There’s no doubt that Louisville is the center of the bourbon universe [4]. We’re home to great events like the Filson Bourbon Academy [5] and The Bourbon Classic [6]. You can get schooled on bourbon just about any night of the week in Louisville. Even upon wandering into a bar along the Urban Bourbon Trail you’re likely to run into one of our many local bourbon celebrities.
Local restaurants have recently caught on to the appeal of bourbon dinners featuring local bourbonites, and Varanese [7]has been hosting some great ones lately. March 9th at 6:30 they will host a Heaven Hill dinner with Whiskey Professor Bernie Lubbers [8]. From the press release:
Louisville, Ky (February 24, 2015) - Varanese Restaurant, located at 2106 Frankfort Avenue, will host a Heaven Hill Bourbon Dinner on Monday, March 9th with a reception at 6:30pm and dinner at 7:00pm. The evening will include guest speaker Bernie Lubbers, Whiskey Professor, and a four course dinner paired with a cocktail or flight highlighting Heaven Hill's finest whiskeys and ryes including Bernheim Wheat, Larceny, Rittenhouse Rye, and the Elijah Craig 12 year. The cost is $55 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (502) 899-9904 or emailing letsdine@varanese.com.
The menu will consist of:
Reception
Reception Cocktail - Sazarac - Rittenhouse Rye, Absinthe, Bitters and Demerara Sugar
First Course
Flight: Bernheim Wheat - Larceny - Rittenhouse Rye - Elijah Craig 12yr.
Apple, Grape and Smoked Cashew Salad with Bib Lettuce
Topped with Shaved Caramel Goat Cheese
Second Course
Apple Braised Pork Belly served on Grilled Wheat Crostini
Topped with Soft Poached Egg and Apple Gastrique
Served with Grilled Spicy Purple Cabbage and Snow Pea Tendrils
Third Course
Southern Style Bourbon Citrus Smash - Bourbon, Domaine de Canton, Lemon Juice, Honey and Chai tea Syrup
Southern Style BBQ Gulf Shrimp
Served over Spicy Tasso Ham and Cheddar Grits
Topped with Bourbon Glazed Caramelized Onions and Fresh Herbs
Fourth Course
Bourbon Allspice Dram
Sweet Potato and Toffee Bread Pudding
With Maple-Bourbon Syrup and Bourbon Butter Pecan Ice cream
Photos Courtesy of Varanese