2024 Bourbon Women SIPosium Day 3

August 18, 2024August 23, 2024 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

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.

For more about Nancy: https://americanwhiskeymag.com/articles/nancy-fraley/ and https://www.stillaustin.com/nancy-fraley

Saturday Morning Workshops 9:45am – 10:45am EDT

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.

Wayne and I went exploring a bit in Louisville.

Bar-a-Rama – Saturday Afternoon Tasting and Lounges 6:00pm – 8:00pm EDT

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!

For more about the conference:
2024 Bourbon Women SIPosium Day 1
2024 Bourbon Women SIPosium Day 2

2024 Bourbon Women SIPosium Day 2

August 17, 2024August 23, 2024 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

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 EDT Sponsored by Sagamore Rye! AND SIP & 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!

2024 Bourbon Women SIPosium Day 1

August 16, 2024August 23, 2024 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Recap and Highlights from Thursday, August 15, 2024
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer

As a bourbon-loving woman, I have been looking forward to this event for several months. The notion of over 400 women coming together in Louisville, KY from August 15-18, 2024 to celebrate the only consumer-based, female-focused whiskey conference in the US is something to get excited about.!

SIPosium is often described as more than just an industry conference – it’s a gathering of kindred spirits, a time for connections, and a celebration of sisterhood. The magic of 400+ bourbon-loving women in one room is an experience like no other. It’s a weekend that promises to be the ultimate dream for any bourbon or whiskey-loving woman.

Check in at the Hyatt was a breeze. Once settled into our room, we headed to the Bourbon Women SIPosium check in. This was very organized and terrific swag bags were received.

Before we knew it, we needed to locate and board the bus. Our bus as “first time attendee” had Peggy Noe Stevens as our hostess. She gave us a warm welcome, shared a bit about the organization, of which she founded, and hints and tips for having a fabulous weekend.

It was a brief drive to Angel’s Envy and you could feel the excitement on the bus.

Mix & Mingle at Angel’s Envy

As the bus arrived, you could feel everyone getting ready to start the party. This opening event was a Mix & Mingle at Angel’s Envy. This was certainly not our first visit to Angel’s Envy but I can certainly attest that I have never seen it so a-buzz!

We were immediately greeted with a cocktail and invited to enjoy the appetizers toward the back of retail center. It was a very nice spread with something for everyone. The catering team kept everything replenished and attendees were enjoying the atmosphere. We met a very nice woman, Yolanda, from Chicago. This is also her first time attending and I learned that she is also a huge cigar fan.

Probably my favorite table of the evening! Featuring sample pours of Angel’s Envy Rye with an array of amazing chocolates by Art Eatables!

I tried the white chocolate angel’s wings as a pairing and it was very luscious and complimentary.

Next I sampled the dark chocolate with nutmeg. Oh my, that combination offered an amazing taste sensation as the nutmeg highlighted some of the rye spices.

We decided to head to the second floor as we knew that more activities awaited us there. Wow – there were MANY more people there! Two bar areas were open and making cocktails. We opted to try the “Swanky Style” – Angel’s Envy Port Finished Bourbon, Angel’s Envy Rum Finished Rye, Sweet Vermouth, and Fernet Branca.

There was a ring toss game where you could try to win a bottle of Angel’s Envy. In addition, people were enjoying a photo booth. We sat at a table and met many very nice people. One person asked if we had been to Dueling Grounds and we gave that a resounding yes! As it turns out, she was Anne Dottore! She and Marc own Dueling Grounds and I asked if she would be interested in interviewing with us at a later date. We will get that on the schedule for this Fall!

We were fortunate to acquire some of their cask strength bottled-in-bond in June and really enjoy it. A special room opened where we could enjoy samples. We also were able to meet Master Distiller, Owen Martin. It was a terrific conversation regarding the spirits, his journey, and life in general. We look forward to talking with him in the future and hopefully in an interview as we start up our YouTube channel.

That’s a Wrap for Day 1!

Wow! So much fun in just a few hours! Truly looking forward to what the first full day has to offer. The schedule looks terrific!

Until tomorrow –
Rebecca!

For more about the conference:
2024 Bourbon Women SIPosium Day 2
2024 Bourbon Women SIPosium Day 3

Celebrating Bourbon in Louisville

June 18, 2024August 8, 2024 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

June 18, 2024
By Rebecca McBrayer

To wrap up National Bourbon Week, Wayne and I enjoyed a quick trip to Louisville, KY. We had two planned activities for the weekend: a dinner at Evan Williams on Friday and a tour at Starlight Distillery on Saturday. Beyond that, we decided to go with flow and enjoy whatever caught our eyes. If you haven’t been to Louisville and explored Whiskey Row, you should likely place that on your travel calendar!

Angel’s Envy Cask Strength Bottled-Bond Release

When we arrived in Louisville, we drove directly to Angel’s Envy. They were releasing their Cask Strength Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon, their first non-finished offering. We were excited to stop in and acquire a bottle. We learned that they were 375ml bottles and got two as well as a distillery only single barrel. This is an historic moment for Angel’s Envy and we were thrilled to stop in for their celebration!

Bardstown Bourbon Company’s Louisville Tasting Room

We have been huge fans of Bardstown Bourbon Company since our first weekend on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and love that they now have a tasting room in Louisville. Thus, that was our next stop.

We had hoped that we would be able to acquire a bottle of their Amrut Collaboration and were thrilled that it was available. When planning our tasting flights, we also wanted to try the two distillery only offerings. The first was a Small Batch Stave Finish and the other was a Single Barrel Four Grain. When we saw that their Bardstown Collection for 2024 was available, that was an easy choice!

As we sat down for our tasting, I was more than surprised to see my friend and AOII sorority sister, Cindy Visot, who I have not seen in 9 years! She and her husband were in town for a wedding and just happened to stop in to sample some bourbon. What a fun coincidence!

**Flight: Small Batch Stave Finish, Single Barrel Four Grain, Bardstown Collection 2024, Amrut Collaboration**

We bought all that we sampled as each expression was amazing. To say we were surprised and THRILLED to have the opportunity to purchase the 2024 Bardstown Collection is an understatement!

Buzzard’s Roost Whiskey Row Experience

We then walked a couple blocks to the Buzzard’s Roost Whiskey Row Experience. We really enjoy their products and made a point to stop in as we knew they are having a special event to celebrate the grand opening of their hidden speakeasy. The event included a sample spirit upon arrival, light bites, and a special cocktail menu at their cash bar.

**Buzzard’s Roost on Main St in Louisville**

Everyone was dressed in Roaring 20’s attire and the place was buzzing! The small bites were welcomed as we had been quite busy already. We were happy to get a seat at the bar and order from the special menu for the event. We each enjoyed our drink selections … Manhattan for me and a Paper Plane for Wayne!

Evan Williams – A Toast to Bourbon Dinner

Following our visit at Buzzard’s Roost, it was time to head to Evan Williams for our “A Toast to Bourbon Dinner” that was scheduled to begin at 7PM. Please read all about that event HERE.

Breakfast at Doc Crow’s

We were up early on Saturday morning and looked forward to breakfast at one of our favorite places – Doc Crow’s! The location and atmosphere is fantastic. We always have amazing service and the food is outstanding.

Wayne enjoyed the “build your own” omelet with hashbrowns, a side of biscuit & gravy and a spicy Bloody Mary made with bourbon. I loved the spinach and feta omelet with hashbrowns … and we shared a side of cheddar grits!

Whiskey Row Car Show

As we walked to Doc Crow’s, we noticed that cars were filing in for a show. By the time we finished breakfast, we were able to stroll along Whiskey Row and enjoy some amazing cars! You just never know what you will find in downtown Louisville.

Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery

After checking out of our hotel, we decided to see what Michter’s was offering for the day. We arrived just as the doors were opening and learned that they had a Barrel Strength Rye (109.6 proof) available. It came as a set with their Straight Rye Whiskey. There was also an opportunity to bottle-your-own Barrel Strength Bourbon but the next available time was later than we desired to stay.

James B. Beam Distilling Co.

After leaving Michter’s, we decided to head to Jim Beam, which is less than a 30-minute drive from Louisville. We always love being on their campus and we were hopeful that they would have some bottles on the shelf that we wanted to buy.

We were in luck as they had exactly what we were hoping for: Booker’s 2024-02, “The Beam House Batch” and Little Book Chapter 8, “Path not Taken.” Of course, it would have been incredible to acquire a bottle of their 2024 Bardstown Collection; alas, there were none available. But that is ok, we got what we thought we would have an opportuity to buy!

It was a great, albeit quick, trip to Louisville. We always look forward to visiting!

Farewell Louisville – time to head to Borden, IN and Starlight Distillery!

Happy Trails!
Rebecca & Wayne

Pre-Solar Eclipse Trip to MB Roland, Casey Jones, and The Bard

April 11, 2024April 15, 2024 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

By Rebecca & Wayne McBrayer

Saturday, April 6, 2024 we decided to enjoy the beautiful day and revisit some awesome stops on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour Western area. Besides loving these distilleries, there were some events and special Total Eclipse bottle releases happening as well that we didn’t want to miss.

MB Roland Distillery in Pembroke, KY

MB Roland Distillery is located on a lovely farm just south of Hopkinsville, which also means that they are just north of the Tennessee state line. Via their Facebook postings, we knew that they were releasing the MB Roland Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon and “Smallest Small Batch” hand selected and blended by Jackie Zykan. Bonus, she was to be there for bottle signings 11-3. In addition, we wanted to acquire a bottle of their total eclipse commemorative Black Sun Bourbon etched bottle.

We were fortunate to arrive early and have an opportunity to talk with Jackie. She is not only incredibly knowledgeable and possesses an amazing palate, but she is super nice as well.

After our chat, we decided to do a small tasting to help us determine what other bottles we wanted to take home with us. They have endless options and you are sure to find one or two that hits the mark for your taste. In addition to the ones that Jackie signed and the Black Sun Bourbon, we also got one finished in brandy and a single barrel named “Butter and Biscuits” as it was very clear how it got its name!

Casey Jones Distillery in Hopkinsville, KY

From MB Roland, it is a mere 22 mile drive north to the Casey Jones Distillery. We had a mission to collect as many eclipse specialty bottles as reasonable and we knew that Casey’s had a few options. We were able to sample several items and that helped us confirm that we would acquire the three eclipse options as well as an amazing single barrel four-grain.

We had the opportunity to meet with their Master Distiller, AJ, and get a picture with him. He was thrilled that we loved their spirits and encouraged us to stop in their bar for a specialty cocktail before leaving. That was certainly on our agenda just as soon as we grabbed some of the BBQ that we had been smelling on the smoker! Smokin O’s BBQ had burgoo, BBQ nachos, pulled pork, chicken, brisket, and ribs – amazing! We enjoyed our food selections with a cocktail (Bloody Mary for Wayne and the Total Black Out for Rebecca).

Casey Jones Single Barrel Eclipse Cask: Originally barreled for the 2017 Eclipse, it was now bottled for the 2024 Eclipse. The mashbill is 50% corn and 50% cane recipe. It was aged just shy of 7 years in a Kelvin Cooperage #4 char, medium toast cask, offered uncut at cask strength.

Total Eclipse Bourbon: This is a 4 grain mashbill with 75% corn, 10% wheat, 10% rye, and 5% malted barley.

Total Eclipse Moonshine: Distilled from a century-old family recipe of 50% corn and 50% cane sugar, this particular moonshine was first created during the 2017 eclipse.

The Bard Distillery in Graham, KY

It was somewhat a “given” that we would stop by The Bard Distillery as we would literally drive by the exit on our way home. From Casey’s, it is less than 40 miles to the north – and again – on our way home to Southern Indiana. We had our fingers crossed that we might catch a lull on a Saturday so we could chat for a bit. That’s exactly what happened – we arrived just after two large groups had departed!

We always enjoy visiting with the team, seeing what might be new in the gift shop, and getting a bottle or two to replenish our shelves. We were in need of their Cinder & Smoke Straight Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey finished in Spanish Oloroso casks. Apparently, we weren’t the only ones with that great idea as they were temporarily sold out. Just another reason to make a visit in the near future!

That said, we were able to catch up with Kim Carter Bard and Amy Bryant while enjoying that day’s specialty cocktails. In addition, we were blessed to receive a special behind-the-scene’s peek at things to come for the distillery. All I will share is that you will want to see it unfold! Just brilliant. We are very excited for Kim, Tom, and the entire team!

Kim invited us to follow her to Greenville, KY to check out a great spot there. And we were off to do just that!

Sip&Spin Coffee & Records in Greenville, KY

Greenville, KY is a picturesque town in Muhlenberg County with a traditional town feel and many historic buildings. The Sip & Spin Coffee & Records is no different. Located in the historic Roark building, the location has served several purposes including an undertaking business, antiques, and the printer for a local paper, “The Record.” Many historical items are on display today and it is fascinating to walk through. If that isn’t enough, they have fabulous coffee and live music on Friday and Saturday evenings.

We truly enjoyed relaxing there and chatting with Kim as well as Ben Duvall, the owner of the establishment. We look forward to returning on a Saturday in the near future to enjoy the music and people of Greenville.

Rebecca, Kim, and Wayne at the Sip & Spin

Distillery Trail Statistics

MB Roland Distillery, Casey Jones Distillery, and The Bard Distillery are on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour Western area. This trip marked our second visits to MB Roland and Casey Jones and our 4th to The Bard. Overall, they were our 121st, 122nd, and 123rd distillery experiences.

The Bourbon Trail is so much more than collecting stamps and bottles of spirits. Whether you are just starting the Trail or are well into it, always remember to savor each moment and take it all in. It is a culture. It is making new friends. It is supporting up and coming businesses. It is a way of life and we love it!

Pro Tip: Add Old Glory Distilling Co in Clarksville, TN. That plus MB Roland and Casey Jones will complete the Stateline Whiskey Tour. You will receive a souvenir shot glass at each stop and a finisher’s stave at the last one.