There are as many different ways to enjoy bourbon as there are bourbons on the shelf. You can drink bourbon in a bourbon dive bar such as Haymarket, take a distillery tour someplace gorgeous like Buffalo Trace, or you can experience bourbon as an intellectual pursuit as in the Filson Bourbon Salon at Oxmoor Farm. I like all of these options, and when I am invited to experience another one I’m always excited.
I was recently invited to a BARDS meeting by Filson Bourbon Historian Michael Veach. Contrary to my original impression, it had nothing to do with Shakespeare, but rather it stands for Bourbon and Rye Drinkers Society.
Veach told me he got the idea for the group when he was invited to a similar group to speak about history. The group had 12 members for the 12 months of the year, and each member takes turns hosting and choosing the topic. This month our host was Susan Reigler, author of Kentucky Bourbon Country: The Essential Travel Guide and co-author of The Kentucky Bourbon Cocktail Book. We tried 7 of Four Roses’ 10 different recipes, were treated to a piano concert, had dinner, and discussed Four Roses as a brand.
This is usually where I would encourage you to join the group or learn more, but unfortunately it is a closed group. Instead, I encourage you to start your own group. Bourbon brings people together in a way no other beverage does, and if you know 11 people who want to learn and grow in their knowledge of Kentucky spirits, this is a great format. I’d love to hear your plans- tweet me @LouGirl502.
Photos Courtesy of Maggie Kimberl
