Following four years of highly successful events, The Bourbon Classic will celebrate the best of Bourbon at its five year anniversary in 2017!
BourbonBlog.com highly recommends Bourbon Classic in Louisville one of the best whiskey events you will find any globally experience the best in the world of Bourbon the week of February 28 – March 4, 2017.
Tickets are now available on this link to purchase or call 800-775-7777.
Bourbon Classic will welcome nearly two thousand Bourbon enthusiasts and industry professionals from across the country for the week-long event While events will happen throughout Louisville, the heart of it all will be at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts.
A few of highlights of Bourbon Classic include a cocktail competition, showcasing classic and contemporary Bourbon cocktails paired with a chef’s Bourbon-themed culinary complement, breakout classes focused on a variety of bourbon-themed topics; and ample opportunities for the public to sample top brands of Bourbon and Bourbon inspired products
The Bourbon Classic was co-founded by Tony Butler of FSA Management Group, an event planning company based in Louisville, and Justin Thompson and Seth Thompson, of The Bourbon Review.
Bourbon Classic 2017 Week Schedule
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2017
Bourbon Classic TOP SHELF
A Bourbon and Culinary Experience
7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 2017
Bourbon Classic LOFT
A Bourbon and Culinary Experience
7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017
Bourbon Classic SAVOR
A Bourbon and Culinary Experience
7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 2017
Bourbon Classic Cocktail & Culinary Challenge
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
“Mix things up” at this exciting exploration of what’s classic and contemporary in the world of Bourbon cocktails and small plates.
Teams of master bartenders will be matched with an acclaimed chef and Bourbon Classic sponsor distillery – and vie for the title of “perfect cocktail” and “perfect small plate.” Meet the contestants and hear them discuss their creations … chat with the distillers and representatives about what makes the brands unique … and enjoy a tasting portion of each cocktail and small plate. A select panel of media personalities and industry experts will evaluate the cocktails and small plates individually and as pairings and select winners for each category.
2016 Cocktail and Culinary Challenge Winners
| Best Classic Cocktail: | Deshler featuring Heaven Hill’s Bourbon Michael Anderson, Butcher and the Rye – Pittsburgh |
| Best Classic Small Plate: | Charred Onion Short Rib Chef Mike Wajda, Proof on Main, representing Heaven Hill |
| Best Classic Pairing | Barton 1792’s Bourbon Team Damien Cooke, Proof on Main: Boulevardier Chef Josh Smouse, Harrison-Smith House – Bardstown, KY: BBQ Pork Terrine, Celery Seed Slaw, Harrison-Smith House Bourbon Pickles |
| Best Contemporary Cocktail | Dr. No’s Bubbly featuring Michter’s Bourbon Beth Burrows, Down One Bourbon Bar |
| Best Contemporary Small Plate: | Smoked Catfish Terrine, Garlic Potato Soup, Croutons Chef Josh Smouse, Harrison-Smith House – Bardstown, KY, representing Barton 1792’s |
| Best Contemporary Pairing: | Four Roses’ Bourbon Team Euan Watson, Bistro 1860: Pepper Twister Chef Michael Crouch, Bistro 1860: Sousvide Beef Short Ribs with Black Pepper Cider Glace and Potato Pave |
SATURDAY, MARCH 4, 2017
Bourbon Classic University
Session I (4 classes/demos will be offered during this time slot)
2:45 pm – 3:45 pm
Don’t miss this exciting educational opportunity featuring moderated discussions, demos and tastings. Topics will include …
- Women of Bourbon
- Bourbon and Food Pairings
- Bourbon Cocktails
- Bourbon and Grilling
Up Close and Bourbon: Bourbon Masters Session
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Join hundreds of fellow enthusiasts as you meet Bourbon master distillers and brand representatives of our sponsoring brands. Enjoy the intimate setting as you hear the story of their personal journeys and the stories behind the development of some of Bourbon’s most famous brands. This is a focused, one-on-one conversation designed to deliver unique insights into the product and the personalities.
Bourbon Classic University
Session II (5 classes/demos will be offered during this time slot)
5:45 pm – 6:45 pm
Round two of sessions will continue to offer information on all things Bourbon. Classes will feature…
- Bourbon and Cigars
- Hosting a Bourbon Dinner
- Bourbon Legends
- Bourbon and Food Pairings
- Bourbon Cocktails
Bourbon Classic TASTE
The Ultimate Bourbon Experience
7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
It’s time for a Bourbon experience like no other! Savor Bourbon tastings from our Bourbon Classic distillers, then meet the distiller representatives and discuss what makes their product unique. As you mingle, enjoy delicious dishes that have been specially selected to complement the bourbon tasting experience.
You’ll also explore displays of Bourbon-related products – the items that enhance the enjoyment of food and Bourbon, or specialty foods that feature Bourbon.
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