Am I the only one who finds herself accidentally capitalizing Bourbon like it’s a proper noun? For a lot of people in Louisville, bourbon is a lifestyle hub - we work with bourbon and socialize over bourbon so much that the air in Louisville is nearly perfumed with the smooth scent of oak and happy endings.
Bourbon definitely brings Louisvillians together socially, but it also has quite the reputation for bringing people together romantically. Here are a few date ideas for the bourbon lovers in your life.
Bourbon tastings
There are a lot of places around town that offer bourbon tastings and many of them are even free. Whisky Chicks, The Filson Society and some of the local bars offer bourbon tastings as regular fixtures or special events. My personal favorite is a free tasting at Old Town Wine & Spirits, on Bardstown Road. The event is free and the host is very good at helping you find the bourbon most suited to your tastes. Old Town tastings are every Thursday from 5:30 - 8:30.
Take a bourbon class
If you’re into things like cooking classes, you’ll be all for a bourbon class. Usually classes are themed and include samples throughout. They can be on anything from the start of the bourbon ‘biz to the proper way to taste the golden nectar. Check out the Filson’s Bourbon Academy or Moonshine University to find a class that appeals to you.
Bourbon ball tasting
Romeo and Juliet? Helen and Paris? Angelina and Brad? They’ve got nothing on the beautiful union that created the bourbon ball. There are few things in this world that are meant to be together more than bourbon and chocolate. Local shops like Art Eatables, Cellar Door Chocolates and Ghyslain have all worked hard to provide the city with delectable selections for bourbon and chocolate lovers alike. Pick up a few and fight each other over which ones are the best. Make up afterward. *wink*
Cocktails in the kitchen
Sometimes you want to do something romantic without having to leave your home. Head to the store, grab some mixers, bitters and booze and make up some cocktails at home. You can try to recreate your favorites from around town or create your own originals. Don’t worry if your cocktail doesn’t taste good, you can laugh about it as you mix up something better.
Blow your own bourbon glass
Okay, so most places don’t really have an option to specifically blow a bourbon glass, but you can drink bourbon out of anything, right? Head over to someplace like Louisville Glassworks to blow beer and wine glasses. The pride in your accomplishments will overpower any qualms you have about drinking out of the wrong form of glassware. As long as it can hold bourbon for long enough to make it into your mouth, it’s the right glass.
Take a mini bourbon tour
While distillery tours are a blast, most of them are a long drive away. Luckily, many local bourbon producers are traveling to you, moving into secondary or satellite locations in Louisville. The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience and Maker’s Mark After Dark both offer a good time, and Brown-Forman is moving forward with plans to move a $30 million Woodford Reserve distillery and visitors center into Whiskey Row. Don’t miss out on any of that.
Photo: Shutterstock/NejronPhoto
