is about our limit.
The next fantastic benefit is the access to the the VIP Penthouse Tent. When it was warm and air-conditioning sounded good, we would he’d to the tent. There were tables, chairs, and sofas for relaxing and visiting with other bourbon fans. There were also quite a few tables and chairs outdoors to eat, drink, and visit.
We expected “small bites” to be offered throughout the day. In all honesty, the bites might have been small but they were plentiful and there was a large variety each day. Each bite was an amazing quality – fantastic work by the catering company. We never had to eat elsewhere and most days we were so full from our meal in the VIP tent that we opted not to go out for dinner in the evening.
For beverages, the ice cold bottled water was incredibly welcomed! If you are at a bourbon festival and it is warm, you must stay hydrated. If cocktails are more your style, the VIP tent also had a daily cocktail awaiting you upon arrival – or anytime you wanted it. There were three stations for bourbon. They each had neat pours and one had cocktails. One of them had a wheel that you could spin to determine your pour, which could have been a Pappy. Another had rare pours scheduled throughout the day. This provided an opportunity to not only taste something not readily available but also to have a meet-and-greet with the master distiller and/or brand ambassador.
The VIP tent included complimentary bottle lockers, which are essential if you plan to buy any bourbon on site. The VIP area also had upgraded portable restrooms.
The VIP Pass also included a ticket for the Opening Night Bourbon in the Air event. We absolutely loved that event and more details are in the “Day 1” post.
Finally, there is the “swag” that was part of The Flask Force VIP Pass.
2023 Bardstown Bourbon Company single barrel KBF bottle – signed by hall of fame master distiller, Steve Nally.
Glencairn “Skye” cut crystal whiskey tumbler.
Limited edition 2023 Flask Force tee shirt.
Collectable 2023 Flask Force credential and lanyard.
A Jacob Bromwell pewter flask – unfortunately, there was a snag in the delivery and it is supposed to be mailed to us at some point.
Also included in the swag bag was a collectible coin set and some special KBF coffee.
All in all, we loved The Flask Force experience. It was the perfect fit for us. In a sea of 40,000 people, it is very nice to feel a wee bit special. We hope that the Kentucky Bourbon Festival continues to add levels of VIP options and that we have the opportunity to acquire the coveted tickets for 2024.
We had planned this trip for a year and now it was the final day. It was time to pack up the car and check out of the Old Bardstown Inn so we could head to Mammy’s for breakfast. No Bloody Mary for Wayne because they don’t serve alcohol until 10 AM on Sunday. He got the Big Bird once again and I tried a rather tasty stuffed French toast. It was stuffed with a cream cheese filling that was divine.
We saw Chris Thompson, one of the Scotchy Bourbon Boys, and chatted with him a bit – great guy.
Rebecca, Chris Thompson, & Wayne
Since the shops weren’t open, we relaxed in our car a bit before heading to the line. Even getting there a tad before 10 AM, we were still about 50th in line.
Once the gates opened, we again stopped by Jim Beam – No Booker’s. Headed to the Heaven Hill line, long as usual, but we were able to chat with fellow Evansville Bourbon Society members Justin and John. As we waited, we heard reports of allocations being marked off of the board. In other words, selling out. But there was still Select Stock 17 year old so we waited it out. We knew we would be close and weren’t giving up our spot. We were to the door and there were six bottles left. It would come down to whether or not the couples in front of us would get 1 or 2. Amazingly, Justin, John, and I got the last 3 bottles of that offering!
While I was waiting in line, Wayne saw Steve Nally, Master Distiller for Bardstown Bourbon Company, and he walked over to chat with him. We also grabbed a photo with him. Steve is always ready to talk about bourbon, the festival, Bardstown, etc. He wanted to know if I had tried all of their samples yet. I said, not yet today but I had throughout the weekend. He encouraged us to go and get some – they are free! Haha.
Rebecca, Steve Nally, & Wayne
We headed to the craft area as we wanted a moment to catch up with Rebekah Neeley before the crowds entered. She noted how incredibly busy they had been and we all concurred that it was nice that there had been a bit of rain the night before to cool it off a bit and reduce the dust.
Rebecca, Wayne, & Rebekah Neeley
We ventured about for a few samples here and there and then headed to the VIP tent to rest a bit and see who was there. We didn’t have long in there as our final add-on event was at 12:30 PM.
To the Great Tent we went for Bourbon, Bacon and Biscuits, Featuring Michter’s. This is an event we tried to get tickets to in 2022 but were unsuccessful. We were greeted with instructions to visit the various stations: Bacon and Biscuits Buffet, Cocktails, Pours of their US1 Straight Bourbon, Pours of their 10 year old bourbon and single barrel bourbon. The buffet was excellent. Bacon, scrambled eggs, sausage meatballs with spicy bourbon jelly, biscuits and your choice of 3 types of gravy or bourbon apple butter, fruit, salad, and bundt cake.
Once everyone was seated, the presentation began. The speakers were Andrea Wilson and Dan McKee. Andrea is the Executive Vice President and General Manager at Michter’s as well as the Master of Maturation at Michter’s Distillery in Louisville. In 2022, Andrea was inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame. Dan is Executive Vice President and the Master Distiller at Michter’s Distillery in Louisville. They has a wonderful banter, much like siblings. We learned that she was employee #7 and he was #8.
Dan McKee & Andrea Wilson
They spoke quite a bit about their process. They prefer a low barrel entry proof of 103 proof. After aging, the spirit typically exists the barrel at 110-112 proof. It then requires less water to reach the desired bottling proof and their philosophy is it keeps the product more flavorful. One thing they do differently than many/most Kentucky distillers is that they heat cycle their warehouses in the winter. They believe this keeps more barrels consistent in the aging process.
Throughout the talk, we paused to sample the 3 offerings: US*1 American Whiskey 83.4 pf, US*1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Small Batch 10 Year Old 94.4 pf, and Bourbon Single Barrel 110.2 pf.
Following the event, we stayed after for an opportunity to chat with Andrea and Dan and get a picture with each of them. Once again, people who work in the bourbon industry seem to be a very special breed … they are kind, caring, knowledgeable and treat one another like family.
Rebecca, Wayne, & Andrea WilsonRebecca, Wayne, & Dan McKee
As an aside, throughout our time in the Great Tent there was a very heavy downpour of previously unpredicted rain. We were very grateful to be sheltered. Just as the event concluded, the rain stopped and the sun returned!
We decided to make a trip to the VIP tent to see what might be happening there. We were not hungry after the Bacon, Biscuits, and Bourbon event, but knew there might we something of interest. We walked in just in time for the last bit of sampling of Filmland Spirits “Town at the End of Tomorrow – The Future Wants Its Bourbon.” It was fantastic and it gave us another chance to chat with Troy, the CEO.
We were about to sit down when we learned the next VIP Rare sampling was about to take place and Dan McKee was there to unveil and introduce it. To be very honest, I had not heard of these before – Bomberger’s & Shenk’s. They are Legacy Spirits. Bomberger’s Declaration honors the legacy of the former distillery known as Bomberger’s in the 1800s, and later as Michter’s in the 20th century. Similarly, Shenk’s Homestead Distillery Sour Mash Whiskey honors the legacy of historic American whiskey future, John Shank, who founded a distillery later known as Michter’s.
Dan McKee introducing Bomberger’s & Shenk’s
It was time to make the rounds for some final goodbyes. We finally had a chance to chat with Royce Neeley and got a photo with him and Rebekah. Plus, we needed a bottle of their juice!
Neeley Family Distillery at KBF2023Rebecca, Rebekah, Royce, & Wayne
As we walked through the festival a last time, I remembered that we hadn’t visited Barrel Craft, so we made a stop – and a purchase there!
Shortly after hitting the road home, there was the James B Beam campus. I said – we have to stop there! I had heard from other festival goers that they had Booker’s in the gift shop. Yes they did. 2023-02 Apprentice Batch plus 2023-03 Mighty Fine Batch. In addition, there was a special release of Legend – Yamasaki Cask Finish Blend. Those three would conclude our bottle acquisitions for this trip!
It was a fabulous bourbon festival. Thank you to all who worked tirelessly to plan every detail. We can’t wait to attend again in 2024!
Saturday was a fantastic day! Once again, we dined for breakfast at Mammy’s. We each had their Big Bird – 3 eggs, 2 meats, and grits. Wayne enjoyed two Bloody Mary’s – training for the day ahead! LOL. I asked Wayne if there were any interesting statues in the men’s room because I’m always taken aback when entering the women’s room. We each took our phones to the restroom to take pics.
After breakfast, we had time until the gates would open so we walked the shops on 3rd street. We had heard great things about Evergreen Liquors and decided to investigate. Such a beautiful store, and more. Their selection was outstanding and the prices were incredibly reasonable – many bottle prices were similar to what we have seen at distilleries and even in the KBF. They had a great line-up of special guest bottle signings throughout the week, but we were unable to attend. They also have a nice sized walk-in humidor and we picked up a couple of cigars. I was impressed with their tasting menu – great selection and reasonable prices. We decided to do a pour of Sweet Wheat 1792.
It was 10 AM and time to lineup. Even with the VIP line, you need to get there early to have a chance at getting a range of allocation options. Gates opened and we headed straight to Jim Beam … we were hoping for some 2023 Bookers’s. They had a great line-up, including Little Book Chapter 7 and Baker’s 13 year, but we were fortunate to get those at a dinner so we rushed over to Heaven Hill as we missed out on their offerings on Friday. After 40 minutes in line, success! Elijah Craig 18 year and the Heaven Hill Bottled in Bond.
Not wanting to be weighed down, we went to the VIP tent and got a bottle locker for the day. We also took an opportunity to grab a pour, enjoy the AC, sit comfortably before making the rounds. But we couldn’t rest long as the main gates would be opening very soon and we like to beat the crowds.
First up – Penelope. We enjoyed them last year and were thrilled to see their success throughout the past year. Their Toasted really made a hit and Rio became the secondary market’s dream very quickly, yet unaccessible for most. We truly enjoyed meeting Wendy Peveich (National Brand Ambassador) and our conversation with Matt Ward (VP of Brand Strategy) was enlightening and a lot of fun. It will be very interesting to follow their story and growth since being acquired in May by Luxco, a subsidiary of MGP, for $105 million.
Rebecca, Wendy Peveich, Wayne, (ah – cannot recall name) and Matt Ward
We stopped by Neeley’s to say hello and get a picture with Paw Paw. Next stop was Limestone Branch to visit with Stephen Fante.
Wayne, Rebecca, & Paw PawWayne, Rebecca, & Stephen
Near their tent was Filmland Spirits. There is nothing like chatting with an ownership group that is incredibly excited about their product. As their name implies, these “movie nerds” have created spirits with “stories you can drink.” CEO/Founder, Troy Bolotnick, was engaging and we fell in love with their story and concept. Even better – the spirits are excellent! While they were not able to sell at KBF this year, we went to The Blind Pig Bourbon Market to get the Moonlight Mayhem Extended Cut Single Barrel. There is a synopsis of the story on the bottle and you can visit their website to read more about this “saga of werewolves & bourbon.” It’s a really fun and unique approach!
Rebecca, Wayne, and Troy Bolotnick
Time to venture into the crowds in the main area. Buffalo Trace was the first stop and we enjoyed a pour of EH Taylor. We had the opportunity to chat with Barton’s Master Distiller, Ross Cornelissen – a very nice young man who is thrilled with his fairly new role. Next were tastes at Michter’s and Wilderness Trail.
Rebecca, Wayne, and Ross Cornelissen
It was a warm day and a trip to the VIP tent was in order. Small bites (that’s what they call them) were being serviced. Potato salad, pimento cheese cocktail sandwiches, fruit cups, pulled pork, Swedish meatballs, shrimp & grits, asparagus wrapped in prosciutto, chicken fried in waffle batter, and a carving station!!! YUM! While enjoying our lunch, we noticed that Brent Elliott – Four Roses Master Distiller – was there and we chatted with him and got a picture.
Rebecca, Brent Elliott, and Wayne
We decided we needed to start making our way toward the Brindiamo Penthouse for our 3:30 PM add-on private event. Naturally, along the way, there was bourbon to sample! I had been looking forward to this event. Event: A Deep Dive into Whiskey Making and Tasting with Danny Kahn. He is the master distiller, distillation/aging ops. director, Sazerac. Danny is charged with supervising every whiskey made under the Sazerac umbrella in America, Canada and India.
There were five Glencairns in front of us and we could see the corresponding bottles on the front table. Age ranged from 2 months to 11 years and the proof ranged from 123 to 142, if memory serves me (I should have gotten a picture of the tasting mat).
We have tasted a lot of whiskey and been to more guided tastings than we can remember. That said, the journey Danny took us on for this selection was different. His starting advice was to always nose and taste the same way. This helps you to truly compare and have consistent experiences.
It was fascinating to see, smell, and taste the whiskey on its journey in the maturation process. It reinforces what the mashbill and distillate bring to the final product as well as what the barrel and the aging process contributes. You truly need all to be in concert to make a great whiskey.
Wayne asked what was his earliest memory of enjoying bourbon or whiskey. Danny smiled and discussed how he and a friend at UC Davis rigged a small still and would run wine and vodka through it to see what they could produce. He also worked in the brewery industry Venice, CA. But his first whiskey was Canadian Club.
We stayed after to chat with him and also get a picture. He is incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and down-to-earth.
Rebecca, Danny Kahn, and Wayne
It was a great event and I’m glad that this was the one I selected for Saturday!
We were tired and it was getting close to 5 PM. While the KBF ran through 6 PM each day, we found that getting in the hour early meant we were typically ready to leave an hour early as well. We made our way to the VIP tent to collect our bottles from our daily locker. Of course, we chatted along the way and had a sample or two. Another fantastic day was in the books for the Kentucky Bourbon Festival! Hard to believe there is only one day remaining!!
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..
Rebecca, Wayne, and Michael Lahalih of Lucky Seven
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.
Greg Keeley, Rebecca, & Wayne
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.
Wayne, Rebecca, & Phil
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.
Freddie NoeFred NoeFred Noe, Rebecca, Wayne, & Freddie Noe
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!
Your Bourbon Journey 