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!!
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.
Peggy Noe Stevens
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.
Rebecca, Owen, and Wayne
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!
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!
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.
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.
Maker’s Mark, Angel’s Envy, and Michter’sCarolyn was a fantastic host
Our second stop was at Buzzard’s RoostDistillery. 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.
Jeff HolmesChar #1 Bourbon & RyeSome Speak Easy Decorations
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®.
Bristol Bar & GrilleOld Forester Bourbon & Kentucky Derby Pie
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.
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!
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!)Bridget’s – Derby Rose with Pearls
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, ThePorch 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.
Old Crow for our first tasting.Wayne, Matt, and Mike
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.
Wayne, Mike, and Rebecca
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.
Garlic and Goat Cheese SpreadBourbons Chop
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!
Doc Crow’s Breakfast MenuRebecca: Spinach & Feta OmeletteWayne: Build Your Own OmeletteWayne: Buttermilk Biscuits N’ Gravy
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!
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!
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.
A busy day in Louisville!View from the bar.
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 CollaborationFinding a friend you haven’t seen in 9+ years!
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 LouisvilleWe got a peek at their still!
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!
Special Cocktail MenuA Manhattan for Rebecca & 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!
Your Bourbon Journey 