OVER 40 BOURBON BRANDS, A DOZEN BOURBON MASTERS & CELEBRITIES, A PLETHORA OF WORKSHOPS, TALKS, DEMOS & EXPERIENCES.
Bourbon
1792
Barton 1792 Distillery
Sophisticated and complex. A distinctly different bourbon created with precise craftsmanship. Made from our signature “high rye” recipe and the marriage of select barrels carefully chosen by our Master Distiller. 1792 Bourbon has an expressive and elegant flavor profile. Unmistakable spice mingles with sweet caramel and vanilla to create a bourbon that is incomparably brash and bold, yet smooth and balanced. Elevating whiskey to exceptional new heights, 1792 Bourbon is celebrated by connoisseurs worldwide.
Angel’s Envy
Angel's Envy Distillery
Angel’s Envy is a bourbon finished in port barrels and inspired by Lincoln Henderson’s lifetime spent crafting the world’s finest spirits. Given the Highest Recommendation by F. Paul Pacult’s Spirit Journal, celebrated by Whisky Advocate, The Bourbon Review and awarded Wine Enthusiast’s highest bourbon rating, Angel’s Envy is two fingers of the finest whiskey you’ve ever tasted.
Barrel Finish vs. Traditional Bourbon
In this debate, experts discuss the merits of traditional bourbon and the new age of whiskey in barrel finishes. #Culture, tasting.
Moderator: Kenny Coleman of Bourbon Pursuit
Panelist: Chris Blandford, Kroger, bourbon buyer. Larry Rice, owner of Silver Dollar. Wes Henderson, founder of Angel’s Envy. Shane Baker, master distiller of Wilderness Trail.
Barrell
Barrell Craft Spirits, based in Louisville, Kentucky, is an independent bottler of unique, aged, cask-strength sourced whiskey and rum spirits. We conceive of, design, launch, and talk about Spirits with a focus on what people want now and not what has been successful in the past. This affords us access to some of the most interesting and delicious spirits in the world.
Barrell Craft Spirits blends products that explore the unique effects of different distillation methods, barrels and aging environments, and bottles them at cask strength. Every batch is produced as a limited release and has an intentionally distinct flavor profile. Barrell Craft Spirits has received numerous awards including Best Bourbon, Best Small Batch Bourbon, Double Gold and Best Over Proof Rum at the 2017 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Beer Drinker’s Bourbon
Bourbon Workshop
There’s nothing quite like a bourbon and beer pairing. Learn what bourbons go with each style of beer and why. #tasting
Moderator: Ryan Cecil, Bourbon Pursuit
Panelists: Kevin Gibson, beer author. Linda Ruffenach, founder of WhiskyChicks. Tripp Stimson, master blender for Barrell Bourbon. Danny Kahn, Master Distiller of Barton 1792 Distillery
Bluegrass Distillery
Bluegrass Distillers is a craft distillery in the heart of the Kentucky Bluegrass; where fast horses are bred and the best whiskey is made. Central Kentucky is known as the “heart of bourbon” and our hearts are poured into every batch.
Beginning our first mashes in 2013, we opened our doors to our first aged bottle sales in November of 2015. As we are expanding our product lines, we are amping up our attendance at festivals and tasting events throughout Kentucky, Tennessee, and Ohio.
Our recipes are formulated in house and each batch hand crafted at our distillery with non-GMO and locally sourced Kentucky Proud ingredients. Following distillation, our spirits are aged to perfection right here in our new custom made charred white oak barrels.
Our team takes pride in the ability to complete every step of the process from mashing ingredients, fermenting, distilling in our 250 gallon copper pot still, aging and even labeling in our little distillery all by the hands of our dedicated team.
Boone County Distilling
Reminiscent of the days when bourbon was celebrated as the life-blood of the region, our new distillery is 5,000 square feet set on 2.5 acres. It includes a 500-gallon pot still, four fermenters and a small bottling line with a capacity of hundreds of barrels of small batch bourbon a year. Barrels will be stored on site, in a 3,000-square-foot warehouse behind the distillery. In every detail of our operation, we’ve respected our history while investing in our future. Our tag line, “Made by Ghosts®,” harkens to the early pioneers who crafted spirits in Boone County more than 100 years ago.
Boone County Distilling Co. is a proud member of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour®. We are open to the public for guided tours and tastings Wednesday-Sunday. We offer a behind the scenes grain to glass experience and a tasting of our available products. #madebyghosts
BOONE COUNTY DISTILLING BACK PORCH
At this back porch, let Boone County Distilling retell history with every sip of bourbon. You’ll find this open-air bar is the perfect spot to enjoy a selection of Boone County bourbons and craft cocktails. #MadeByGhosts
Bourbon Disrupters
Bourbon Workshop
These distillers are changing the way whiskey is made. #culture
Moderator: Carla Carlton, managing editor of Bourbon+ Magazine
Panelists: Harlen Wheatley, master distiller for Buffalo Trace. Joe Beatrice, owner of Barrell Bourbon. Autumn Nethery, Jeptha Creed. Andrea Wilson, Michter’s master of maturation. Marianne Eaves, master distiller for Castle & Key
Bourbon Storytime
Bourbon Workshop
The legends of bourbon share their stories. Some you know. Some you don’t. #culture
Moderator: Fred Minnick
Panelists: Jimmy Russell, master distiller of Wild Turkey. Bill Samuels Jr., chairman emeritus of Maker’s Mark. Mike Sherman, Vendome Copper & Stills
Conor O’Driscoll
In 2019, Heaven Hill Distillery named Conor O’Driscoll as the seventh Master Distiller in its 84-year history. O’Driscoll’s wealth of experience in the industry and technical expertise gives him the ability to focus on quality, authenticity and innovation, all hallmarks of the Heaven Hill distilling legacy.
As Master Distiller, O’Driscoll oversees historic brands reflective of the pioneers, places and principles of American Whiskey. Heaven Hill Distillery has long preserved the heritage of Evan Williams, Elijah Craig and John E. Fitzgerald Larceny among its flagship brands while recognizing the whiskey traditions of Pikesville, Maryland, Rittenhouse Square, Pennsylvania and the Bernheim Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky which date back to the mid-18th century. Beyond that, it is Heaven Hill’s steadfast commitment to the principles of quality, authenticity and innovation that make it among the global leaders in whiskey production.
In 2004, O’Driscoll started his journey in whiskey as Operations Manager for the Brown-Forman Distillery in Shively. After five years, Conor moved to oversee operations at the Woodford Reserve Distillery. Shortly thereafter, he added warehousing and processing responsibilities beginning a robust warehouse expansion program. In 2017, O’Driscoll left Woodford Reserve to lead the operations efforts at Angel’s Envy Distillery in Louisville.
O’Driscoll leads the distilling and warehousing teams at the Bernheim Distillery in Louisville. Recent renovations at that facility, including a new still, earned it the designation of the largest single-site Bourbon distillery.
Contradiction
Smooth Ambler Distillery
John Foster embarked in small-production spirits in 2009 when he joined ranks with John Little to become one of the founding distillers at Smooth Ambler Spirits. Taking on the role of National Sales Director not long after its launch, John splits his time between his home and Smooth Ambler headquarters in West Virginia, and on the road as former-distiller, spirits educator, sales guru, and aficionado of a good Old Fashioned.
Coopers’ Craft
Brown-Forman Corporation
From our American White Oak barrels to our Beech and Birch charcoal-filter finishing, all has been done with meticulous care to bring you the fine art of gentle bourbon.
Elijah Craig
Heaven Hill Brands
Long before the term Small Batch even existed, our Master Distillers were hand-selecting just the right number of barrels to make Elijah Craig. This expertise and attention to detail give Elijah Craig Small Batch the right balance of rich flavor and full body. Each small batch carries a signature warm spice and subtle smoke flavor. A combination that belongs in any Bourbon fan’s regular rotation.
Evan Williams
Heaven Hill Brands
Evan Williams is a smooth, easy to drink Bourbon named after Evan Williams who, in 1783, opened Kentucky’s first commercial distillery along the banks of the Ohio River. Many years and barrels later, we’re still producing Bourbon with the same time-honored methods that Evan Williams did years ago.
Today, Evan Williams is the second largest selling Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey in the US and the world, distilled just a few blocks from the site where Evan himself built his distillery.
Executive Round Table
Bourbon Workshop
Bourbon executives give their state of the union. #culture
Moderator: Fred Minnick
Panelists: Joe Magglioco, Michter’s CEO. Corky Taylor, owner of Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. Kaveh Zamanian, founder and CEO of Rabbit Hole. Campbell Brown, president of Old Forester. Donn Lux, Chairman and CEO of Luxco and LuxRow
Four Roses
Four Roses Distillery
All you have to do is take one sip and you’ll discover something that may both surprise and delight you – Four Roses is unlike any other Bourbon. Perhaps it’s because only Four Roses handcrafts 10 distinct and extraordinary Bourbon recipes. One has been selected by hand to become Four Roses Single Barrel. Four are expertly mingled by hand to create Four Roses Small Batch. And as many as all 10 are used to create Four Roses Bourbon. Handcrafted artistry such as this may take a little more time, but after your first taste, we’re sure you’ll agree, it’s worth the effort.
Fred Minnick
Bourbon Curator & Author
With appearances on Top Chef and the Amazon Prime host of Bourbon Up, Wall Street Journal-bestselling author Fred Minnick loves his American whiskey, rum and other spirits. He is the editor-in-chief of Bourbon+ Magazine, actively reviews whiskey for Forbes, and is the former lead American whiskey critic for Whisky Advocate. Minnick is the author of seven books, including Whiskey Women, Rum Curious, Bourbon Curious, MEAD, and Bourbon: The Rise, Fall & Rebirth of An American Whiskey, which won the Spirited Award for Best Spirits Book. He has written about spirits for the New York Times, Scientific American, Parade Magazine and multiple appearances on CBS This Morning, NPR and CNBC. Minnick is a co-founder to Bourbon & Beyond and curates both B&B and the Hometown Rising Festivals. But most importantly, he wears ascots.
Fred Minnick’s Mini-Bar
Presented By Bourbon Women Association
Bourbon expert Fred Minnick has hand-picked craft distilleries to feature for Bourbon & Beyond.
Participating distilleries include: .
High West Whiskey Train
High West’s passion is crafting delicious and distinctive whiskeys with the flavor of the American West. Stop by the High West Whiskey Train as the #HighWestWhiskeyRun tour makes its way across the US with a one-of-a-kind experience that you have to see to believe. Sample award-winning blends and custom cocktails at the copper bar, relax on the deck or in the lounge and commemorate your experience at the Yippee Ki-Yay photo booth.
How Highball Can You Go?
Bourbon Workshop
Bourbon highballs are making a comeback and for good reason. #mixology
Moderator: Jamar Mack, Founder of K.O.B.B.E.
Panelists: Richie Michaels, mixologist for Uncle Nearest. Susie Hoyt, head bartender at Silver Dollar.
Jack Daniel’s No. 7 Sports Bar
Don’t miss any sports action over the festival weekend. Jack Daniel’s is bring a 5,000+ square foot bar to serve up that mellowed taste of Tennessee. You’ll get your fix of college and professional games streamed across multiple televisions.
Officially registered by the U.S. Government in 1866 and based in Lynchburg, Tenn., the Jack Daniel Distillery, Lem Motlow, proprietor, is the first registered distillery in the United States and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Jack Daniel’s is the maker of the world-famous Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey, Gentleman Jack Rare Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Rye, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select and Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails. Today, Jack Daniel’s is a true global icon found in more than 170 countries around the world and is the most valuable spirits brand in the world as recognized by Interbrand.
Jailhouse BBQ
Presented By LarcenyGF
John E. Fitzgerald would be proud to see Larceny Bourbon paired with Boss Hog Barbecue. Get ready to devour some good-to-the-bone barbecue! The Boss will be bringing the heat & smoke to the party with mouthwatering dishes like Kentucky-style smoked whole hog BBQ, pork, or chicken. Larceny will be there to refresh your pallet with their signature cocktails!
Jeptha Creed Four Grain Bourbon
Jeptha Creed
Located in Shelbyville, KY, Jeptha Creed Distillery uses old fashioned methods to meet today’s demanding modern tastes. They use only the finest ingredients, locally grown and sourced to ensure their products meet the highest expectations for quality and flavor. Owned and operated by dynamic mother-and-daughter duo Joyce and Autumn Nethery, Jeptha Creed sits on 64 acres of farmland, where they grow the Bloody Butcher Corn used for all of their products, including vodka, moonshine, and bourbon.
Jim Beam
Jim Beam Distillery
Jim Beam was founded in 1795 and has been operated by one family for seven generations. We’ve always created bourbon our way, aging it twice as long as the law requires. That’s how we Make History® every day.
Knob Creek
Knob Creek Distillery
We don’t take days off. We just leave our watches at home. You see, out here time is measured in barrels and passed in bottles. Because we adhere firmly to the belief that if you don’t take your time, somebody else will. While the world busies itself with doing everything faster, this is where we come to slow down and enjoy what’s ours to share. Out here, we don’t just work for work’s sake. The reason we do things the hard way is that it makes the reward at the end that much better. And we let the whiskey remind us of that. Every drop in every barrel is the fruit of hard-earned experience. It’s an act of nature, our bourbon. And over the years, we have learned to capture it, one bottle at a time. So that we can bring it out here, in it’s true element. The Creek.
KrogerBig Bourbon Bar
Presented by Courier Journal
Enjoy a sip of Kentucky’s finest at the Big Bourbon Bar. Our bourbon experts have curated an extensive line up of bourbons and designed specialty cocktails for our country fans. Choose from a wide selection of spirit forward and refreshing cocktails served up on demand by our Hometown mixologists.
Participating Bourbons include:
1792, Angel’s Envy, Barrell Bourbon, Coopers’ Craft, Elijah Craig, Four Roses, Jeptha Creed Four Grain Bourbon, Kentucky Peerless, Michter’s, Old Forester, Rebel Yell, StoneHammer, Wild Turkey and more to be announced.
Larceny
Heaven Hill Distillery
Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon has its origins in the long and colorful history of John E. Fitzgerald and the Old Fitzgerald brand. According to lore, John E. Fitzgerald built a distillery on the banks of the Kentucky River in the 1870s and sold his fine Bourbon to rail lines, steamships, and private clubs. The Old Fitzgerald brand was first registered in the 1880s by S.C. Herbst, and was eventually sold to Julian P. “Pappy” Van Winkle during Prohibition. Pappy moved production of Old Fitz to his distillery where it became the first great wheated Bourbon and eventually one of the most famous Bourbon brands in the world.
Maker’s Mark
Maker's Mark Distillery
In 1954, at a small Victorian distillery in Loretto, Kentucky, Bill Samuels, Sr., created one of the finest Kentucky Bourbons. He decided to make his whisky in small-batches of 19 barrels, developed a proprietary barrel char to enhance the softness and sweetness of his whisky, and then rotated each barrel by hand to ensure exposure to consistent temperatures throughout the warehouse, and, ultimately, he aged each barrel to taste. Today, Maker’s Mark® makes its bourbon the same way its founder, Bill Samuels, Sr., did over 60 years ago, in small batches by craftsmen who hand-dip each bottle. Maker’s Mark® Bourbon (45% alc./vol.), Maker’s 46® (47% alc./vol.) and Maker’s Mark® Cask Strength™ Bourbon Whisky, (54%–57% alc./vol.) are distilled, aged and bottled by the Maker’s Mark Distillery, Inc., in Loretto, Kentucky. In 1980, the distillery was designated a National Historic Landmark, becoming the first distillery in America to be so recognized, and has also been decreed as the “world’s oldest operating bourbon whisky distillery” by Guinness World Records®. The Maker’s Mark Distillery is one of the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.
Mash Stage Demos
powered by GE Appliances
Bourbon & Beyond is proud to offer festivalgoers access to bourbon’s best and brightest in a series of free and intimate demos throughout the weekend. Chefs, master distillers, and bartenders come together for a weekend of surprise performances and exciting entertainment. Stay tuned for more details!
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Master Taster: Learn How to Taste Like a Pro
Bourbon Workshop
With a panel of professional tasters, the audience will learn how to sniff, taste and analyze as they do in the tasting panels. #tasting
Moderator: Peggy Noe Stevens, founder of Bourbon Women
Panelists: Eddie Russell, Wild Turkey, Denny Potter, master distiller of Maker’s Mark. Drew Mayville, master blender for Buffalo Trace. Jackie Zykan, master taster for Old Forester
MB Roland Distillery
MB Roland Distillery is a completely “grain to glass” craft distillery located in Pembroke, Christian Co. KY. We’re actually outside of town and affectionately refer to our exact location as “downtown St. Elmo.” We use local white corn to hand make each of our products ranging from our very unique “distillation & barrel proof” Kentucky Bourbon to our naturally-flavored Kentucky Pink Lemonade.
The distillery was founded by Paul & Merry Beth (“MB”) Tomaszewski in 2009 as Kentucky’s first completely “grain to glass” craft distillery. Paul is a native of southeastern Louisiana and arrived to the area via nearby Ft Campbell, while MB is a local native. An Amish dairy farm came up for sale and proved to be a wonderful foundation for a Kentucky craft distillery. One of the major benefits of the location is our proximity to our local grain supplier, Christian County Grain, located in nearby Pembroke.
The operation started out with Paul as the one and only full-time distiller in 2009. Since then our team has grown to more than 14 total employees, including MB coming over full time from her previous career. The one constant with us with both our production process and our location is that we love what we do and strive to make that come through in our products, the distillery, and our onsite events.
Michter’s
Michter's Distillery
Michter’s Distillery is located in the Shively section of Louisville, Kentucky, the heart of the American whiskey industry. It makes highly acclaimed, limited production whiskeys that have been subject to allocation because demand has exceeded supply. Michter’s is renowned for its small batch bourbon, single barrel bourbon, single barrel rye, and small batch American whiskey. In 2015, Michter’s was named the seventh Heritage Member of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, thereby becoming the first distiller in 33 years to achieve that status.
Mint Julep Experiences
Book your spot on a local distillery tour with Mint Julep Experiences to kick off your festival weekend! From production to tasting, these crafted bourbon adventures let you enjoy all the fun led by an expert bourbon guide and leave the driving to them. Take an urban adventure to Kentucky Artisan Distillery, where Jefferson’s Reserve bourbon is made, or Stitzel-Weller Distillery, the home of Bulleit, Orphan Barrel and Blade & Bow, on Sept. 19! Want to make it a double? Do both tours and save! Be sure to ask about VIP bourbon tour packages for your group.
Old Fashioned vs. Manhattan
Bourbon Workshop
Which Classic Reigns Supreme? The two most ordered whiskey cocktails will have their chance to explain why they’re better. #mixology
Moderator: Jordan Moskal of Breaking Bourbon
Panelist: Jackie Zykan, master taster for Old Forester. Beth Burrows, brand ambassador for Jim Beam
Old Forester
Old Forester Distillery
A truly rare and distinctive occasion took place in Louisville, Kentucky in 1870. When George Garvin Brown sealed Bourbon in a bottle for the very first time, he did so knowing it would guarantee quality and consistency for Bourbon lovers everywhere. And five generations and nearly 150 years later, our family still watches over the production of every drop of Old Forester with that same care. www.oldforester.com Opens a New Window.
Peerless
Kentucky Peerless Distillery
Our family’s very first bourbon went into barrel in 1889. We’ve revived the craft in our own state-of-the-art distillery, where we use the finest ingredients. We believe that patience builds character & fine bourbon can never be rushed. All under one roof, select Kentucky Peerless grains are milled, cooked, fermented, double-distilled and barreled as bourbon & rye. Allow us to share our distinctively authentic distillery and family history with you; we look forward to it.
Rebel Yell
Lux Row Distillery
The rebel yell is one of the enduring legends of the War Between the States. Just as the rebel yell’s heritage remains true, so does that of its namesake, Rebel Yell® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. An authentic wheated bourbon, Rebel Yell has been made according to its original time-honored recipe since 1849.
Silver Dollar Hunter’s Club
The Silver Dollar Hunter’s Club is the ideal onsite destination for every bourbon aficionado. Rare, vintage, and experimental expressions will be available for purchase throughout the duration of the event. Wander in, take a seat, and indulge in some liquid history.
Slavery in American Whiskey
Bourbon Workshop
Enslaved persons helped build American whiskey; we’re telling their stories. #history
Moderator: Fred Minnick
Panelists: Fawn Weaver, founder of Uncle Nearest. Andrea Meriweather, bourbon tourism consultant. Clay Risen, editor for the New York Times. Freddie Johnson, Bourbon Hall of Famer.
Stone Hammer
Think cherries – they dominate the nose over earth, oak and blueberries. Then it’s leather, tobacco, cigar box, and burnt pie crust edges. Finally, two notes become one, as cherry pie, with hints of rhubarb and cola. It sets itself up to be a prime whiskey, this is remarkable stuff.
Sweet Mash: The Revolution in American Whiskey
Bourbon Workshop
This old-time technique is returning to bourbon. #culture
Moderator: Blake Riber, founder of Bourbonr.com
Panelists: Pat Heist, Caleb Kilburn, master distiller of Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. Shane Baker, master distiller of Wilderness Trail
The Barrel
Bourbon Workshop
The barrel is whiskey’s workhorse, and we explain how it makes bourbon taste so awesome. #creating
Moderator: Colleen Thomas, Kentucky Distillers’ Association
Panelists: Jane Bowie, master of maturation for Maker’s Mark. Andrea Wilson, master of maturation for Michter’s. Greg Roshkowski, the VP Director Wood Planning/Procurement and Processing for Brown-Forman
The Buffalo Club
Step into The Buffalo Club, our rustic saloon-style bar. Inside, our mixologist will take you on an intimate bourbon tasting experience. If you like your bourbon neat or in a cocktail, let the Buffalo be your guide.
The Char House
presented by Brown-Forman
Brown-Forman is the only major spirits company in the entire world to make its own new barrels, and Bourbon & Beyond is very excited to partner with The Brown-Forman Cooperage to offer festivalgoers the experience of witnessing the historic art of barrel raising.
Jack Daniels
Officially registered by the U.S. Government in 1866 and based in Lynchburg, Tenn., the Jack Daniel Distillery, Lem Motlow, proprietor, is the first registered distillery in the United States and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Jack Daniel’s is the maker of the world- famous Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey, Gentleman Jack Rare Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Rye, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select and Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails. Today, Jack Daniel’s is a true global icon found in more than 170 countries around the world and is the most valuable spirits brand in the world as recognized by Interbrand. www.jackdaniels.com
Woodford Reserve
The art of making fine bourbon first took place on the site of the Woodford Reserve Distillery, a National Historic Landmark, in 1812. The perfectly balanced taste of our Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is comprised of more than 200 detectable flavor notes, from bold grain and wood, to sweet aromatics, spice, and fruit & floral notes. www.woodfordreserve.com
Old Forester
A truly rare and distinctive occasion took place in Louisville, Kentucky in 1870. When George Garvin Brown sealed Bourbon in a bottle for the very first time, he did so knowing it would guarantee quality and consistency for Bourbon lovers everywhere. And five generations and nearly 150 years later, our family still watches over the production of every drop of Old Forester with that same care. www.oldforester.com
Coopers Craft
From our American White Oak barrels to our Beech and Birch charcoal-filter finishing, all has been done with meticulous care to bring you the fine art of gentle bourbon. www.cooperscraft.com
The Speakeasy
Rabbit Hole invites you to go #DownTheRabbitHole into an exclusive bar hidden off the beaten path featuring cocktails by Proprietors LLC, the team behind Death & Co. That’s all we can say for now – figuring out how to get in will be entirely up to you!
The Van Winkle Family
Bourbon Workshop
The Van Winkle family is world renowned for the sought-after Pappy Van Winkle bourbon that has the world craving the good stuff. But there’s a lot more to this family than that brand. #Culture
Moderator: Fred Minnick
Panelists: Julian Van Winkle. Preston Van Winkle. Carrie Van Winkle Greener.
Tiki Barrel Bar
PRESENTED BY JIM BEAM
Say “aloha” to any worries when you stop by the Tiki Barrel Bar. With bourbon and rum-based specialty island cocktails, shade and seating areas, Tiki Barrel Bar is sure to be the oasis you need to make your festival vacation complete.
Vendome Copper & Brass Works
For one hundred plus years, Vendome Copper and Brass Works has been fabricating and supplying equipment to distilleries. Vendome is proud to be located in Louisville, Kentucky and is now overseen by the fourth generation of Shermans. Their stills and company are built on the principles of uncompromising quality and superior service. The Vendome team will be building a still live on-site at Hometown Rising. Be sure to check out this amazing demonstration in person!
What is a Master Distiller?
Bourbon Workshop
In the age of 15 million master distillers, we debate what does it take to really be a master distiller. #culture
Moderator: Kenny Coleman, Bourbon Pursuit
Panelists: Danny Kahn, Master Distiller of Barton 1792 Distillery. John Little, head distiller of Smooth Ambler. Chris Morris, master distiller of Woodford Reserve. Kaveh Zamanian, founder of Rabbit Hole. Denny Potter, master distiller of Maker’s Mark. Conor O’Driscoll Master Distiller of Heaven Hill.
Whiskey Women
These women are changing perceptions of American whiskey. #Culture
Moderator: Jackie James, founder of Her Whiskey
Panelists: Andrea Wilson, master of maturation for Michter’s. Peggy Noe Stevens, founder of Bourbon Women. Marianne Eaves, master distiller for Castle & Key. Joyce Nethery, owner and distiller of Jeptha Creed.
Whiskey’s Dark Past
Bourbon Workshop
A rare look into the murders, bootlegging and crazy stories surrounding America’s Spirit. #history
Moderator: Brian Haara, author of Bourbon Justice
Panelists: Chris Morris, master distiller of Woodford Reserve. Susan Reigler, author. Bernie Lubbers, brand ambassador for Heaven Hill.
Wild Turkey
Wild Turkey Distillery
We believe that being true to who you are is what counts in life, even if that means standing out. We say what we really think and embrace who we are, and it shows in our bourbon. Wild Turkey is bold, spicy and different—the way it’s meant to be made.
Wilderness Trail Distillery
Wilderness Trail Distillery began Bourbon production in October 2013 on a 250 gallon Vendome pot still. In addition to producing 3-4 barrels of our wheated bourbon mash bill a week, they expanded the distillery, created more room in rickhouses and became industry thought leaders. Their first bourbon release is one of the most highly anticipated in the state.
Willett
Willett Distillery
The Willett family distilling legacy began in Kentucky shortly after the Civil War. John David Willett was the Master Distiller and part owner of Moore, Willett & Frenke Distillery in Bardstown, KY. John David’s son Lambert Willett walked 5 miles each way to his distill- ing job at the current site of Barton’s. It wasn’t until Lambert began working at the Bernhiem Distillery in Louisville that he purchased a car for his commute. Lambert worked 6 days a week for nearly a decade at Bernhiem.
During prohibition, Lambert raised cattle and hogs to support his family and community. The effects of prohibition were devastating to the Bourbon Capitol of the World. Immediately following the repeal of prohibition in December of 1933, Lambert’s son Thompson Willett began learning the distilling trade working alongside his father at the age of 25.
Est. 1936. Three short years after prohibition, the Willett family chose the highest point in Nelson County, Kentucky to begin construction on what is now the Willett Distillery. By St Patrick’s Day 1937, the first barrel of whiskey was rolled into Warehouse A.
After 80 years, Willett remains independently family owned and operated. Under the leadership of parents Even and Martha Willett Kulsveen, the fifth generation of family distillers, siblings Britt and Drew Kulsveen, are continuing the family tradition of spirits excellence, generosity and southern hospitality. Janelle Kulsveen, Drew’s wife, hosts visitors from all over the world for tours and tastings. The over 43,000 annual visitors have necessitated a number of expansion projects on the Willett property including the addition of a premium cocktail bar.
Family of Brands: Willett Pot Still Reserve, Johnny Drum Private Stock, Johnny Drum Black Label, Old Bardstown Bottled In Bond, Old Bardstown Estate Bottled, Old Bardstown 90 Proof, Noah’s Mill, Row- an’s Creek, Pure Kentucky, Kentucky Vintage and the Willett Family Estate collection.
Woodford Reserve
Woodford Reserve Distillery
The art of making fine bourbon first took place on the site of the Woodford Reserve Distillery, a National Historic Landmark, in 1812. The perfectly balanced taste of our Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is comprised of more than 200 detectable flavor notes, from bold grain and wood, to sweet aromatics, spice, and fruit & floral notes. www.woodfordreserve.com Opens a New Window.
Bourbon & Beyond Returns In
