LOUISVILLE, Ky.–Bourbon Classic has announced additional details about its 2019 event, taking place February 20-23.
The Thursday, Feb. 21, event SAVOR will be hosted at Peerless Distilling Company in downtown Louisville. Attendees will have a special evening with fourth and fifth generation operator/owners, Corky and Carson Taylor, and master distiller Caleb Kilburn learning about its storied history and what makes Peerless unique.
Ticket holders can sample and vote on three specially chosen single barrel expressions and the winning barrel will be bottled and available for purchase at Peerless on Saturday, Feb. 23, as a Bourbon Classic Private Select.
Friday’s Cocktail & Culinary Challenge showcases world class mixology with classic and contemporary bourbon cocktails paired with chefs’ bourbon-themed culinary complements. Each chef will use Kentucky Proud products as a main ingredient, focusing on foods cultivated here.
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the contestants and hear them discuss their creations, chat with distillers and representatives about what makes the brands unique and enjoy a tasting portion of each cocktail and small plate. A select panel of media personalities and industry experts will evaluate the cocktails and small plates individually and as pairings and select winners for each category. 2019 Judges will include chef Robert Bleifer (vice president, Food Network), Sam Slaughter (food and drink editor, The Manual) and bartender Molly Wellmann (owner Myrtle’s Punch House and Japps Since 1879).
Friday VIP ticket holders will enjoy exclusive access to the Amber Lounge, which features special bourbon tastings from Bulleit Frontier Whiskey, handcrafted ice from Kentucky Straight Ice, additional culinary offerings and comfortable seating.
Saturday will kick off with Bourbon University, an opportunity to learn from industry experts through lively moderated discussions, demos and tastings. Sessions include a Michter’s Whiskey lineup pairing with smoked salmon, artisanal chocolate, spicy jerky, country ham, and delicate macaroons. Bourbon enthusiasts also have the opportunity to attend a session with Buffalo Trace Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley, who will showcase the distillery’s Experimental Whiskies.
Saturday’s events will conclude with Bourbon Classic TASTE. Attendees will enjoy bourbon tastings from a wide array of distilleries, then meet distiller representatives and discuss what makes their products unique. Small plates and cocktail tastings will be available in the TASTE KENTUCKY area showcasing authentic iconic Kentucky cuisine.
Saturday VIP ticket holders will enjoy exclusive access to the Amber Lounge, which will feature special bourbon tastings from Buffalo Trace Distillery, specialty drinks from award-winning bartender Molly Wellmann, additional food options and comfortable seating.
2019 Cocktail & Culinary Challenge participants (Friday, Feb. 22):
Barton 1792 Distillery
Jeff Swoboda, Proof on Main
Chef Mike Wajda, Proof on Main
Blade & Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Kelsey Hoffman, RYE
Chef Zach Chancey, RYE
Blanton’s Bourbon
Nina Rojas, Volare Italian Ristorante
Chef Josh Moore, Volare Italian Ristorante
Buffalo Trace Distillery
Emily Albert, bar Vetti
Chef Ryan Rogers, HiCotton Hospitality
Chef Andrew McCabe, bar Vetti
Four Roses Bourbon
Isaac Fox, La Chasse
Chef Kristina Dyer, La Chasse
George Remus Bourbon
Glenn Delong, Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse Chef Travis Maier, Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse
Heaven Hill Distillery
Karla Plott, ON3 at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience
Chef Bruce Ucán, Mayan Cafe
Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co.
Nic Christiansen, Butchertown Grocery
Chef Bobby Benjamin, Butchertown Grocery
Michter’s Distillery, LLC
Sarah Thomas, Bob’s Steak and Chop House Jayma Neese, Bob’s Steak and Chop House Chef Paul Sant, Bob’s Steak and Chop House
Woodford Reserve
Leslee Macpherson, Ouita Michel Family of Restaurants
Chef Ouita Michel, Ouita Michel Family of Restaurants
Nat Henton, Ouita Michel Family of Restaurants
Chef Charles Taylor, Ouita Michel Family of Restaurants
Featured for sipping on Saturday night (Feb. 23)
- 1000 Stories
- Belle Meade Bourbon
- Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- Blanton’s Bourbon
- Barton 1792 Distillery
- Buffalo Trace Distillery
- Bulleit Frontier Whiskey
- Devils River Whiskey
- Four Roses Bourbon
- George Remus Bourbon
- Heaven Hill Distillery
- Jefferson’s Bourbon
- Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co.
- Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.
- Michter’s Distillery, LLC
- Old Forester
- O.Z. Tyler Distillery
- Uncle Nearest 1856
- Wilderness Trail Distillery
- Woodford Reserve
Tickets for the Feb. 22 and 23 Bourbon Classic events are available at BourbonClassic.com. Weekend packages are also available at a discounted rate. Tickets to the Feb. 20 event, Top Shelf, are sold out.
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