August 2024 Louisville, Chocolate, and Bourbon – Oh My!

August 7, 2024 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

August 7, 2024
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer

With Louisville, KY being only a 90 minute drive for us, Wayne and I are fortunate to enjoy what the city has to offer on a pretty regular basis. Since completing the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, most of our more recent trips to Louisville have been related to a bourbon-related event. We then surround the event schedule with places that we really enjoy in Louisville.

This past weekend’s trip had a different driving force. A long-time friend from San Diego would be in Louisville for the Court Reporter’s Conference. We learned she had Friday late afternoon and evening free and that set the wheels into motion to plan something fun. The conference was held at the Galt House and that provided us with an incentive to stay there for the first time as well.

One plan led to another and it turned into a most enjoyable weekend of exploring all things Louisville – especially since it was bourbon-related!

The Galt House Hotel was originally opened in 1835 and is Louisville’s only water-facing hotel. We enjoyed our stay there and found the hotel to be extremely central and in walking distance to many things we wished to do.

FRIDAY – AUGUST 2ND

Whiskey Row Bourbon and Chocolate Walking Tour

Prior to the trip, we learned that our friend Heidi and her colleague Bridget had never had bourbon. They had mostly enjoyed wine and lighter spirits. We knew that we needed to provide a proper introduction to our native spirt and Louisville has many options. After some research, we were thrilled that the Whiskey Row Walking Tour – Bourbon and Chocolate Tour – was available late afternoon on Friday. This seemed to be the perfect way to introduce our friends to bourbon … with a bit of history and a dose of amazing chocolate!

Meet up at the Frazier History Museum with our awesome guide, Drew!

Drew, our Whiskey Row tour guide, was amazing and he was able to share so many stories about Louisville that we had previously not hear. Drew is a native and lifelong Louisvillian. For 15 years, he has happily guided tourists, travelers, and native Louisvillians to famous Bourbon distilleries, Thoroughbred horse farms, and historic city sites. As a Professional Tour Guide, he takes pride in offering tours that are not only fun and entertaining, but also informative and historically accurate. Prior to becoming a guide, Drew dedicated 22 years to the City of Louisville’s Economic Development Department, playing a direct role in impactful development projects that significantly contributed to the growth and transformation of Louisville.

First stop – Art Eatables!

At Art Eatables®, the founders chose to create something new… the Small-batch Bourbon Truffle™, showcasing a unique approach to combining confection and bourbon. The founder, Kelly Ramsey, is the world’s first bourbon-certified chocolatier, and the company’s focus on accentuating the character of each bourbon through carefully selected chocolates sets their truffles apart. Even non-bourbon enthusiasts have found enjoyment in these truffles, as they provide a delightful blend of rich Belgian-style chocolates and the elegant flavors of Kentucky’s beloved bourbons.

Tasting flight of bourbon truffles and bourbons.

Our flight included Maker’s Mark, Angel’s Envy, and Michter’s Bourbon. Each piece of chocolate heaven was truly had the essence of each bourbon melded in the most amazing way within the fine truffle. It was mind-blowing, intriguing, and fabulously delicious all at the same time.

Second Stop – Buzzard’s Roost

Our second stop was at Buzzard’s Roost Distillery. Opened in April 2023, it is a fantastic addition to the bourbon distillery scene on Whiskey Row and we have enjoyed it on numerous occasions. We were fortunate to have Jeff Holmes lead us on this part of the experience in their very new Speak Easy room.
We had the opportunity to savor two exquisite whiskey tastings, expertly paired with two of their exclusive chocolates crafted by Art Eatables using the same whiskey as the tasting. Among the selection are the remarkable Double Gold winning Char #1 Rye Whiskey and the exceptional Platinum winning Char #1 Bourbon, both victors at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Third & Final Stop – Bristol Bar & Grille

The last stop on the tour was a local Louisville gem with a fascinating history, the Bristol Bar and Grille. Affectionately known as “The Bristol” by locals, it was established in 1977 and continues to be owned by its founder, Doug Gossmann. Gathered around a table, we all had the opportunity to engage in lively conversation and share what we loved about the tour. The highlight was the delightful pairing of Old Forester Bourbon with the iconic Kentucky Derby-Pie®. We also delved into the captivating history behind the bourbon and pie, discovering why both have become integral to the tradition of the Kentucky Derby®.

The Whiskey Row Bourbon and Chocolate Walking Tour completely surpassed our expectations! The pairings and hospitality at Art Eatables, Buzzard’s Roost, and Bristol Bar and Grille were absolutely exceptional. At every turn, Drew embodied the perfect guide, sharing his extensive knowledge and passion for Louisville with us. We cannot recommend this tour highly enough! Just a heads up: it’s currently seasonal and available from March through October.

Time to Explore

Just because the tour ended didn’t mean we had concluded our Louisville adventure. We still had a couple more places that we wanted to share with friends.

The Bar at Fort Nelson

Located on the second floor of Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery, The Bar at Fort Nelson boasts classic cocktails carefully curated by cocktail historian and author David Wondrich, along with innovative creations by the talented bar team. Our frequent visits to this bar in Louisville are always a delight, as the atmosphere, service, and cocktails never fail to impress. On this particular visit, I was excited to recommend the Falls of the Ohio Fizz cocktail, which comes with an unexpected and delightful twist – laser printing on the top! The drink itself features Michter’s US*1 Kentucky Straight Rye, Orange Curacao, Lemon, Sugar, Egg White, and Soda. I had a good feeling that the flavor profile would be just right for Bridget and Heidi, and the “surprise” element would be a hit. Needless to say, they absolutely loved it!

*Bridget and Heidi enjoying their cocktails*

As a bonus, Andrea Wilson, Michter’s Master of Maturation as well as its Chief Operating Officer, was there and I was able to have a brief conversation with her. I look forward to seeing her at SIPosium in a couple of weeks. PLUS, from the second floor bar, you can see down into the distillation room. Heidi and Bridget were able to see the fermentation tanks and pot stills, which they found fascinating. It was a great stop for our day!

Bardstown Bourbon Co. Louisville Tasting Room

We always stop in this location because we love their spirits and they often have “distillery only” options to purchase. You can also taste a flight of their bourbon or have an amazing cocktail. Wayne and I decided on neat pours and I recommended cocktails to our friends based on their flavor profiles. Everyone was pleased with their selections and it was another opportunity to visit and enjoy one another’s company.

**Heidi’s – What’s Up Doc?** (Yes, that is on FIRE!)

After so many fantastic bourbon stops, it was definitely time for dinner! We headed back to the Bristol Bar & Grille for great food, more conversation, and a lot of laughs. We shared stories of our adventures and savored every moment of togetherness. After our satisfying meal, we strolled back to our hotel. As we bid each other goodnight, the day’s memories filled in our minds, fueled by the joy of cherished friendships, delectable chocolates, exquisite bourbon, and the delights of a remarkable culinary journey.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 3RD

We had a leisurely morning and then decided to walk to a nearby restaurant that we have often noticed but never stopped in to check it out. Bluegrass Brewing Company located at 3rd & Main. Wayne decided to have an Extra Spicy Bloody Mary and I enjoyed a pour of Bourbon Barrel Stout. We opted to share the Bluegrass Burger – an Angus Burger with Pimento Cheese Ranch, Haystack Onions, Fried Green Tomato and Cheddar Cheese. It was served with house-made chips. It was terrific and we recommend it as a great choice.

We headed back to our hotel room to relax until it was time to drive to Michael Veach’s home for “drinks on the porch” at 1PM. This would be our second opportunity to taste with them and we were quite excited. If you aren’t familiar with Michael Veach, we encourage you to get to know him at the YouTube channel and website – bourbonveachdotcom. He is a bourbon enthusiast, writer, and historian who was inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame in 2006.

Tasting with Mike & Matt – Porch Session #1

When we arrived, Mike already had the porch and the tasting set up and ready to go. However, much to our surprise, we learned that it would be recorded for an episode of “Mike & Matt Taste” for their YouTube Channel – BourbonVeach. It would be the start of what they will call, The Porch Sessions. Wow – what an honor!

Before we got down to the business of tasting, we had the opportunity to meet Matt’s girlfriend, Rebecca, who is the one behind the camera and video editing. In addition, Mike’s fiancé, Rosemary, was home for a short while prior to the start of the filming. It was wonderful to get to know Rebecca and catch up with Rosemary.

We weren’t exactly sure how the quality of the recording would turn out as there was car detailing at a neighbors and an occasional helicopter flying over. We just learned to roll with it and embrace it as the real outdoors that we were experiencing. As you can see in the photo above, we were very excited to taste a dusty bottle – 1974 Old Crow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey! Please view the video below for the tasting notes as well as fun porch conversation!

We were both surprised and honored to be a part of the “Mike & Matt Taste” for our Porch Session visit.

At the conclusion of the tastings (we also tasted a bottle that we brought to share – Starlight Distillery‘s Bourbon Finished in Peach Brandy Barrel – we wrapped up the video as Matt and Rebecca needed to depart. However, we stayed to chat and smoke a couple cigars with Mike. We inquired about their favorite restaurants in the area. Mike highly recommended Volare Italian Ristorante and Bourbons Bistro. Both sounded amazing and we quickly checked Open Table and were able to get a 6PM reservation at Bourbons Bistro. We hated to depart but know we will visit again. The experience was a great gift and as a momento, we were also invited to take the unfinished Old Crow home with us. Thank you, Mike, for an amazing afternoon of great pours, conversation, and friendship.

Dinner at Bourbons Bistro

It was terrific that Bourbons Bistro was about a mile away as we were ready for dinner. I didn’t take any location photos as I didn’t want to disturb other diners. However, this page on their website has a fantastic set of photos.

We each decided to enjoy a neat pour of Buzzard’s Roost Char #1 Bourbon while sharing Mike’s recommended appetizer: Garlic and Goat Cheese Spread – roasted garlic, bleu cheese, goat cheese, cream cheese, sweet red and green peppers, baby spinach, French bread. Each were devine! For our dinner choices, Wayne started with the Wedge Salad and we each ordered the Bourbons Chop – 12 oz. Frenched bone-in pork chop wrapped in proscuitto topped with Asadero cheese and a bourbon veal demi glace, Yukon mashed potatoes, garlic haricot verts. Every bite was amazing and the staff was attentive and very helpful – we were so happy to enjoy this restaurant.

Background on Bourbons Bistro and its Owner: Jason Brauner is the owner of Bourbons Bistro in Louisville, Kentucky, which he opened in 2005 with the intention of creating a place that celebrated the state and people of Kentucky through its focus on bourbon. Over the years, Jason not only educated himself about bourbon but also innovated within the industry, introducing concepts such as bourbon flights, barrel picks, and bourbon experiences. Since opening Bourbon’s Bistro in 2005, Jason has established an active single barrel program, working closely with Kentucky’s master distillers to gain knowledge and respect. In 2019, Judy Hollis Jones and Jason Brauner met during a barrel pick and decided to create Buzzard’s Roost Sipping Whiskey, aiming for exceptional and unique quality. Jason oversees production to ensure each batch exceeds the expectations of discerning whiskey drinkers.

We look forward to meeting Jason at the Owensboro Bourbon Society‘s August meeting!

SUNDAY, AUGUST 4TH

Before departing for home, we wanted to make one final stop at our favorite breakfast place in downtown Louisville – Doc Crow’s on Main Street. Over time, we have tried many of their breakfast options but have each settled on our favorites. For me, it is the Spinach & Feta Omelette while Wayne loves a combo of Buttermilk Biscuits N’ Gravy and a Build Your Own Omelette. As always, the food and service were top notch. We highly recommend Doc Crow’s when in Louisville!

That’s a Wrap!

It’s impossible to identify just one “favorite” moment from our weekend in Louisville as each was absolutely unforgettable. Our time was jam-packed with all things bourbon, from a fascinating walking tour that introduced our friends into the world of bourbon through exquisite pairings of chocolate and bourbon, to exploring tasting rooms at different distilleries. The weekend also featured an exclusive bourbon tasting porch session with bourbon expert Michael Veach, dining at exceptional restaurants, and a visit to our go-to breakfast spot before heading home. This truly added an extraordinary chapter to Our Bourbon Journey, and we hope it inspires some noteworthy stops on Your Bourbon Journey as well!

Cheers until next time!
Rebecca & Wayne

First Visit to Starlight Distillery

July 4, 2024July 4, 2024 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

July 4, 2024
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer

June 15, 2024, Wayne and I visited Starlight Distillery in Borden, IN for the very first time. In addition, June 29th we made a return visit. Yes, we enjoyed it that much! Getting to the distillery was reminiscent of a Beatles song, “The Long and Winding Road.” But seriously, there was lovely landscape along the way.

Upon arrival, we were amazed at just how large the Huber Family Farm, including the Huber Winery and Starlight Distillery, is! During our tour, we learned it is over 800 acres. Our minds were somewhat blown as we drove in the entrance … people, cars, directional signs, and more as far as our eyes could see. We expected to see a small family establishment like so many others that we have experienced; however, we learned rather quickly that this would be like no other.

Tractors pulling U-pick wagons filled with people were heading to the various U-pick areas. Berries and peaches seemed to be very popular. The Farm Market was filled with vibrant colors from so many amazing fruits and vegetables – we knew we would make that our final stop so we could take home some goodies. The fresh ice cream shopped looked amazing but even after two visits, we have yet to indulge in that sweet frozen cream, perhaps next time!

We could see the distillery in the distance but it was a few hours until our tour so we looked around the bottle and gift shop and then grabbed some beverages and headed toward the expansive patio to listen to live music. We met some terrific people and visited with them. We learned that they come often for the fresh fruits & veggies as well as the great atmosphere for family.

While we didn’t try the food on our first visit, we did get the “burger” on the second trip. Wow! It was huge and delightful. We may have opted to split one had we known it was so enormous since it was a double cheeseburger. We each got the Peach Tea with Bourbon as our beverage – also quite good. They have a good selection on their menu and cafe bar and we will make time for lunch on subsequent trips.

This note on their website really sums it up: “Since 1843, our family has cultivated an oasis for you to connect with your loved ones surrounded by the natural beauty of Southern Indiana. Make new memories every time you come—whether you’re with your kids, your friends, or your parents. When you visit Huber’s, you become family, too.”

We couldn’t agree more with their description. We have fallen in love with the Huber Family Farm and all it has to offer. This will become a regular stop on our journey. We hope you will visit too!

Tour of the Starlight Distillery

Rikki Urquhart, Starlight’s Tour Guide Manager, was our guide and she was incredibly knowledgable and engaging throughout. We had booked the “Straight From the Barrel Tour” that included all aspects of production and concluded in the rickhouse for a tasting flight that Rikki thieved straight from the barrels for us.

The tour began in the cellar (which was nice and cool on a rather hot day) and included a history of the Huber Family, the farm, the winery, and distillery. We were surrounded by some amazing wine barrels and overhead you see see remnants of some very old vines.

We moved room to room to view and learn about the various aspects of production, starting with wines and then the distilled spirits.

We made our way out to the rickhouse where we would partake in a tasting that Rikki thieved from various barrels. Each expression was unique and included a double oaked, finished bourbons, and a rye. The selections that Rikki made were outstanding.

This is a terrific tour! We highly recommend it as you get to learn so much and then experience the rickhouse thieving tasting. Thank you, Rikki, for an amazing afternoon!

Starlight Gift & Bottle Shop

We didn’t purchase souvenirs on either trip, but I’m thinking that a T-shirt might be in our future. We were fortunate that our barrel thieving tour included Glencairn glasses and 10-year anniversary pins. That said, there were bottle purchases. In addition to what is pictured below, we also got a bottle of their Cabernet Franc (Wayne’s favorite wine) and their Peach Brandy.

**One of these has already been placed on my hat!**

_{Bourbon finish in honey barrels, Cigar Batch, Double Oaked, and Bourbon finished in Champagne Wine Casks.}

We enjoyed the Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Champagne Wine Casks so much that it was the reason for a rather quick subsequent trip – to get a couple more. You can read our tasting notes HERE.

Distillery Trail Statistics

The Starlight Distillery in Borden, IN was our 60th distillery, the 5th Indiana distillery, and our 129th distillery experience.

Pro Tip: Plan to visit other nearby distilleries. Starlight Distillery is only 30 minutes from Louisville, KY with over 10 distilleries and/or experiences. Also nearby, the Spirits of French Lick.

Happy Trails!
Rebecca & Wayne

All photos by Rebecca Herman McBrayer unless otherwise noted.

July 2024 Tasting of Starlight Bourbon Finished in Champagne Wine Barrels

July 2, 2024July 4, 2024 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

July 2, 2024
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Wayne and I recently visited the Starlight Distillery in Borden, IN for the first time and thoroughly enjoyed it. Please see our visit story HERE. Thus, for this tasting, we decided to taste a recent Single Barrel release that we purchased during our visit: Starlight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Champagne Wine Barrels. We were intrigued by this one at the distillery and requested a small sample taste. That was enough for us to make the purchase. Please be sure to read our approach to Tasting Whiskey if you haven’t already.

Starlight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Champagne Wine Barrels, Single Barrel

Mashbill – Carl T. Single Barrel Bourbons begins with their 3-grain and 4-grain mash bills. Undisclosed blend of:
1) 60% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley
2) 51% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley, 9% Wheat

Age – 4 years
Proof – 117.8
Price Paid – $80.24 (with tax)
Finished – Finished in Champagne Wine Barrels
Other – Sweet Mash Fermentation, Distilled in Copper Pot Stills; uncut, and straight from the barrel without any filtration.

Appearance – Golden amber. They are somewhat slow to form but this spirit has terrific legs on the glass.

Aroma – Very inviting nose with the light brightness of summer fruits and maybe a hint of citrus. There is also the sweetness of vanilla cream. In addition, there is a warm baking spice aroma coming through.

Tasted Neat – The bourbon comes forward clearly with notes of vanilla cream, light caramel, hints of grape, and nice baking spices. The finish is fascinating with somewhat of an effervescence that is almost popping with the flavor of grapes. It is like the perfect marriage of bourbon and champagne in a most unique way.

Tasted with dried cranberry – The cranberry makes it pop more and brings the grape forward. The front and middle of the palate is champagne-like while the finish has a warm bourbon hug with spices.

Tasted with a pecan – The pecan comes through like a candied pecan and the grape-like fruitiness is gone as is the effervescence. It is also much woodier an with a nice spice note. Different but still good.

Tasted with dark chocolate – Interestingly, the chocolate brought a lot of spice, such as white pepper, baking spices, and cinnamon. The effervescence returned as well and each pop seems a bit like a spice explosion.

Discussion and Final Notes

This is a story of bourbon meeting champagne and becoming great friends. In our minds, this shouldn’t be the case; however, in our mouths, this unique finishing creates a one-of-a-kind taste sensation. The feeling of effervescence and the taste of a traditional bourbon with hints of a light champagne taste is so interesting.

We love that the bourbon holds its own and in a really strong way. However, this does not detour the champagne from letting you know it has arrived at the party as well! This is a bottle that we will want to share with friends to see what they think and watch their reactions. It is truly different, in a great way, and a terrific addition to a bourbon collection.

Cheers,
Rebecca & Wayne

Photos by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Straight Bourbon Whiskey Requirements & Sweet Mash

Straight Bourbon Whiskey: Such whiskeys have all the requirements of bourbon: Made in the U.S, distilled at <= 160 proof, barreled at <= 125 proof, aged in new, charred oak containers, bottled at >= 80 proof. Straight bourbon means it is aged at least 2 years (and must have an age statement if less than 4). For additional information on bourbon requirements, please read this post – Bourbon Whiskey.

Sweet Mash: Sweet mash is a process in distillation that does not use the sour mash as a starter for fermentation. Instead, only fresh yeast is used. Using sweet mash has the benefit of more control over specific ingredients and the ability to use lower temperatures for fermentation. However, it does require more maintenance and extreme cleanliness to avoid contamination. For more information, please read this post – Four Stages of Making Spirits.

NOTE: The bourbon 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.

May 2024 BBQ & Barrels

May 13, 2024May 13, 2024 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

May 13, 2024
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer

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!

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.

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 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.

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.

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!

Rebecca & Wayne

Photo credits: Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Your Bourbon Journey

Embracing the Craft

StarlightDistillery

August 2024 Louisville, Chocolate, and Bourbon – Oh My!

First Visit to Starlight Distillery

July 2024 Tasting of Starlight Bourbon Finished in Champagne Wine Barrels

May 2024 BBQ & Barrels