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!👇
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Glenns Creek Distilling 10th Anniversary: A Flood Survivor Story & Exclusive Review! 🥃
We just got back from a trip to Frankfort, Kentucky, where we celebrated a truly special milestone: the 10th Anniversary of Glenns Creek Distilling! This wasn’t just any party; it was a testament to resilience and the incredible spirit of a community rallying around distiller David Meier and his team.
Just imagine: after suffering devastating losses from the horrific Frankfort floods, Glenns Creek Distilling worked tirelessly to make sure this event happened. The result? A fabulous day of camaraderie, shared passion, and some truly extraordinary whiskey.
In addition to meeting some amazing people, the silent auction was definitely a highlight for us. Fans traveled far and wide to bid on highly sought-after bottles, including flood survivors, crowd favorites, and even some from David Meier’s private collection. We were absolutely thrilled to win one of the most coveted bottles: the Millville Malt – a Kentucky Malt Whiskey. David himself told us he only ever made three barrels of this rare gem, and he hated to see it go!
As soon as we got home, we knew we had to open it and give it a full, honest review in honor of David and everyone at Glenns Creek Distilling.
What makes this expression so special? Click play ▶️ now to join us for our unfiltered tasting notes and discover if this rare “Millville Malt” truly lives up to its legendary status!
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Let’s raise a glass to resilience, rare finds, exceptional spirits, and unforgettable moments. Cheers! 🥂
NOTE: The spirit in this review was purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.
A Bourbon Family Needs Your Help! 💔 Glenns Creek Distilling Devastated by Kentucky Floods 🌊
Imagine the heart and soul poured into crafting fine bourbon 🥃, now submerged under floodwaters. 😥 That’s the reality facing Glenns Creek Distilling in Frankfort, Kentucky. 📍 The unprecedented flooding of the Kentucky River in early April 2025, reaching levels not seen in decades, has brought immense challenges to this cherished distillery and its historic 1835 Old Crow buildings. 🏛️
Join us as we explore the unique character of Glenns Creek Distilling through a tasting of four of their exceptional bourbons. 🌟 But this video is more than just a review – it’s a plea for help 🙏. We want to share their story and the urgent need for support as they navigate the long and difficult road to recovery. 🚧
You have the power to make a real difference in the lives of the Glenns Creek Distilling family. 💪 Please consider contributing to their flood relief efforts through one of the following ways:
Help us amplify their voice! 📣 Please SHARE this video with your friends, family, and fellow bourbon enthusiasts. 🤝 Let’s show the strength of the bourbon community in times of need. ❤️
Share your act of kindness in the comments below! 👇 We are committed to matching donations up to at least $250 to further support Glenns Creek Distilling. Your compassion means the world. 🙏 Thank you for watching and for standing with Glenns Creek Distilling.
🚨YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL🚨
🔥GLENNS CREEK DISTILLING SELLS SPIRITS TO BE HELD IN THEIR VAULT FOR PICK UP🔥
NOTE: The spirits in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.
🔥 Don’t Miss This! 🔥Get ready to dive into the mystery of Orphan Barrel’s latest release: Fanged Pursuit! Inspired by the elusive bobcat prowling Kentucky’s Bourbon Heartland, this 17-year-old straight bourbon is a true unicorn. After 17 patient years in charred oak, this single-release whiskey has emerged, never to be made again. Join us as we delve into this extraordinary pour, dissecting its intricate aroma profile, the layers of flavor on the palate, and the unforgettable goodbye. And because we can’t resist a good bourbon mystery, we’ll be playing detective and trying to guess its distillery roots! We will also give you our honest recommendation on whether it’s worth the hunt!
NOTE: The spirit in this review was purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.
As I reflected on the incredible week Wayne and I had at the distilleries and the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, I couldn’t help but acknowledge that Your Bourbon Journey began a year ago on 09/16/24 with our very first post – Kentucky Bourbon Festival 2023 – Day 1. Surprisingly, despite my initial nerves, the post was read by 34 people. While it may not have reached thousands of readers, it served as the catalyst for sharing about the rest of the festival through 4 additional posts and accumulating a total of 100 more views.
I took the time to carefully consider what Your Bourbon Journey could become, and after some thoughtful planning, I established a consistent schedule for research, writing, and publishing. Wayne has been incredibly supportive throughout, and I truly believe he enjoys sharing our journey just as much as I do. Whenever I may not feel inspired to write, Wayne always encourages us to conduct a tasting that we can then explore and share with everyone. There is nothing quite like having someone to share your passion with who is also as supportive and loving as my husband, Wayne.
Over this first year, 98 posts have been written and shared. It is humbling to know that 1895 different people have visited Your Bourbon Journey and viewed 3282 published items. To think that this was accomplished by word-of-mouth and no advertising or promotion dollars is a bit mind-boggling. It is also stunning that these posts have had views from 19 countries outside of the United States.
The largest category published is tastings. Wayne and I have completed and shared tasting notes 43 times for a total of 95 spirits. Distillery visits are next on the list at 17; however, there is still so much to write for that category. Wayne and I have visited 61 different distilleries and have enjoyed 147 bourbon experiences since I began tracking 12/27/2020. The first “stamp” in our Kentucky Bourbon Trail book was received at Jim Beam on 04/22/2022. We received our 42nd stamp to complete the trail on 05/21/2023 (394 days after the first stamp) at Woodford Reserve. We accomplished this by driving 4,697 miles over 14 separate weekend trips to 25 different cities. Yes – there is still much to write!
So what is in store for year number two? Of course, there will be more distilleries, tastings, and experiences to explore. Also, before the end of 2024 we will launch our YouTube Channel. If you have ideas and suggestions for content that you would like to see written about or talked about on our channel, please reach out because we would love to hear from you.
As Wayne and I firmly believe, it’s not just the bourbon or the location that makes this journey truly extraordinary… it’s the remarkable people we encounter along the way that fuel our desire to do even more. Bourbon is America’s Native Spirit, with deep historical ties to our society that can be difficult to fully grasp, especially when savoring a dram with friends. Yet it’s precisely this rich history, the vibrant culture, and the exceptional individuals involved that render bourbon truly unparalleled and incredibly cherished. With only 13 days remaining in Bourbon Heritage Month, there is still so much to celebrate and savor. Cheers to one and all!
Tour Date: September 12, 2024 10:00am By Rebecca Herman McBrayer
Our long-awaited first tour of Wild Turkey was finally here! Arriving in the parking lot and seeing the gorgeous visitor ahead let me know this was really happening!
Check in was simple. The lady who checked us in hinted that we might want to visit the bottle shop before the tour as they had the Jimmy Russell 70th Anniversary bottles available but they had a specific allotment for the day. She also said that she could hold our purchases for us. We know how to take a hint! This also gave us an opportunity to explore a bit.
The visitor center is absolutely beautiful. No detail was overlooked.
Born from the Barrel – Russell’s Reserve Immersion In-depth Russell’s Reserve Rickhouse Experience
Tour Description: Pull back the curtain on Kentucky craft whiskey excellence and discover the art of barrel maturation that has been perfected by our Master Distiller Eddie Russell. We invite you to go behind the scenes with us for the Born from the Barrel Russell’s Reserve Immersion, a 60 minute in-depth look at where and how the award-winning Russell’s Reserve is made. The tour includes a visit to one of our oldest and most iconic timber rickhouses where you’ll learn about the impact of environmental aging and the importance of center cut selection for our acclaimed small batch and single barrel whiskeys.
We were excited to learn that Bo would be our guide. We had met Bo on prior visits and knew he was a wealth of knowledge as well as passionate about all things Wild Turkey. Follow him on Instagram: firebirdbo. He provided a brief overview of what we would be doing and then invited us to board the bus.
We arrived at Rickhouse A – their oldest, built in 1894. We enjoyed the view outside of the rickhouse while Bo shared historical information about Wild Turkey, the property, and the rich distilling history of the area.
Once inside, we learned more history about their operations, the rickhouse, and how Jimmy, Eddie, and Bruce came into the organization. We have been in many rickhouses but this one simply felt special. Of course, it smelled amazing with 130 years of angel’s share permeating the wood! These pictures don’t do it justice but they do provide some context of being there.
Russell’s Reserve Tasting
The tour concluded with a guided flight of Russell’s Reserve products. The pours were outstanding and it was the first time either of us have tasted a Russell’s Rye or the 13-year-old. Wow!
Taking it All In
Following the tasting we got a drink to take outside and enjoy the patio area. A truly beautiful day! We kept hoping that if we stayed long enough, Jimmy Russell would arrive. Thus, we went upstairs to their bar for a small bite and met two great guys from NY – Ben & Ben – father and son. Bourbon people are the best!!!
We decided that we should head back to Bardstown. Slightly bummed that there wasn’t an opportunity to congratulate Jimmy on his 70th but thrilled with our day at Wild Turkey!
Gift Shop
Our most exciting bottle to acquire was the 70th Anniversary one. We did a neat pour of it while there and it is outstanding!
Distillery Trail Statistics
We originally visited Wild Turkey May 23, 2023. Unfortunately, it was still on shut-down for renovations and were not able to engage in a tour. We did enjoy the gift shop and chatting with people who work there. It was our 46th distillery and our 39th stamp on the KBT Signature Trail and we knew we would return once full tours were available.
We visited again February 23, 2024 and were able to meet and visit with Jimmy Russell. It was a dream come true to have the opportunity to visit with him on that day.
For this third visit, we were thrilled to experience the Born from the Barrel Russell’s Reserve Immersion Tour. It was our 142nd distillery experience.
Happy Trails! Rebecca & Wayne
All photos by Rebecca Herman McBrayer unless otherwise noted.
Tour Date: September 11, 2024 8:00am – 5:30pm By Rebecca Herman McBrayer
We were very excited to be joining the Scotchy Bourbon Boys on their 4th Annual Bus Tour! We met up at the Mammy’s parking lot bright and early. After a moment of silence in remembrance of 9/11, we kicked off the day with a pour of Johnnie Walker Blue and a toast for a great day!
Then it was time to load the bus and head to Bardstown Bourbon Co. for our first experience. On the way, Super Nash pulled out a dusty bottle of Hill & Hill for us to try on the ride over. It was amazing!
Bardstown Bourbon Company Barrel Thieving Tour
At BardstownBourbon Company we got checked in and some got cocktails while others checked out the gift shop. When it was time for our Rickhouse Barrel Thieving Tour, we met our guide – Samantha. She let us know that her nickname was “Heavy Hand Sam” and to be aware of that during the thieving pours!
We sampled from three barrels in the beautiful Rickhouse K. One was a bourbon that will ultimately become their Bottle-in-Bond bourbon. The second was a rye expression that is not currently being offered. The final one we had to guess and the “Rye Team” won that round! In fact, it was a 95% rye that would later be finished in their special zebra casks and bottled as their green label rye.
Photo by Chris Thompson
Fun on the Bus and Lunch
Back on the bus and more pours were happening! Super Nash had a mason jar of what had previously been in a dusty McCormick decanter – it was fantastic! Tiny showed the “unicorn” that we would have later, and then it was a pour from the 1980 Early Times!
There was a brief stop for shopping at The Blind Pig Bourbon Market where several great finds were acquired by many on the bus. Then we headed to the Old Kentucky Home Country Club for lunch. We had ordered our selections in advance and everyone enjoyed their choices!
Next it was time to travel to Limestone Branch and that meant more time for tastings! Up first was a dusty of Yellowstone, followed by the Yellowstone finished in a Tokaji barrel, and topped off by the fresh opening of beautiful dusty Jim Beam decanter. All terrific pours!
Limestone Branch Distillery Single Barrel Select Tour
Before we knew it, we had arrived at LimestoneBranch Distillery. We were incredibly blessed to have their National Brand Ambassador, Stephen Fante, as our guide for our experience. He provided a fun and informative tour that included history as well as all aspects of their distilling process.
We then went into their newest building addition – the single barrel select room. Once there, we enjoyed five incredible pours and hear more awesome stories. We laughed, shared, and had a great time!
Following our tasting, we still had time for a cocktail, cigar, and shopping in the giftshop before we needed to get on the road back to Bardstown.
Heaven Hill Distillery for an Executive Tasting of High End Pours
While on the road, we had a pour of Jeffrey’s World Whiskey Society 10 Year Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Port Cask Unicorn edition. It was very good! While we passed, there was also a pour of Penelope Rio available!
Before we knew it, we had arrived at HeavenHill Distillery for our Whiskey Connoisseur tasting. This included 5 great pours: Elijah Craig Toasted, Select Stock Armagnac Finish, Pikesville Rye, Heaven Hill Heritage 18 Year, and Elijah Craig Barrel Proof.
There was time for a bit of shopping before gathering back on the bus.
Surprise Birthday Party for Tiny!!
We arrived back at the parking lot near Mammy’s and everyone was pretending to say their goodbyes for the evening. Little did Jeffrey know that his wife, Rachel, had arranged a surprise party at Mr. Tubs for his birthday. Thus, the fun continued for several more hours. I do believe that he was genuinely surprised!
Photo by Wayne McBrayer
This was an absolutely an amazing day! We knew it would be fun but had no idea how mush we would truly enjoy being with everyone on the bus. The generosity of the bottles and pours shared was second-to-none. People we have known through social media and brief meetings at events have truly become amazing friends that we will always cherish. We hope that we will be able to join them on another trip in the future!
THREEGift Shops
We picked up a few bottles today!
Distillery Trail Statistics
We originally visited Bardstown Bourbon Co April 23,2022. It was our 6th distillery and our 2nd stamp on the KBT Signature Trail. Our second visit was March 2023 and we did the Barrel Thieving Tour and it was our 56th distillery experience. Next we visited Bardstown Bourbon Co in June 2023 as part of the 2023 Mint Julip VIP Bardstown Collection Tour and it was our 78th distillery experience. We also did a Distilled Dinner there in 2023. Therefore, this was our 5th visit there and our 139th distillery experience.
Our first visit to Limestone Branch was May 20, 2023. It was an amazing day as we completed the Central Craft Trail there and it was our 40th stamp on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail as well as our 48th distillery and 73rd distillery experience. Thus, this was our 2nd visit to Limestone Branch and our 140th distillery experience.
For Heaven Hill, our first visit was April 24, 2022 and we did the Bottle Your Own experience. It was our 9th distillery and our 5th stamp on the KBT Signature Trail. We returned to Heaven Hill in June 2023 as part of the 2023 Mint Julip VIP Bardstown Collection Tour and it was our 77th distillery experience. That makes this our 3rd visit to Heaven Hill and our 141st distillery experience.
It’s a good thing I have a spreadsheet!
Happy Trails! Rebecca & Wayne
All photos by Rebecca Herman McBrayer unless otherwise noted.
Tour Date: September 10, 2024 1:40pm By Rebecca Herman McBrayer
Today Wayne and I traveled 165 miles to Lorreto, KY for a visit at Maker’s Mark. It had been nearly 18 months since our first visit and we were excited to enjoy the experience and see what new things we might learn.
They have really expanded their visitor center. After checking in we proceeded to their beautiful bar and lounge area. We quickly determined that we would have a neat pour of the Heart Release 2024 and we were happy to learn that we could also purchase the bottle.
Another fun thing – Whisky Jean the distillery cat. She sat there while numerous people pet her despite the sign saying she didn’t like being touched. She even has her own Instagram account.
Behind the BourbonTour
The tour we booked was titled, Behind the Bourbon: An Insider’s Look Behind the Scenes. The tour’s description: This immersive distillery experience pulls the curtain back on the Maker’s Mark® process. More detailed and technical than a standard tour, visitors encounter all aspects of production, accessing far reaches of the distillery, warehouse, cellar, cistern and bottling. And, of course, we can’t truly get behind the bourbon without getting into some. Expect a tasting with pours of the unexpected and the familiar.
Our guide for the day was Jim and he was fantastic. There wasn’t a question that he couldn’t answer!
We started with a discussion on the receiving, inspection, and acceptance of the grain. Then we went inside to the production building. Unfortunately, they have just come off of a shut down so there wasn’t a lot happening. That said, the cookers were working and we were able to see fermenters at the day 1 and day 2 stage. A
Also, while there was no distillate coming through the spirit safes, Jim had some set aside for us to taste.
We walked the grounds and there is something to see around each corner. We visited the printing room where print presses from the 1930s were at work. We then viewed the area where the barrels are received, moved into the building, and filled. As Jim indicated, it would have had a lot more action if they were in operation. However, it was interesting nevertheless.
Next we headed to their oldest rickhouse where we learned about their barrel aging processes. We first had a pour of the standard, 90 proof, Maker’s Mark. Next, Jim thieved some Maker’s Mark 46 out of the barrel for us. It was terrific!
Then a trip to the cellar was on the agenda. Jim provided a detailed explanation of their farming and raising of livestock, grain, trees, and bees! Once in the cellar, while enjoying the 50 degree temperatures, Jim talked about how the temperatures interact with the barrels and the aging process. We ventured up to the second floor of the rickhouse where we were able to feel the limestone wall while enjoying two additional pours from their stave finishing collection.
We then made a stop at the building with an historical display about Margaret Samuels – the marketing mastermind behind Maker’s Mark and the first woman inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame. We learned about the quality assurance room, and watched the operation of the bottling line.
Of course, no trip to Maker’s Mark would be complete without stoping at the stunning Chihuly blown glass display!
While in the gift shop, we also had an opportunity to talk a bit more with Jim (our guide) and got a picture with him as well. We highly recommend this tour!
Distillery Trail Statistics
We originally visited Maker’s Mark April 23,2022. It was our 7th distillery and our 4th stamp on the Signature Trail. For this second visit, The Behind the Bourbon tour was a new experience. It was also our 138th distillery experience.
Happy Trails! Rebecca & Wayne
Evening Wrap Up
We headed back to Bardstown and checked into our hotel. While we had planned to go to Mammy’s for dinner, we opted for our other favorite when in town, La Herradura, which has outstanding Mexican food.
It was a great first day and we are looking forward to Wednesday!
All photos by Rebecca Herman McBrayer unless otherwise noted.
Recap and Highlights from Saturday, August 17, 2024 By Rebecca Herman McBrayer
Hard to believe that we are already on Day 3!
Lean Back on the Bourbon Breakfast 8:00am – 9:00am
Breakfast was sponsored by J. Mattingly 1845 – nice sample pours of their rye and bourbon; and Michter’s – gifted their Glencarin glass. The buffet for breakfast was once again very good. We had a great group of people at our table to chat with. Excellent way to kick off the morning!
Immediately after concluding breakfast, we enjoyed a keynote by Nancy “the Nose” Fraley of Nosing Services. She won the WOW Award last evening for Master Blender of the Year. She shared her life journey of many twists and turns that led her to whiskey.
Through Nancy’s keynote as well as her bio, we learned that she is a Freelance Master Blender based in Berkeley, CA, and is recognized for her exceptional blending services and sensory analysis provided to distilleries across the globe. Renowned for her creation of the pioneering American Craft Whiskey Aroma Wheel and her expertise in blending theory and sensory analysis, Nancy’s journey as a master blender commenced with a profound experience tasting her first Bourbon at her father’s wedding. Prior to dedicating herself to this craft, she pursued studies in Tibetan Buddhism, earning a Master’s Degree from Harvard Divinity School, and a Juris Doctor Degree from the University of San Francisco School of Law. Following her departure from her role as a law librarian, she embarked on a transformative journey through Morocco, Spain, and Mexico before joining the esteemed brandy house Germain-Robin. Nancy’s significant contributions to the craft spirits Bourbon and whiskey industry include the introduction of ancient French Cognac and Armagnac “élevage” techniques, which have since been embraced by numerous craft spirit distilleries. Moreover, her creation of the world’s first “Cigar Blend” Bourbon in 2016 stands as a tribute to her French blending mentors and the enduring tradition of Cigar Blend Cognacs.
Selected Session: The Proof is in the Barrel: How Barrel-Entry Proof Affects Flavor with Michter’s Andrea Wilson and Katherine O’Nan
This was a fascinating session where we had the opportunity to enjoy the experience of tasting through various proof whiskeys to learn the influences proof can make. Michter’s enters all its whiskeys into the barrel at 103 proof to create a rich smooth and easy to drink profile. We did two blind tastings to compare the same aged whiskey entered into wood at 103 proof versus 125 proof at bottling strength and barrel strength.
Outstanding session! Thank you, Andrea and Katherine!
Whiskey in the Jar Lunch 12:45pm – 1:45pm EDT
We enjoyed a much appreciated light lunch and great conversation. There were cocktails and SIPs provided by Hotel Tango Distillery but I decided to focus on iced tea.
The remainder of the day would be diverse as some were going on outside excursions and others were partaking in onsite workshops.
While we weren’t sure if we would drink more, we wanted to visit the Bar-a-Rama to mingle and see some of the distillers that we have gotten to know.
Lounges sponsored by Southern Distilling Company and Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey
Tables sponsored by Catoctin Creek Distilling Company, LLC, Coors Spirits Co., FILMLAND SPIRITS, Fortune’s Fool, Heaven’s Door Whiskey, Holladay Distillery, J.P. Wiser’s and Lot No. 40, Keeper’s Heart, Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co., Lythgoe Bourbon, Milam & Greene Whiskey, Moet Hennessy, New Riff Distilling, Old Dominick, Old Louisville Whiskey Co. LLC
We got pictures with Amine & Beth – Old Louisville Whiskey Co, Alex Castle – Master Distiller Augusta, Marlene Holmes – Master Distiller Milam and Greene, Erin – Stuff & Whiskey.
It was a really fun mix & mingle event and we had the opportunity to try some whiskeys for the first time. We were also present for the end of the Silent Auction and (together) we won FOUR! It was a great night!
That’s a Wrap for Day 3!
We already have the car loaded and will conclude Sunday morning following a breakfast gathering in just a few minutes. It was a great event where many great memories and friends were made!
Recap and Highlights from Friday, August 16, 2024 By Rebecca Herman McBrayer
This first “full” day was definitely the epitome of packed full of goodness!
Bourbon Beginnings Breakfast (Sagamore Rye) 8:00am – 9:00am EDTSponsored by Sagamore Rye! ANDSIP & Survey Round 1 with 15 Stars
The buffet was outstanding as the food was really cooked to perfection. We made several new friends at our table and shared many bourbon stories. During the breakfast hour we had an opportunity to SIP & Survey 15 Stars. The Private Stock was very good. That said, the Three Kings offered a very different sip as it is a blend of bourbon, rye, and wheat whiskeys.
We spent the remainder of the hour assisting our friends from Green River with the set up for their session. It was great to help and learn what all goes into making a fantastic session. I’m not sure that everyone appreciates all of the behind-the-scenes activity that is needed. While we didn’t attend that session, we know it was well-received.
Welcome and Keynote with Jane Bowie of Potter Jane Distilling 10:00am – 10:45am EDT
It was very inspiring to listen to Jane as she shared her journey in the industry. Jane, a 16-year veteran of the spirits industry, embarked on her remarkable journey at Maker’s Mark Distillery, where she quickly ascended the ranks with unwavering passion and dedication. Her influential role as Global Brand Ambassador saw her spearheading the launch of groundbreaking products such as the first cask strength Maker’s Mark bourbon, and pioneering the innovative Private Select Barrel Program. Jane’s visionary creations have been celebrated with prestigious accolades at global whiskey competitions. Following her departure from Maker’s, she and her business partner are fervently working on the establishment of a new distillery in Kentucky, set to come to life by January 2025.
Friday Morning Workshops 11:00am – 12:00pm EDT
Rebecca attended: The Role of the Rickhouse: A Blind Exploration Kyle Merklein and Jordan Germano of Holladay Distillery.
Holladay Distillery’s Master Distiller, Kyle Merklein, delved deep into the enchanting world of the rickhouse and aging process, illuminating the intricate details that culminate in the perfect taste profile. A special focus was placed on the fascinating journey of aging, a process influenced by a myriad of factors including the barrel, storage structure, region, climate, square footage, and, of course, time.
It was incredibly fun to engage in a blind one barrel selection where everyone was afforded the opportunity to complete a confidential vote for the one to be barreled. We also had the opportunity to savor bourbon from barrels aged in different locations within one of the Holladay rickhouses. It was truly captivating to uncover the profound impact of barrel placement and position in the rickhouse on the amazing development of flavors within the bourbon. This was a great workshop that I highly recommend.
Wayne attended: The Pot Calling the Column Black: A Tale of Column and Pot Still Distillation with Christian Huber and Blake Huber of Starlight Distillery
Christian and Blake Huber of Starlight Distillery thoroughly examined the differences between column distillation and pot distillation, emphasizing the substantial impact that choice has on aroma, flavor, and finish. They delved into the technical and flavorful distinctions between pot and column stills, demonstrating how each method distinctly influences the taste, texture, and overall profile of whiskey. The audience engaged in an interactive tasting, gaining first-hand experience of the unique characteristics imparted by each distillation type. Their insightful presentation delivered a compelling exploration of whiskey distillation, and I found their expertise and delivery to be truly engaging.
Whiskey Bent and Bourbon Bound Lunch 12:15pm – 1:15pm EDT
We enjoyed another terrific meal and great company at our table. So fun to sit, relax, and visit while replenishing for the afternoon ahead.
Lunch was sponsored by the Tennessee Whiskey Trail and there were pours available but we opted for iced tea.
Friday Afternoon Excursions 1:40 p.m. – 4:15 p.m: Green River on the River – a river cruise with Green River
This was a truly unforgettable adventure on the river with Green River Distilling! Founded in 1885, this historic gem in Owensboro, KY, has been crafting exceptional bourbon for over a century. It was a great day to board The Mary Miller Riverboat and enjoy a fantastic 2-hour cruise along the Ohio River.
During the cruise, there was an opportunity to experience a presentation by the one and only National Brand Ambassador – Caryn Wells! She provided a captivating journey through Green River’s long and storied bourbon history. We also enjoyed a tasting of their full line up: Green River Wheated Bourbon, Green River Bourbon, Green River Rye, and Green River Full Proof. Each pour included food pairing to highlight the spirit’s profile. There was also an added surprise. We were able to sample from two barrels and select which we enjoyed the most. We then learned that it will be bottled exclusively for the attendees at this event and Bourbon Women SIP 24 will be on the label!
After our tasting session, we enjoyed the river views and then went to the first floor for some live Bluegrass music. There was also a feast of classic Kentucky BBQ available but we were still full from that awesome lunch. Thank you for an amazing time on the river!
WOW (Women of Whiskey) Awards 6:15pm – 10:30pm EDT Kentucky Center for the Arts
It was time to celebrate the women blazing trails in the whiskey world at the WOW Awards at the Kentucky Center for the Arts supported by the Bourbon Women Foundation. It began with a cocktail reception, red carpet, Meet and Greet that included heavy hors d’oeuvres, and sips.
Then we moved into the Bomhard theater for the awards presentation. Peggy Noe Stevens and Susan Reigler served as the masters of ceremony. It was very inspiring to hear so many amazing stories of the nominees.
We were excited that our friend, Maggie Kimberl won Spirits Writer of the Year!
The event was great but we were tired and several of us decided to forego the desserts and after party!
WOW! What an amazing day! We capped it off with friends …. enjoying a bite to eat, a nightcap, and terrific conversation. Hats off to everyone who made this day so special and here’s to Saturday!!
Your Bourbon Journey 