Bourbon Classic returns for the fourth annual Bourbon-culinary experience in Louisville at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts on February 26 and 27, 2016.
BourbonBlog.com has brought you coverage of this event that attracts Bourbon enthusiasts and culinary adventurists from across the country since 2013. A complete cross-section of the Bourbon industry will attend: Bourbon distilling legends, writers, chefs, bartenders, connoisseurs, and casual enthusiasts.
Tickets are on sale now at www.BourbonClassic.com or call Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts at 502-584-7777
This year, Bourbon Classic will kick off with an exclusive pre-event reception, Bourbon Classic Top Shelf, on Tuesday, February 23th. Julian and Preston Van Winkle along with Chef Sean Brock will participate in this exclusive event featuring Pappy Van Winkle Bourbons: 10y, 12y, 15y & 20y. For those of you who attended last year, this was similar to last year’s event which we have included our video coverage of below.
In addition to mingling with Julian and Preston Van Winkle, we’ll be joined by Chef Sean Brock of Husk Restaurant (Charleston, Nashville), winner of two James Beard Awards (2010 Best Chef Southeast, 2015 American Cooking), and many other accolades.
Pappy VIP Event Video
This evening event will feature progressive pairings inspired by fine quality of Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon and will be held at Cooperand Kings American Brandy (Louisville). A limited number of tickets to this Kentucky Department of Travel & Tourism supported reception are available to the general public.
The Bourbon Classic was co-founded by Tony Butler of FSA Management Group, an establishedevent planning and marketing firm based in Louisville, and Justin Thompson, Seth Thompson, and Bob Eidson of The Bourbon Review.
Bourbon Classic 2015 Video Coverage
2016 Bourbon Classic Schedule of Events
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016
From the Barrel to the Bar:
Bourbon Classic Cocktail Challenge
“Mix things up” at this exciting exploration of what’s classic and contemporary in the world of bourbon cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.
Teams of master bartenders will be matched with an acclaimed chef and Bourbon Classic sponsor distillery – and vie for the title of “perfect cocktail.” 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 individually and as pairings and select the winner.
- 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm – Classic Cocktails & Small Plates: Tasting & Competition Judging
- 8:30 pm – 10:00 pm – Contemporary Cocktails & Small Plates: Tasting & Competition Judging
- 10:00 p.m. – Awards Presentation
- 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. Amber Lounge (VIP Ticket Holders Only)
- VIPs will enjoy exclusive access to the Amber Lounge, which features special bourbon tastings. Take advantage of one-on-one time with our sponsor brand distiller. No better place to get “up close and personal” with the industry’s rock stars!
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2016
2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. – Bourbon Classic University: Session 1- 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Bourbon Masters General Session
- 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.
- 5:45 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. – Bourbon Classic University: Session 2
- 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. – Bourbon Classic Taste
- 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.
- 7:00 – 9:30 p.m. Amber Lounge (VIP Ticket Holders Only)
- VIPs will enjoy exclusive access to the Amber Lounge, which features special bourbon tastings. Take advantage of one-on-one time with our sponsor brand distiller. No better place to get “up close and personal” with the industry’s rock stars!
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