Billed as a signature bourbon event held in the gateway to the bourbon world, The 2014 Bourbon Classic [4] promises to kick start your career as a Citizen Bourbon Ambassador. And, true to Louisville bourbon culture, it begins with a bourbon-tastic party at the beautiful Kentucky Center for the Arts [5].
On Friday January 31, at 7 p.m. the Bourbon Classic Cocktail Challenge will commence. Chefs and mixologists from your favorite Louisville restaurants will team up to create the ultimate bourbon cocktails-both classic and contemporary. New this year is the food-pairing competition; the small plates will be judged as well. All of the small plates will feature bourbon in some way.
Do you remember that four part series on becoming a Citizen Bourbon Ambassador? The Bourbon Classic is a unique opportunity to learn about bourbon [6], try new bourbons [7], learn about distilleries [8], and test all the magnificent ways Kentucky’s native spirit pairs with food [9], all in one place with one price tag. Whether you know nothing about bourbon or you are a seasoned pro, the Bourbon Classic is for you. This is a unique experience that you can’t get anywhere else, joining Kentucky bourbon culture and history with the Louisville culinary world.
Among the highlights of the February 1st events [10]is the Q&A session with at least nine master distillers and MC Fred Minnick [11]. After hearing the distillers’ stories, you can join in the discussion by asking your own burning bourbon questions. Then you can attend your choice of a variety of lectures at Bourbon Classic University-everything from The Bottle and the Board and How Bourbon Pairs with Cheese to Bourbon and Beer: A Beautiful Marriage.
The Bourbon Classic is a “great way to celebrate bourbon history as well as our own native back yard spirit. [Louisville is the]Napa valley of bourbon,” according to event promoter Tony Butler. Also, new this year will be a book store chock full of bourbon books and their authors.
I will definitely be in attendance. Tweet me @LouGirl502 [12] if you want to chat about bourbon, and be sure to use the hash tag #BourbonClassic [13] liberally. This event is growing thanks to Citizen Bourbon Ambassadors like you. Tickets are still available here [14], so please join me at the 2014 @bourbon_classic [15]!
Photos Courtesy of Bourbon Classic Facebook Page
