Celebrate all things bourbon at the annual Kentucky Bourbon Festival. This year’s event takes place Sept. 11–17 in Bardstown, Ky.
“The people of Bardstown have been making bourbon since 1776,” said Jerry Summers, festival chairperson/director of community relations, Kentucky Bourbon Festival/Jim Beam. “And today, 69 percent of the world’s bourbon is made in and around the Nelson County area, including the adjacent counties of Bullitt and Marion, that’s why Bardstown is indeed the Bourbon Capital of the World.”
The event started in 1992 as a bourbon tasting and dinner. Since its inception, the event has grown to a six-day festival, drawing crowds from around the country. More than 53,000 people attended the 2016 festival. A variety of events take place during the festival including tastings, mixology classes, live performances, crafts, black tie galas, lectures and food tastings. Experience some of Kentucky’s finest bourbon including samples from Buffalo Trace Distillery, Four Roses Distillery, Jim Beam, Makers Mark and Wild Turkey Distillery. While there are plenty of free events during the festival, some require a ticket purchase. Check the full listing of events before you plan your visit.
Follow the festival on Facebook and Twitter for the most up-to-date information.
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