THURSDAY EXCURSIONS
STAVE & THIEF: Associate Bourbon Steward certification
The Associate Bourbon Steward certification is a program for bourbon enthusiasts from all walks of life. This in-depth program is designed so that once you’re a Bourbon Steward, you’ll be able to discuss America’s native spirit confidently and accurately, as well as be able to make recommendations to friends, family, and others based on their individual taste and preferences.
Key Concepts Covered:
• What makes a bourbon a bourbon, and how it is different from other whiskies.
• What the different descriptors of bourbon mean
• The science behind distilling and aging
• Identify Kentucky’s heritage brands and which distilleries produce them.
• Build a virtual flight of 3 bourbons demonstrating the relationship among the products, describing their characteristics and nuances with nosing and tasting notes.
• Accurate bourbon history, including Kentucky’s role in its creation.
What you’ll get:
• The Bourbon Steward Handbook
• A crossed thieves lapel pin (upon course completion)
James B. Beam Distilling Co: Heritage Meets Innovation: An Immersive Experience
The James B. Beam Distilling Co. invites you to an exclusive immersion. This curated excursion provides Bourbon Women members with a unique perspective on bourbon production, led by the esteemed female leadership across the distillery and culinary teams. Your day begins with a welcome cocktail and the opportunity to meet Beam Family Master Distillers. Then, enjoy a VIP sampler lunch at The Kitchen Table, featuring thoughtfully paired cocktails and dishes crafted by Beam’s female culinary leads.
The experience continues with a guided exploration of the campus, including:
• A tasting at the Fred B. Noe Distillery featuring Little Book
• A barrel tasting in Warehouse F
• A distillate tasting straight off the still at the Clermont Distillery
Cap off the afternoon with a dynamic panel discussion featuring the women at the forefront of innovation, production, and culture at Beam.
Schedule:
10:30–11:00 AM – Courtyard Welcome Reception & Cocktail with Beam Family Master Distillers
11:00 AM–12:30 PM – VIP Sampler Lunch & Cocktail Pairing at The Kitchen Table
12:30–2:00 PM – Guided Campus Experiences: Fred B. Noe Distillery, Warehouse F, Clermont Distillery
2:00–3:00 PM – Female Leadership Panel in the Tasting Rooms
Join us for this exceptional exploration of heritage and innovation hosted by the Bourbon Women of Beam!
Please note: closed-toe shoes are required for all tour activities.
True Story Whiskeys: Sip & Savor – A Cocktail Journey at The Kentucky Castle
Step into a fairytale setting where bourbon, storytelling, and sensory discovery come together in a one-of-a-kind experience at The Kentucky Castle. Hosted by True Story Whiskeys, this four-hour journey offers an unforgettable blend of beauty, botanicals, and Bluegrass hospitality.
Begin your adventure by harvesting fresh garnishes from the castle garden, then enjoy an elevated Chef’s Table lunch with cocktail pairings. You’ll take part in a hands-on cocktail masterclass, where storytelling and whiskey intertwine as you craft drinks that reflect your unique flavor profile. From sip to story, each element of this curated day invites you to savor the moment and write your own delicious chapter.
Your Experience Includes:
• Garden-to-glass cocktail session: pick fresh garnishes from the castle grounds
• Chef’s Table-style lunch featuring local, seasonal ingredients
• Cocktail masterclass led by True Story Whiskeys
• Guided tastings and paired pours
• A personalized keepsake to commemorate the day
Where better to live your bourbon story than in a castle? Join us for a magical afternoon of flavor, craft, and connection with True Story Whiskeys.
Please note: closed-toe shoes are recommended for all onsite activities.
Milam & Greene: Insiders Preview – A Taste of What’s to Come hosted by Whiskey House
Join us for an unforgettable afternoon at Whiskey House in Elizabethtown, Kentucky with none other than Master Distiller Hall of Famer Marlene Holmes and Master Blender & Whiskey Author Heather Greene. Get an insider’s look at how Milam & Greene blends deep Kentucky roots with bold Texas innovation to craft some of America’s most celebrated whiskey.
But that’s not all—you’ll be among the first in the country to get a sneak preview (and a taste!) of our most exciting new whiskey yet, launching just one week later. This is a rare behind-the-scenes peek into the future of bourbon, and you’ve got the VIP pass.
This is more than a tasting—it’s a front-row seat to the future of American whiskey, shared with two women who are redefining the category.
Your experience begins with a guided tour and conversation with Marlene and Heather, offering rare insights into blending, distilling, and the partnership that powers Milam & Greene’s success. Then, enjoy a thoughtfully curated lunch provided by the incredible team at Whiskey House—and a very special reveal: be among the first in the country to taste Milam & Greene’s newest release, debuting just one week later.
Your Experience Includes:
• Insider’s look behind the scenes of Milam & Greene
• Lunch and spirited conversation with Marlene Holmes & Heather Greene
• Exclusive tasting and early preview of a new Milam & Greene whiskey
Please note: closed-toe shoes are recommended for all onsite activities.
Vendome: Forged in Fire – A Behind the Stills Look at Vendome Copper & Brass Works
Step into the beating heart of bourbon-making history with an exclusive VIP tour of Vendome Copper & Brass Works—the legendary craftsmen behind nearly every copper still in the American whiskey landscape. This rare opportunity, not available to the general public, offers Bourbon enthusiasts a privileged glimpse into the artistry that powers the spirit we love.
For over a century, Vendome has been the silent force shaping the bourbon industry, forging iconic pot and column stills used by the nation’s most celebrated distilleries. On this curated tour, you’ll go behind the scenes to witness where bourbon truly begins—not with a barrel, but with a flame and a sheet of copper.
Your Experience Includes:
• Private Tour of the Vendome facility, guided by expert craftsmen who build the stills that shape America’s finest spirits.
• Live Demonstrations showcasing the precision, heat, and skill required to bring each piece of equipment to life.
• Hands-On Moments where you’ll engage directly with the tools and materials that define this craft.
• Insightful Storytelling into the evolution of bourbon distillation equipment—past, present, and future.
From fire and metal to spirit and soul, this is your chance to experience bourbon at its source—before the barrels, before the bottles, where tradition is hammered into copper and history is made by hand.
Please note: closed-toe shoes are required for all tour activities.
FRIDAY EXCURSIONS
Kroger: Aged to Perfection: Bourbon & Cheese Pairing
Kick off your afternoon with a sensory-rich exploration into one of the most unexpectedly perfect pairings—bourbon and cheese. Join Bourbon Expert Chris Blandford (@krogerchrispicks) and Cheese Expert Dewanna Walker for a guided tasting that will elevate your palate and party-planning skills alike. Together, they’ll lead you through curated combinations featuring Murray’s artisanal cheeses and expertly selected bourbons, revealing how to bring out the best in both.
Whether you’re building your next charcuterie board or want to wow friends at your next gathering, this interactive session offers insight, entertainment, and inspiration—with maybe a surprise or two along the way.
Following the tasting, enjoy exclusive access to shop at the Kroger Wine & Spirits Shop. With expert guidance on hand, explore a handpicked selection of limited-release bourbons and must-have whiskeys—from collector favorites to everyday staples. It’s the perfect chance to sip, savor, and stock up.
Your Experience Includes:
• Guided bourbon and cheese pairing with Chris Blandford and Dewanna Walker
• Flavor education and at-home pairing tips
• Private shopping time at Kroger Wine & Spirits with expert curation
Whether you’re a curious newcomer or a seasoned sipper, this pairing experience blends flavor, fun, and function into one delicious afternoon.
Green River Distilling: Whiskey Without Regrets – A Riverboat Experience aboard the Mary M. Miller Riverboat
While we can’t take you to Owensboro, we’re bringing the spirit of Green River Distilling Co. to you—by way of the Ohio River.
Founded in 1885, Green River is one of Kentucky’s oldest distilleries, historically positioned along the banks of the Ohio for easy access to grain and markets in the South. Now, you’re invited to cruise those very same waters aboard the Mary M. Miller Riverboat for a two-hour, bourbon-fueled voyage through time, taste, and tradition.
Join National Brand Ambassador Caryn Wells for an exclusive tasting of Green River’s award-winning whiskeys paired with nostalgic Owensboro sweet treats and old-school candy. Sip along to the sounds of Bluegrass music as you learn the story of “The Whiskey Without Regrets.” There’s even a special Single Barrel surprise in store—can you guess what it might be?
Your Experience Includes:
• A 2-hour Ohio River cruise aboard the Mary M. Miller Riverboat
• Guided tasting of Green River’s award-winning whiskeys
• Playful candy and dessert pairings from Owensboro
• Live Bluegrass music to set the mood
• A special surprise whiskey tasting—only for Bourbon Women
What to Know Before You Go:
• Comfortable shoes and attire are encouraged.
• The riverboat has two air-conditioned indoor decks and one open-air deck.
• Stairs are required to access the upper levels.
• Guests with limited mobility can enjoy the experience from the first deck. Tasting accommodations will be made as needed.
• This is a rain or shine event unless river travel is suspended by the National Weather Service.
Angel’s Envy: Bourbon & Bubbles – An Unexpected Pairing Hosted by Global Brand Ambassador, Angel Teta
Join us where bold meets bubbly—only with Angel’s Envy. What happens when Kentucky tradition meets sparkling sophistication? Discover the surprising harmony between bourbon and bubbles in this unforgettable tasting experience.
Join Angel Teta, Global Brand Ambassador for Angel’s Envy, as she guides you through a curated lineup of Angel’s Envy expressions paired with a selection of sparkling wines. Explore how these seemingly opposite profiles enhance and elevate one another through flavor, texture, and finish.
Then, shake things up with a hands-on cocktail demo where you’ll learn to craft the ultimate bourbon-and-bubbles cocktail—a fresh, effervescent take on two timeless classics.
Your Experience Includes:
• A welcome sparkling pour to set the mood
• A guided tasting of Angel’s Envy expressions paired with sparkling wines
• A cocktail demonstration and interactive mixology moment
• Cocktail Demo: Create Your Own Bourbon & Bubbles Signature Serve
• Light bites to complement the pairings
• Unexpected. Effervescent. Unforgettable.
Bluegrass Distillers: Grains & Glass – A Bluegrass Distillers Experience
Step onto the 62-acre farm at Bluegrass Distillers, where bourbon is crafted from the ground up—literally. This immersive tasting experience pairs thoughtfully selected pours with seasonal, farm-inspired small bites curated by a local chef. Each dish highlights grains grown right on-site, including the distillery’s signature non-GMO blue corn.
As you sip and savor, you’ll hear the story of a historic property dating back to the 1800s and discover how Bluegrass is shaping the future of craft bourbon through their ground-to-glass philosophy. The experience concludes with a distillery tour and a one-of-a-kind opportunity to hand-bottle your own bourbon directly from the barrel.
Your Experience Includes:
• Welcome cocktail on arrival
• Guided bourbon tasting paired with farm-fresh small bites
• Overview of the Bluegrass Distillers story and philosophy
• Behind-the-scenes distillery tour
• Opportunity to bottle your own bourbon straight from the barrel
Event Notes:
• Closed-toe shoes are required for the tour.
• The mezzanine portion of the tour includes a short stair climb (optional); it lasts approximately 3–5 minutes and may be skipped if needed.
Experience how bourbon comes to life—rooted in Kentucky soil, crafted with care, and poured with purpose.
Please note: closed-toe shoes are required for all tour activities.
Whiskey Thief Distilling: Sip, Savor and Steal the Moment
Go beyond the glass with an unforgettable afternoon at Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. — where hands-on experiences, scenic views, and bold spirits come together for one truly unique SIPosium adventure. Located in the heart of Kentucky bourbon country, Whiskey Thief blends tradition with personality in every pour.
Experience bourbon in its boldest form, where tradition meets personality. Sip straight from the barrel, stroll the scenic grounds, meet the goats, unwind with a cigar*, and bottle your own whiskey* during this unforgettable, hands-on adventure. Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. where every pour tells a story. (*add on purchase).
Your Experience Includes:
Barrel-to-Glass Guided Tasting: Thief directly from the source during this guided tasting inside the stillhouse. Sample aging bourbon straight from the barrel while learning how flavor evolves over time.
Walking Tour of the Grounds: Enjoy a casual stroll through the picturesque distillery property as you explore the grain-to-glass process and see where the barrels rest.
Goat Meet & Greet: Spend a few minutes with Whiskey Thief’s beloved resident goats — an unexpected but unforgettable part of the experience.
Cigars by the Firepit: Relax with a curated cigar and your favorite pour beside the firepit. It’s the perfect way to connect with new friends and soak up the vibe.
Bottle Your Own Bourbon: Choose from a selection of barrels and hand-bottle your own whiskey, complete with an exclusive Bourbon Women SIPosium Signature Label — a one-of-a-kind keepsake you won’t find anywhere else.
Whether you’re here for the tasting, the views, or the goats, this immersive experience is a spirited celebration of what makes Kentucky bourbon truly unforgettable.
Please note: closed-toe shoes are required for all tour activities.
Preservation Distillery: Passion, Patience and Purpose
Step off the beaten path and into the serene beauty of Preservation Distillery—Kentucky’s first woman-owned craft distillery. Nestled on a working farm surrounded by longhorn cattle, we’re proud to produce a miniscule number of barrels each day—crafted with care to create some of the finest bourbon you’ll find.
Your experience begins with a welcome cocktail, hand-crafted just for you, followed by a personal meet-and-greet with our Head Distiller, JT Leasor. Then, take an insider’s tour of our distillery, where we make bourbon the old-fashioned way—with passion, patience, and purpose.
After the tour, enjoy light bites and refreshments before settling in for a guided six-part tasting of Preservation’s most prized Vintage Bourbons. This is a rare opportunity to savor the spirits that make Preservation truly unique.
Your Experience Includes:
– Welcome cocktail crafted exclusively for this event
– Meet-and-greet with Head Distiller JT Leasor
– Private tour of Preservation’s farm-based distillery
– Light snacks and refreshments
– A six-pour guided tasting of rare Vintage Bourbons
Please note: closed-toe shoes are required for all tour activities.
Lux Row Distillers: A Journey Through Signature Brands
With a family of award-winning whiskey brands under one roof, Lux Row Distillers is a true powerhouse of bourbon production—and this exclusive Bourbon Women SIPosium excursion gives you VIP access to it all.
Nestled in the heart of Bardstown, Kentucky, Lux Row is home to beloved names like Ezra Brooks, Rebel, Penelope, David Nicholson, Daviess County, and Blood Oath. On this immersive visit, you’ll explore how each brand contributes to Lux Row’s dynamic portfolio. Learn how their distilling approach honors tradition while embracing thoughtful innovation.
Enjoy a welcome cocktail upon arrival, followed by a private, guided tour through the production facility where you’ll witness the art of whiskey-making up close—from grain to barrel. You’ll gain insight into Lux Row’s commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and heritage. Sample a curated flight of their standout spirits and uncover the distinct characteristics that define each label.
After the tasting, relax and connect with fellow bourbon lovers during a casual reception with light bites and plenty of opportunities to ask questions, do some shopping, snap photos, and maybe even meet a few of the people behind the pours.
Your Experience Includes:
– Welcome cocktail on arrival
– Guided tour of Lux Row’s distillery and barrel warehouse
– Tasting flight of Lux Row spirits, featuring multiple brands
– Light bites and time to explore the grounds
Raise a glass with us in Bardstown and explore the bold, blended legacy of Lux Row Distillers—where tradition meets innovation, one pour at a time.
Please note: closed-toe shoes are required for all tour activities.
SATURDAY EXCURSIONS
Bardstown Bourbon Company: The Art of the Pour – A Sensory Experience Hosted by Jaz’min Weaver & Steve Nally
Join us for an exclusive afternoon at Bardstown Bourbon Company, where old-world craft meets cutting-edge innovation. Hosted by National Brand Ambassador Jaz’min Weaver and Master Distiller Steve Nally, this curated experience offers a rare opportunity to go beyond the standard tour with an immersive and flavor-packed agenda.
Begin with a welcome cocktail, followed by a guided four-pour sensory tasting featuring Origin, Discovery, Collaboration, and a Distillery Exclusive expression. You’ll refine your palate, expand your tasting vocabulary, and explore what sets Bardstown apart in the modern bourbon landscape.
Your experience continues with a behind-the-scenes distillery tour, complete with a barrel thieving session straight from the rickhouse—an insider look into the artistry that defines Bardstown Bourbon Company.
Your Experience Includes:
• Welcome cocktail on arrival
• Exclusive four-pour guided tasting (including limited releases)
• Private tour of the production space and distillery campus
• Thieving straight from the barrel in the rickhouse
• Insight and conversation with both a Master Distiller and Brand Ambassador
Event Notes:
• The tasting will take place upstairs, but elevator access is available.
• The sensory portion may include items containing sugar; dietary substitutions are not available.
This one-of-a-kind journey is tailored for those who want to deepen their bourbon knowledge while enjoying exceptional hospitality and access. Step into the future of bourbon—right at its source.
Please note: closed-toe shoes are required for all tour activities.
J Mattingly: Behind the Blend at J Mattingly 1845 – A Bespoke Bourbon Experience
Experience the legacy of the Mattingly name and the bold innovation of J. Mattingly 1845 on an exclusive Bourbon Women excursion that celebrates the craft of blending, finishing, and flavor exploration.
Known for their creative approach to small-batch bourbon, including their proprietary double-staving™ process, J. Mattingly 1845 takes guests behind the scenes of one of Kentucky’s most distinctive distilleries. This immersive experience begins with a curated tasting of single barrels and innovative blends that reflect the distillery’s signature style—each pour a story of bold choices and expert craftsmanship.
Then, dive deeper into the artistry of blending as the J. Mattingly team walks you through their process of building balanced, complex, and character-rich bourbons. Through hands-on sampling and guided discussion, you’ll gain insights into barrel management, finishing techniques, and how innovation and heritage come together in every bottle.
Your Experience Includes:
• A guided tasting of single barrels and proprietary blends
• Behind-the-scenes insight into J. Mattingly’s double-staving™ process
• Interactive bourbon blending session
• Access to expert-led discussions on finishing and flavor development
• Time to connect with fellow Bourbon Women in a creative, educational atmosphere
Event Notes:
• Closed-toe shoes are recommended for tour portions.
• Please advise if you have any mobility needs, as some areas may involve light walking or stairs.
• Elevate your experience. Create your signature blend.
Please note: closed-toe shoes are required for all tour activities.
Hard Truth Distilling: The Hard Truth Behind a Great Whiskey Experience – An Immersive Excursion to Brown County, Indiana
Venture off the beaten path as we head into the heart of Brown County for a day at Hard Truth Distilling Co., one of the country’s most acclaimed destination distilleries. Nestled on 325 wooded acres in scenic Nashville, Indiana, Hard Truth offers more than just whiskey — it’s an experience built on bold flavors, big adventures, and a deep respect for craft.
Your curated journey begins with a warm welcome featuring a selection of batched cocktails and light bites before diving into an in-depth tour of the distillery and rickhouses. Learn the ins and outs of whiskey production at scale and up close — and for those craving even more connection to the land, an optional guided hiking tour will be available. Cap off your experience with a hands-on cocktail session and leave with your own Hard Truth take-home mixology kit so you can recreate the flavors of the day at home.
Whether you’re here for the flavor, the fresh air, or the fun, this is a SipPosium excursion designed to satisfy your thirst for adventure.
Your Experience Includes:
• Welcome batched cocktail and food table upon arrival
• In-depth distillery and rickhouse tour
• Guided mixology session with a take-home cocktail kit
• Optional guided hike on the wooded Hard Truth trails
• Access to the award-winning distillery campus and tasting spaces
Know Before You Go:
• Comfortable clothing and walking shoes are a must – the campus is large and scenic.
• Limited elements may have rotating or staggered access to ensure all guests enjoy the full experience
This is more than a distillery visit — it’s a sensory deep dive into the bold heart of Indiana whiskey. Let Hard Truth guide you through a day of flavor, connection, and a little trailblazing fun.
Please note: closed-toe shoes are required for all tour activities.
Old Steelhouse: Savor the Spirit – An Afternoon at Old Steelhouse Tasting Room Hosted by Lorenzo Alvarado and the Old Steelhouse Team
Get ready to raise a glass in the heart of Downtown Bardstown at the newly opened Old Steelhouse Tasting Room—a modern space where heritage meets hospitality. This exclusive Bourbon Women experience invites you to explore the bold flavors and vibrant culture of one of Kentucky’s newest and most exciting distilleries.
Enjoy a guided tasting of award-winning small-batch spirits, from smooth, caramel-forward bourbons to distinctive rye blends, all led by Master Distiller Lorenzo Alvarado and the distillery’s partners Rick, Brian, and David. Learn how they’re reviving the legacy of Old Steelhouse with purpose and passion.
Your time at the Tasting Room also includes a hands-on cocktail session, paired with local small bites that celebrate the best of Kentucky’s culinary heritage. Whether you’re a seasoned sipper or just beginning your bourbon journey, this intimate experience offers education, community, and a true taste of Bardstown’s spirit.
Your Experience Includes:
• Welcome pour on arrival
• Guided tasting of Old Steelhouse’s core expressions
• Meet-and-greet with distillery founders and Master Distiller
• Interactive cocktail class
• Local small bites to complement your tasting
• Access to the newly opened Tasting Room in downtown Bardstown
Come see how Old Steelhouse is honoring the past while building something bold for the future—one pour at a time.
Please note: closed-toe shoes are required for all tour activities.
SATURDAY ADD ONS
VIP Selective Sips: TAKE FLIGHT WITH THE THREE CHAIRS
Join past Board Chair – Margo Horlander, Current Board Chair – Carol Otto and Future Board Chair – Kim Rice for an amazing evening of Very Selective Sips.
Past, present, and future leadership come together for an unforgettable evening of bourbon, bites, and bold expressions. Join Past Board Chair Margo Horlander, Current Chair Carol Otto, and Incoming Chair Kim Rice as they pilot this one-of-a-kind tasting experience—each sharing a hand-selected bottle from her personal collection during a guided “flight” through their favorite pours.
Prepare for take off with a signature welcome cocktail, crafted just for this event and served in a commemorative glass you’ll take home as a keepsake. Once we reach cruising altitude, enjoy lively conversation and delicious small bites as you settle in for a guided flight through some very special pours.
Once we’re airborne, the real adventure begins—each Chair will take the lead during her leg of the flight, guiding you through her chosen spirit with personal stories, tasting notes, and the reason it earned a seat on this special journey.
Please put your tray tables in their upright and locked positions, buckle up and enjoy this spirited adventure. Of course, there may be even a few surprises mid-journey. After all, this is Bourbon Women—and our tastings are never on autopilot.
Your Experience Includes:
• Signature welcome cocktail in a take-home commemorative glass
• Three-pour guided flight selected by the Bourbon Women Board Chairs
• Curated small bites throughout the evening
• Stories, surprises, and spirited dialogue from three incredible leaders
• Fasten your seatbelt for a night of leadership, legacy, and luxury—served neat. Wheels up at 5:30 PM, Saturday.
Celebrity Bourbon Dinner: Hosted by Peggy Noe Stevens – Legends Soirée at Hermitage Farm
Join our founder, Peggy Noe Stevens for an evening of legends in the horse and bourbon industries, as our very own legend entertains at Hermitage Farm. Set on a stunning 700-acres—an 1800s estate that has produced Kentucky Derby, Oaks, and Breeders’ Cup winners—you’ll enjoy an exclusive tour of the barns and horses before dining in a surprise location.
Dinner features organic, farm-to-table cuisine sourced from Hermitage’s own expansive gardens, with contemporary art displayed throughout the beautifully reimagined 19th-century estate.
Our featured legend: Big Nose Kate. Co-founder Mel Heim honors this iconic American outlaw, gambler, and companion to Old West gunslinger Doc Holliday with a whiskey as bold as her legacy.
“You might think of the Old West itself as an extraordinary and rare “blend.” And so was Kate the person. Her stories combined with the place and time in which she lived them sparked our imagination and directly influenced our approach to making this whiskey.”
Don’t miss this extraordinary night of Big Nose Kate Whiskey, world-class horses, stunning art, and perfectly paired cuisine. A touch of glam, steeped in Kentucky heritage—a night to remember!
Celebrity Bourbon Dinner: Hosted by Erica & Patience Fields – A Gonzo-Inspired Derby Dinner with the Queens of Rye
A rebellious night of rye (and wheated bourbon), revelry, and high spirits. Back by popular demand, Erica Fields and Patience Fields—affectionately known as the Queens of Rye—invite you into their stylish NuLu condo for a wild and wonderful night of bourbon women, bold hats, and even bolder whiskey.
Inspired by the wild wit of Hunter S. Thompson and Kentucky’s most iconic celebration, the evening blends literary mischief with a Derby twist. Guests are encouraged to don their most fabulous Derby hats—with a Gonzo spin, of course.
Erica, head of Brooks Grain and a proud Bourbon Women board member, brings decades of whiskey industry experience and a deep love of grains to this intimate dinner. Gonzo Whiskey reps (who??) will lead the tasting, guiding you through a curated pairing menu that highlights the bold, expressive character of their spirits—perfectly matched to The Queens unforgettable hospitality.
What to Expect:
– Multi-course Derby-inspired dinner with a twist
– Guided whiskey pairings featuring Gonzo Whiskey
– A cozy, immersive experience inside a chic Market Street residence
– Spirited conversation with a few of whiskey’s most vibrant personalities
Take a quick Uber or Lyft to head to their trendy condo on Market St for an evening of great conversation, fabulous food, and delicious spirits.
Celebrity Bourbon Dinner: Hosted by Susan Reigler & Bernie Lubbers –
Take flight on a one-of-a-kind culinary journey as Bourbon Women brings together legendary whiskey and world-class cuisine for a night to remember. Join bourbon author and educator Susan Reigler alongside Heaven Hill’s Brand Ambassador Emeritus Bernie Lubbers for an exquisite evening at Bistro Le Relais—Louisville’s premier French restaurant nestled in the historic 1920s art deco terminal at Bowman Field.
Your experience begins with a welcome cocktail reception before settling in for a refined, multi-course French dinner, each dish expertly prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients. As the night unfolds, Susan and Bernie will guide you through a thoughtfully curated whiskey and dessert pairing flight—blending bourbon education with indulgent flavors in an intimate and memorable setting.
With its elegant ambiance, charming aviation history, and top-tier cuisine, Le Relais provides the perfect backdrop for this unforgettable pairing of bourbon, storytelling, and elevated dining.
What’s Included:
– Welcome cocktail reception
– Multi-course French dinner at Bistro Le Relais
– Guided whiskey and dessert pairing flight
– Bourbon insights and storytelling with Susan Reigler & Bernie Lubbers
– An unforgettable evening in a historic Louisville setting
Savor an unforgettable night of bourbon and fine dining!
SUNDAY EXCURSION
Jeptha Creed Distillery: Rooted in Heritage, from Soil to Spirit – A Jeptha Creed Experience
It’s not over til it’s over… SIP Sunday Funday! Join us for an unforgettable experience at Jeptha Creed Distillery, where tradition, rebellion, and farm-to-glass craftsmanship meet. Hosted by the mother-daughter duo Joyce and Autumn Nethery, this immersive experience offers a rare behind-the-scenes look where Kentucky tradition lives and breathes.
Nestled on a 64-acre working farm in Shelby County, Jeptha Creed grows everything from heirloom Bloody Butcher corn to fresh fruits and herbs used in their award-winning spirits. This is more than a distillery—it’s a living legacy of Kentucky and Scottish roots, embodied in the family’s motto: “Ne Oublie – Never Forget.”
What’s Included:
• Guided Grounds Tour: Explore the scenic property, from heirloom cornfields to fruit orchards and herb gardens.
• Single Barrel Tasting: Sample a curated flight of exclusive single barrel expressions with the opportunity to purchase your favorite bottle(s).
• Craft-Your-Own Cocktail Experience: Shake up a signature drink using Jeptha Creed spirits and farm-fresh ingredients.
• Small Bites from the Café: Enjoy seasonal pairings designed to complement the bold flavors of your pours.
• Meet the Owners: Hear firsthand from Joyce and Autumn about what it means to raise a little hell to get a bit of heaven—and to run a truly family-first operation.
Come raise a glass to tradition reimagined—Jeptha Creed style.
Please note: closed-toe shoes are required for all tour activities.
MUST BE 21. PLEASE SIP RESPONSIBLY.