Final month, I obtained a pleasing shock: I used to be chosen as one among eight bourbon media of us to be a part of the primary cohort of media members of the Bourbon Capital Guild (BCG). Now I would heard of the BCG earlier than, and even toyed with membership when it was first introduced however by no means pulled the set off. Some pals of mine from Bardstown and throughout the broader bourbon business joined and beneficial me plenty of instances for membership. I do, afterall, love a bourbon membership.
So what really is the Bourbon Capital Guild (BCG)? The group dubs itself the bourbon society for the Bourbon Capital of the World, Bardstown, Ky. It exists underneath the umbrella of the Bourbon Capital Alliance, a cooperative created to spice up bourbon tourism in Bardstown. The BCA oversees the Bourbon Capital Academy, Nationwide Bourbon Week, in partnership with Go to Bardstown, the Brindiamo Penthouse in partnership with the Kentucky Bourbon Pageant (the main power behind the institution of the Bourbon Capital District in downtown Bardstown), and far more.
The BCG additionally has a roster of companion distilleries, together with: Bardstown Bourbon Firm, Barton 1792 Distillery, Heaven Hill Distillery, James B. Beam Distilling Co., Log Nonetheless Distillery, Lux Row Distillery, Previous SteelHouse Distillery, Preservation Distillery, and Maker’s Mark Distillery. Looks like an excellent group of oldsters (with some wonderful whiskey!) devoted to spreading the gospel of bourbon made within the coronary heart of bourbon nation.
As a part of its signature programming, the BCG simply introduced the schedule for the second-annual Nationwide Bourbon Week, operating this 12 months from June 9-15. The occasion consists of 20 occasions with 11 distilleries situated inside 16 sq. miles. They have every part from a Beam Yard Luau (full with pig roast and hosted by the pork-loving father-and-son distilling duo, Fred and Freddie Noe of James B. Beam Distilling Co.), to a pre-Father’s Day tailgate-style homage to Elijah Craig, the Father of Bourbon. And should you’ve by no means had the pleasure of attending a rustic ham and whiskey tasting with our very personal Steve Coomes, he is is internet hosting one at Preservation Distillery on June 12.
I’m thrilled that my first occasion as a newly minted BCG member would be the inaugural Bourbon Capital Mash Up occasion in downtown Bardstown. The occasion will function meals and whiskey pairings from all 9 companion distilleries on the Bespoke in Bond occasion house in downtown Bardstown (operated by the homeowners of NEAT Bourbon Bar in Louisville), in addition to alternatives to combine and mingle with grasp blenders and distillers, get pleasure from reside DJ music and craft cocktails at a money bar.
I like seeing Bardstown persevering with to stage up their place as a must-go vacation spot in Kentucky. As somebody who grew up within the small bourbon city of Lawrenceburg, Ky., I hope that Anderson County can study and take notes from the strides Bardstown is making to develop into a really world-class vacation spot. I will be taking notes, y’all!
Heading to Bardstown for the Mash Up? Hit me up for an impromptu Bourbon & Banter meetup. Who is aware of, possibly I am going to have a bottle or two to share!
A spirited schedule introduced for second annual Nationwide Bourbon Week
Tickets on sale for greater than a dozen distinctive experiences
BARDSTOWN, Ky. (April 29, 2025)–With unparalleled entry and distinctive experiences, Nationwide Bourbon Week introduced the total occasion schedule for the second annual weeklong celebration of America’s native spirit, to be held within the Bourbon Capital of the World June 9-15, 2025. For extra data and tickets, go to www.nationalbourbonweek.com.
Introduced by Buzick Development, Nationwide Bourbon Week brings collectively world-class distilleries, unique tastings, distinctive academic experiences and Bardstown’s vibrant historic downtown.
“As we kick off the second annual Nationwide Bourbon Week, we’re proud to have a good time not solely Nelson County’s deep-rooted bourbon heritage but additionally the rising financial impression this occasion brings to our neighborhood,” stated Stacey Phelps, president of Go to Bardstown. “This weeklong celebration is a real toast to the spirit, craftsmanship, and neighborhood that make us so particular. Whether or not you are a seasoned fanatic or simply discovering your love for bourbon, there is no higher place to be than Bardstown throughout Nationwide Bourbon Week.”
Nationwide Bourbon Week is a community-wide celebration of town and its ties to bourbon’s historical past, progress and evolution. All occasions are supplied independently so friends can construct their excellent itinerary with nice locations to remain, dine and discover.
This 12 months’s schedule consists of a variety of occasions for each bourbon lover, with culinary choices, cocktails, courses, tastings and extra. Distilleries together with Log Nonetheless Distillery, Bardstown Bourbon Firm, Heaven Hill Distillery, James B. Beam Distilling Co., Preservation Distillery, Previous SteelHouse Distillery, Lux Row Distillers, Maker’s Mark Distillery, and Barton 1792 Distillery are all planning particular occasions for the week, with the total schedule and ticketing data on the Nationwide Bourbon Week web site.
New this 12 months, Bourbon Capital Alliance’s The Mash Up will deliver collectively its 9 companion distilleries for a particular night on the just-opened Bespoke in Bond occasion house. The Mash Up will pair every distillery with an area culinary companion to showcase the distinctive flavors present in every distillery’s distinctive mash invoice. As well as, proceeds from a blind bottle pull that night can be directed to a local people trigger.
“Our Bourbon Capital Alliance companion distilleries and local people have put collectively an unbelievable sequence of occasions which might be worthy of the Bourbon Capital of the World. We’re excited to welcome friends from throughout again to Bardstown this June,” stated Sam Lacy, government director of the Bourbon Capital Alliance.
On Saturday, June 14, have a good time Nationwide Bourbon Day in downtown Bardstown with actions for all ages. A brand-new Youngsters Zone providing free household enjoyable can be out there for enjoyment. For these of age, eight native distilleries will supply free samples from 12-4 p.m. For individuals who desire one thing totally different, Bardstown Rotary Membership will host a beer backyard.
“We will’t wait to welcome locals and guests alike for a full day of celebration,” stated Randi Mouser, government director of Bardstown Primary Road. “Our downtown retailers can be open and prepared with nice summer time offers—there’s one thing for everybody! We’re extremely grateful to our beneficiant sponsors who assist make this occasion doable 12 months after 12 months for our neighborhood. Sit again, calm down, and benefit from the music!”
About Bardstown:Situated within the coronary heart of the Bluegrass State, Bardstown provides the last word bourbon getaway. With 11 distinctive distilleries inside 16 miles of courtroom sq., all of your bourbon desires can come true right here in Bardstown, the Bourbon Capital of The World. Settled in 1780, Bardstown is Kentucky’s second-oldest metropolis so come see us for our unmatched historical past. All through Nelson County, there are greater than 300 buildings on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations, with practically 200 of them situated within the historic downtown district. Right here in Bardstown, you’ll discover the pleasant perspective and Southern appeal that may solely be present in such a city. For extra data, go to www.VisitBardstown.com.
In regards to the Bourbon Capital Alliance: Based in 2017, the Bourbon Capital Alliance is dedicated to constructing upon Bardstown’s standing because the Bourbon Capital of the World. Working alongside native distilleries and neighborhood companions, the nonprofit Alliance is elevating and increasing experiences and enhancing the legacy and prevalence of bourbon tradition. The Alliance’s initiatives embrace the Bourbon Capital Academy academic choices, Nationwide Bourbon Week occasions sequence, The Bourbon Capital Guild bourbon society, the Bourbon Capital District leisure vacation spot middle, particular Bardstown bourbon barrel license plates, and different initiatives that enhance the Bardstown neighborhood. Be taught extra at bourboncapital.org.
