by Whether your upcoming holidays involve Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or Festivus, every celebration goes better with bourbon. Herewith, a sampler of holiday happenings around the Kentucky bourbon landscape that you can attend. Some are free, some take some cash, but all look like a lot of fun. (Note, if you have a bourbon holiday event you’d like to see listed here, send the information to brian@thebourbontutor.com.)
Evan Williams Bourbon Experience offers free Holiday Open House December 6
The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience on Whiskey Row in downtown Louisville is having a free Holiday Open House on Friday, December 6, 2019, from 7:30 to 10:00 p.m. The notice says, “We will be offering complimentary Bourbon tastings, hors d’oeuvres, a Bourbon barrel-signing, and meet and greet with Artisanal Distiller, Jodie Filiatreau – who will also be available for bottle signings.”
The evening includes discounts in the gift shop and a cash bar in The Speakeasy. Attendees must be 21 years old and holiday sweaters are encouraged. Read more and make reservations here.
Makers’ Mark free Holiday Open House takes place on December 7 and 14 in Loretto
Maker’s Mark Distillery in Loretto, Kentucky is hosting free Holiday Open House events on Saturday, December 7 and Saturday, December 14 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. The beautiful distillery grounds will be decorated with lights for the holidays as you take your own self-guided candlelight tour. Appetizers, sweets (fingers crossed for bourbon balls!), and one complimentary cocktail per person are included. Get ticket information here.
Woodford Reserve offers holiday lunch and tour every Friday and Saturday in December
The Woodford Reserve Distillery annual Holiday Lunch Experience is on the menu for every Friday and Saturday in December. The event includes an optional distillery tour, tasting, and buffet lunch. Tours begin at 11:40 a.m and the lunch begins at 12:30 p.m. For the full menu and ticket information, read more here.
Jim Beam Urban Still House in Louisville hosting holiday cocktail experience December 12
The Jim Beam Urban Still House at Fourth Street Live! in downtown Louisville is hosting “Making Spirits Bright: A Cocktail Experience” on Thursday, December 12 at 3:00, 5:00, and 7:00 p.m. The event features Baker’s Single Barrel Bourbon and includes appetizers, a welcome cocktail, tableside cocktails class, dessert, live music, and a parting gift. Tickets are $35 per person which are available here.
Barton 1792 Distillery slates tours and bottle release: Making Spirits Bright by Lantern Light on Friday, November 29
Join Barton 1792 Distillery in Bardstown from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on the day after Thanksgiving for complimentary lantern tours and bourbon tastings, live music on the patio, and complimentary holiday refreshments in the gift shop. The distillery plans to release a special bottling of 1792 Aged Twelve Years bourbon with all proceeds benefiting the Movember Foundation.
Jim Beam American Stillhouse in Clermont hosting a Holiday Evening with Eddie, Freddie, and Fred on December 13
The Jim Beam American Stillhouse in Clermont, Kentucky will host a special holiday evening hosted by Master Distiller Freddie Noe and Distiller Fred Noe with an acoustic performance by Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry. Cocktails and food. This is a fundraiser for Project Impact. Get ticket information here.
