Kentucky Bourbon Festival
Bourbon enthusiasts from across the globe gather every year for the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, a week-long celebration dedicated to the rich heritage, craftsmanship, and culture of America’s native spirit. Hosted in Bardstown, often referred to as the “Bourbon Capital of the World,” this iconic festival showcases the heart and soul of Kentucky’s bourbon-making tradition. Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon connoisseur or a curious newcomer, this event offers something extraordinary for everyone.
2025
September 5 – September 7
Bourbon Excellence
First held in 1991, the Kentucky Bourbon Festival has grown into one of the most anticipated bourbon events in the country. Located in the picturesque small town of Bardstown, which is home to some of the oldest and most renowned distilleries in the world, the festival celebrates the deep-rooted history of bourbon. With over 200 years of bourbon-making tradition, the area provides the perfect backdrop for this immersive experience.
Over 45 of Kentucky’s finest distilleries – from the heritage brands you know and love already, to the craft distilleries you need to discover – offering sample pours and bottle sales throughout the festival weekend. Add to that, musical entertainment, food trucks, Bourbon Bar and Cocktail Lounge, Cigar Lounge, Bourbon Marketplace.
Engaging Experiences
The Kentucky Bourbon Festival offers a diverse lineup of events and activities designed to showcase the art and science of bourbon production. Here’s what you can expect:
- Bourbon Tastings: Sample a wide range of bourbons from both legacy distilleries and craft producers, each offering unique flavors and profiles.
- Distillery Tours: Explore the behind-the-scenes magic of how bourbon is made with exclusive tours of iconic distilleries such as Maker’s Mark, Heaven Hill, and Jim Beam.
- Educational Workshops: Deepen your knowledge of bourbon with interactive workshops on topics like blending, aging, and pairing bourbon with food.
- Meet the Makers: Chat with master distillers, blenders, and brand ambassadors to gain insight into their craft and passion for bourbon.
- Food & Bourbon Pairings: Enjoy gourmet dishes perfectly paired with bourbon, showcasing how the spirit enhances a variety of flavors.
Live Music and Entertainment
In addition to celebrating bourbon, the festival features live music performances, local artisans, and cultural showcases that capture the essence of Kentucky. From toe-tapping bluegrass to lively country acts, the entertainment lineup adds an extra layer of excitement to the festivities.
Exclusive Bourbon Releases
One of the highlights of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival is the opportunity to purchase exclusive, limited-edition bottles. Many distilleries use this event as a platform to unveil special releases, making it a must-attend for collectors and bourbon lovers alike.
The Kentucky Bourbon Festival brings together people from all walks of life who share a common appreciation for this timeless spirit. The festival not only highlights the craftsmanship of bourbon but also the hospitality and charm of Kentucky itself.
The purchase of a three-day bourbon sampler admission ticket will provide attendees sampling from all participating distillery booths throughout the weekend, a Wee Glencairn sampling glass, ability to purchase bottles from participating distillery booths AND exclusive Single Barrel bottles from the official Kentucky Bourbon Festival Bottle Shop along with access to distilleries, live music, food trucks and exhibits.