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Don’t Miss The Kentucky Bourbon Festival Sampler

Mar 18

Posted by Bourbon Buzz in Events

The Kentucky Bourbon Festival Bardstown Sampler is set for April 30 from 6:30 – 9 p.m. at the Guthrie Opportunity Center, 900 Nutter Drive.

The Sampler is a tasting of the Kentucky Bourbons that will be participating in the Kentucky Bourbon Festival in September.  Regional restaurants and caterers will provide cuisine.  A silent auction will be held during the event.

The theme for the 20th Annual Kentucky Bourbon Festival as well as the new lapel pin will be unveiled at the Sampler.  Also, the winner of the 2011 KBF scholarship will be announced.  Distilleries and brands will draw for their location in the tasting area during the Great Kentucky Bourbon Tasting and Gala held in September.

Tickets are $40.  For more information or to purchase tickets, write the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, One Court Square, Bardstown, KY, call 502-348-3623 # 4 or visit www.kybourbonfestival.com.

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KY Governor Steve Beshear Joins Heaven Hill For New Rickhouse Dedication

Feb 21

Posted by Bourbon Buzz in Events, News

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the nation’s largest independent family-owned distilled spirits producer and the world’s second-largest holder of aging Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, today welcomed Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear to the company’s Bardstown headquarters to help dedicate the newly constructed Rickhouse “J”.  The new whiskey aging warehouse is part of a nearly $5 million expansion to the company’s Bourbon barrel storage capacity, already the second greatest in the world at 900,000 barrels.

Heaven Hill, producers of such renowned American Whiskey brands as Evan Williams Bourbon—the second largest selling Bourbon brand in the US and the world—Elijah Craig Bourbon, Old Fitzgerald Bourbon, Rittenhouse Rye and Bernheim Original Straight Wheat Whiskey, required the additional barrel storage to accommodate the growth in the company’s sales and whiskey production. For the first time in 2010, Heaven Hill produced more barrels of American Whiskey and Bourbon than any other American distiller.   With 49 warehouses in Nelson and Jefferson Counties already filled to the capacity with aging whiskey, the company met the need for additional barrel storage facilities with the construction of two new rickhouses, increasing the company’s barrel storage capacity by an additional 40,000 barrels.

Heaven Hill just recently filled the company’s 6 millionth barrel of fine Kentucky Bourbon in December, thereby becoming only the second continuously operating distillery in the country to do so.

In helping Heaven Hill President Max L. Shapira cut the ribbon and roll in the first 53 gallon, 500 pound barrel, Governor Beshear noted that “Kentucky is internationally known for its rich heritage in the Bourbon industry and this latest expansion at Heaven Hill further enhances that reputation.  The Commonwealth is pleased to partner with one of its signature industries to make these investments possible.”  The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority had previously approved Heaven Hill Distilleries for tax benefits through the Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act, which allows approved companies to recoup state sales and use tax on building and construction materials.

Heaven Hill President Shapira stated that the company “is extremely pleased to be dedicating our new rickhouses, not only because of the growth in our Bourbon and American Whiskey business that has necessitated this expansion, but also because of the positive impact this has on Bardstown, Nelson County and the Commonwealth.”

Beshear and Shapira were joined by local and state dignitaries, as well as executives from the family-owned company and Heaven Hill’s 7th generation Master Distiller, Craig Beam, for the ceremony.  The new warehouse, along with Rickhouse “I” that was completed in December, will be filled in short order to accommodate the demands for Heaven Hill’s products, and will join 18 other rickhouses at the company’s Bardstown facilities and another 29 rickhouses throughout Nelson and Jefferson Counties.

Guests gathered at the Heaven Hill’s award-winning visitor’s center, the Bourbon Heritage Center, and were shuttled out to the warehouse site for the dedication aboard the Heaven Hill Trolley, which is a well-known sight year round throughout Bardstown as it carries riders to all the area’s major attractions.

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams and Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Hpnotiq Liqueur; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul and Two Fingers Tequilas, and Dubonnet Aperitif.

Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”

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Buffalo Trace Distillery Unveils Oral History Project

Sep 7

Posted by Bourbon Buzz in Buzz, Events

After more than 200 years of history in the making, Buffalo Trace Distillery is unveiling its Oral History Project, a compilation of interviews with the people and stories of the Buffalo Trace Distillery family, such as Master Distiller Emeritus Elmer T. Lee, and descendents of iconic figures such as Colonel Albert B. Blanton and Pappy Van Winkle.

For more than two years, Buffalo Trace Distillery has been working with the LouieB.NunnCenter for Oral History at the University of Kentucky Libraries to capture the memories of the Distillery’s friends and family to serve as a virtual time capsule for future generations. All the video interviews are housed on the NunnCenter website, available at: http://www.nunncenter.org/buffalotrace/.

Visitors to the website can learn the stories behind how Elmer T. Lee had a hand in creating Blanton’s, the world’s first single barrel bourbon; the memories of Alice Blanton as she visited “Uncle Albert” on the Distillery grounds where she learned to roller skate; and how Mark Brown, president and chief executive officer for Buffalo Trace Distillery feels that Elmer T. Lee is the “grandfather he never had.”

“We’re so excited to see this project finally come to fruition,” said Meredith Moody, director of marketing services, Buffalo Trace Distillery. “To have the opportunity to preserve such rich memories of our company’s legends such as E.H. Taylor Hay Jr., a descendent of Col. E.H. Taylor Jr., one of our company’s early entrepreneurs, and our Warehouse Supervisors Ronnie Edwards and Leonard Riddle, who between them have 94 years of bourbon-making experience, is so rewarding.”

Douglas Boyd, director of the Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History agrees, saying “To have been given an insider’s look at the rich history of not only the Distillery itself but also the bourbon industry is such a rare opportunity.  We’re excited that now these stories will live on for future generations to learn about the history and tradition of one of Kentucky’s signature industries.”

In addition to visiting the NunnCenter’s website to watch all the interviews in their entirety, Buffalo Trace Distillery plans to offer computer stations in its Visitor’s Center for viewing the oral histories by early 2011.

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Ole Smoky Distillery Gets The ‘Shine On!

Jul 2

Posted by Bourbon Buzz in Buzz, Events, News

GATLINBURG, TENNESSEE – Tennessee Moonshine will be available legally for the first time when Ole Smoky Distillery opens for business in Ole Smoky Holler at 903 Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg. The distillery will have a grand opening celebration on Friday, July 2 and will offer free tours, free samples of moonshine to adults over 21, and moonshine for sale.

Ole Smoky will offer a number of moonshine products: original unaged corn whiskey moonshine, apple pie moonshine, sweet tea moonshine, and peach moonshine. Moonshine cherries will be available for purchase during the holiday season. The Ole Smoky recipes are the product of the hard work and experience of local families who have made moonshine in the mountains for over a century. Dave Pickerell, who served as the Master Distiller for Maker’s Mark for over 15 years, assisted with the refinement of the recipes in order to ensure a superior mountain – made moonshine.

A highlight of the facility is the authentic working moonshine still where visitors will learn the science of the distilling process as well as the history and lore of moonshining in East Tennessee. Ole Smoky is the only distillery in the state dedicated to moonshine products. Proprietors Joe Baker, Tony Breeden and Cory Cottongim place a particular emphasis on celebrating their mountain heritage as well as the historical significance of the moonshine craft in sustaining families during hard economic times of the early 20th century.

“Moonshine played an integral role in the daily lives of families in this region,” said Baker. “Too often, people rely on the stereotype of a backwards old man making a cheap, dangerous product. In truth, a lot of good people made and sold moonshine in order to feed and clothe their families. Without moonshine, many mountain families would not have survived.”

Ole Smoky is the first federally licensed distillery in the history of East Tennessee, and is currently one of only four distilleries operating in the state. Jack Daniel’s and George Dickel received their licenses before Prohibition, and Prichards Rum opened their Tennessee facility in 1999. Check them out at www.olesmokymoonshine.com

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Maker’s 46 Debut And Online Media Event

Jun 25

Posted by Bourbon Buzz in Events, News

Bourbon is helping grow Kentucky’s economy and the Maker’s Mark brand is growing right along with it. For the first time in the history of the company, Maker’s Mark is introducing a new bourbon. Maker’s 46 is still a Kentucky straight bourbon whisky, handcrafted like the original at the distillery in Loretto, Kentucky.   In fact, the recipe starts with original Maker’s Mark bourbon, and its unique flavor comes from aging the bourbon for an additional two to three months in barrels with seared French oaks staves. You can think of Maker’s 46 as a “cousin” to the recipe Bill Samuels Sr. more than 50 years ago.

As you probably know by now, Maker’s 46 is the brainchild of Maker’s Mark Master Distiller Kevin Smith and Brad Boswell, President and CEO of Independent Stave. It’s a 94 proof product, created by the addition of toasted French oak staves to the finished Maker’s Mark product.

Join Maker’s Mark as they celebrate this momentous occasion by visiting http://makersmark.com/makers46 on June 29 at 11 a.m. EST to watch Bill, Kevin, and Brad dip bottles two through five out of the first case. As for bottle number one, Governor Steve Beshear will do the honors at 4 p.m. EST. Governor Steve Beshear will speak about how the Bluegrass is benefiting from the bourbon industry’s impact on the state’s economy and will dip his own bottle of the new Maker’s 46 in the brand’s distinctive red wax. 

Don’t forget to keep a close eye on BourbonBuzz.com for more news about where you’ll find the new Maker’s 46. Also, Kevin Smith gave our friends at Bourbonblog.com a sampling of what’s to come at http://brbn.bz/w.

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Four Roses to Host Kentucky Derby Events

Mar 26

Posted by Bourbon Buzz in Events

To kick off the Derby events, Four Roses hosts the 7th Annual Rose Julep Contest.  This event will be held at Sully’s on Fourth Street Live in Louisville on Thursday, April 8 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.  Top area bartenders will compete for prizes with their own version of a Mint Julep using Four Roses Bourbon.

Join Four Roses Master Distiller, Jim Rutledge and a well-known panel of judges as they select a truly remarkable Bourbon in honor of the Great Steamboat Race.  The Barrel Selection on the Belle of Louisville will be held on Monday, April 12 at 10:00 a.m. The specially selected Single Barrel will be served during The Great Steamboat Race.

For the 5th consecutive year, Four Roses will be a contributing sponsor of the Great Steamboat Race on Wednesday, April 28, a Kentucky Derby Festival event.  A limited number of tickets are being offered to Mellow Moment Club members at a discount price of $65.00 each.  Tickets will be sold on a first come, first serve, basis with a maximum of 2 tickets per person.  Four Roses will have a tasting booth aboard the Belle of Louisville for everyone to enjoy.  Jim and other Four Roses staff will be on board and will be looking forward to spending time with members.

Throughout the day on Wednesday, April 28, Four Roses will be the featured Bourbon at “The Kentucky Bourbon Tent” at Fest-a-Ville.  Stop by the full-service bar, or just to say hello.

For additional Derby Events and details please visit: www.kdf.org

Four Roses news and events visit: www.fourroses.us

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Woodford Reserve 2010 KY Derby Bottle Out Of The Gate

Mar 25

Posted by Bourbon Buzz in Events, News

Woodford Reserve is set to release the latest bottle in their Kentucky Derby collection. The year’s bottle will commemorate the 136th running of the KY Derby and feature artwork by Jeaneen Barnhart from Louisville, KY. The limited edition liter-size bottle will be available in early April in 42 US states at a suggested retail price of $42.99. Some folks seem to have gotten their hands on the bottles a bit early this year, as they are already showing up for sale on eBay.

Barnhart’s striking work depicts the vibrancy and intensity of Kentucky Derby racehorses as they charge toward the finish line. The artist’s signature adorns the neck of the bottle, and an attached neck tag bears information about the artist and product.

“As a proud supporter of horse racing, it is fitting that Woodford Reserve has been selected once again as the ‘Official Bourbon of the Kentucky Derby,’ America’s most prestigious horse race,” said Laura Petry, Woodford Reserve brand manager. “We are honored to partner with Jeaneen on this one-of-a-kind bottle that commemorates this historic partnership.”

In addition to purchasing a true collector’s item, consumers can enter into Woodford Reserve’s Kentucky Derby Sweepstakes with a chance to win a VIP trip to the 2011 Kentucky Derby. Though no purchase is required for entry, bottle buyers can enter by registering their bottle’s unique number, printed on the neck label, at www.WellCraftedDerby.com. Upon registering they will be given a randomly-generated post position, from 1-20, for the 2010 Kentucky Derby. If the horse that starts from their assigned post position wins, he/she will be entered in the grand prize trip drawing. Full details are available, for purchasers and non-purchasers, at www.WellCraftedDerby.com.

If you would like to get your bottle signed, Woodford Reserve will hold a free Derby bottle signing event on April 21, 2010 from 11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. at the Woodford Reserve Distillery Visitor Center. The Woodford Reserve Derby bottle will be available for purchase in the gift shop.  Both the artist of the bottle and Master Distiller Chris Morris will be on hand to sign your bottle.

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Ticketmaster to Distribute Tickets for Calipari Maker’s Bottle Signing

Mar 24

Posted by Bourbon Buzz in Events, News

University of Kentucky Wildcats fans are reaching a fevered pitch, and the April 9 John Calipari Maker’s Mark bottle signing at Keeneland is the hot ticket.

So hot that Keeneland has signed on with Ticketmaster to handle the lottery-type distribution of tickets.

Now, rather than a live lottery drawing prior to the bottle signing at the Keene Barn and Entertainment Center Keeneland is working with Ticketmaster to conduct an online distribution on April 3 beginning at 10 a.m. of 1,200 tickets allowing one ticket per customer. Fans should go to ticketmaster.com on April 3 (type “Keeneland” in the search box to find the direct link).

The Ticketmaster page will not be available until a few days before the sale. You will not be able to place your order until 10am on April 3rd, 2010.

The April 9 signing is limited to one 2010 commemorative bottle per person, with no other memorabilia or souvenir items allowed.

“Many events are now utilizing online ticketing distribution systems. We believe that utilizing such a system in this case will help us ensure a safe, convenient and more enjoyable process for all concerned”, said Keeneland President and CEO Nick Nicholson.

The face value of the ticket is free; however, there will be a $1 handling fee through Ticketmaster. Keeneland will, in turn, make a $1,200 contribution to Galilean Children’s Home in Liberty, Kentucky the charity of choice for this year’s Maker’s Mark Ambassadors.  Find out more about Galilean Children’s Home at galileanhome.org

Patrons can claim their tickets in person beginning Tuesday, April 6 at Keeneland’s drive thru wagering booths between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. In order to claim the ticket, fans must bring a copy of their online receipt as confirmation and a photo ID. Participants also may be able to pick up their tickets inside of Keeneland’s South Gate Thursday evening, April 8th, beginning at 6 p.m.

Ticket holders must be in line no later than 7:00 a.m. on Friday, April 9. The commemorative ticket will designate the specific place in line for each participant. The signing – with Coach Calipari, Nicholson and Bill Samuels of Maker’s Mark – will start at 8 a.m.

Keeneland also is allowing ticketholders to camp out overnight, if they desire, under the grandstand beginning Thursday evening, following that day’s races.

For more information, please visit keeneland.com

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Much thanks and credit for this story goes to BBQandBourbon.com. Please check out and follow their website for lots of great bourbon news, recipes, events, and MUCH more!

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Maker’s Mark Keeneland Bottles to Feature Calipari

Mar 1

Posted by Bourbon Buzz in Buzz, Events, News

Building on the past success of the Maker’s Mark/Keeneland charitable bottle series that supports projects at the University of Kentucky, Maker’s Mark and Keeneland are continuing the program with the celebration of UK basketball coach John Calipari, whose likeness will be featured on the bottle this spring.

The popular coach will team up with University of Kentucky Symphony Orchestra, Maker’s Mark and Keeneland to raise money for a unique extension program highlighting the performing arts for elementary school children throughout the Commonwealth.

“It’s an honor to team with Maker’s Mark and the university in this unique fund raising opportunity to help benefit the UK Symphony Orchestra Outreach Program,” said Coach Calipari. “I’m not sure the world is ready for my face on a bottle, but if it helps the university, I’m all for it. I hope all our great fans will support this worthy effort.”

Maker’s Mark will donate proceeds from the sales – estimated to be about $300,000 from 24,000 bottles – to an extension program that is bringing the UK Symphony Orchestra and students from the UK School of Music into public schools and communities throughout Kentucky. UK is in the process of securing matching grants.

Bottles will hit the shelves in Kentucky only, on April 2nd, 2010. Suggested retail price of $49 if retailers take their normal mark-up.

A bottle signing, scheduled the day of the Grade-1 Maker’s Mark Mile, will be held Friday, April 9, trackside at Keeneland, with Calipari, Samuels and Nicholson. In an effort to better accommodate the growing legion of fans who attend the Maker’s Mark bottle signing at Keeneland, a few guidelines and a new ticketing procedure is being established. Details on the ticket procedure for the bottle signing will follow later this month from Keeneland.

Maker’s Mark President Bill Samuels Jr. said, “John Calipari brings so much excitement to Kentucky and he deserves to be honored for the phenomenal results he achieved with the men’s basketball program in such a short period of time. More important is his dedication to the betterment of the University of Kentucky as an educational institution and achieving Dr. Todd’s goals for UK. Cal’s enthusiasm is contagious and is a wonderful way to show how the success of his basketball program can support the greater good of the university and education throughout the Commonwealth.”

Check out the Calipari Foundation website for more information about obtaining a guaranteed ticket for the bottle signing this spring. Ebay auctions are currently under way for some of these guaranteed tickets.

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Maker’s Mark Tossing Out Cincinnati Reds Bottle

Feb 23

Posted by Bourbon Buzz in Buzz, Events, News

For the first time, the Maker’s Mark bottle, which commemorates the Lane’s End Stakes at Turfway Park, will honor an entire team: the 1990 World Series champion Cincinnati Reds.  This limited edition bottle is the seventh in a series honoring Turfway’s Kentucky Derby prep race.

The 2010 bottle pays tribute to the 20th anniversary of the Reds’ wire-to-wire season and stunning four-game sweep of the Oakland A’s.  The label of the 375 ml bottle features the famous photo, taken by then director of publicity Jon Braude, of the champions celebrating on the field.  The bottle is hand-numbered and dipped in red wax.

Led by team captain Barry Larkin, the 1990 Reds spent the entire regular season in first place, defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates in six games to take the National League title, and then tore into the heavily favored A’s.  Larkin, Eric Davis, Chris Sabo, Paul O’Neill, and Billy Hatcher powered the team at the plate, while Jose Rijo, Tom Browning, Jack Armstrong, Danny Jackson, and the bullpen’s Nasty Boys—Rob Dibble, Norm Charlton, and Randy Myers—intimidated opponents from the mound.

Maker’s Mark is producing an unprecedented number, 8000, of these commemorative bottles, the most since the series started in 2004.  The bottles are to go on sale Friday, March 19 and will retail for about $24 depending on the retail outlet.  Proceeds from sales will benefit the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum.

The bottle signing at Turfway Park is Saturday, March 27, the morning of the Lane’s End Stakes.  The signing is from 8 AM to 11 AM at Turfway Park, Gate B.  400 free tickets will be distributed on a first come-first served basis, to persons 21 years and older and one ticket per person.  Each ticketholder may bring two of the 2010 bottles to be autographed.

The 39th running of the Grade II Lane’s End Stakes is a 1 1/8-mile race for Thoroughbreds aiming for the Kentucky Derby.  With its $500,000 purse, the race virtually guarantees the winner a spot in the Derby field, which is limited to 20 starters.  This year’s Lane’s End Stakes is set for Saturday, March 27, at Turfway Park.  Tickets for the race range from general admission at $10 to the Maker’s Mark VIP Tent at $175 and are available by calling (859) 371-0200.

The Lane’s End Stakes is sponsored by Lane’s End of Versailles, Kentucky., one of the world’s leading Thoroughbred operations and first among North America’s stud farms for 10 years, seven consecutively.  The farm stands such influential stallions as A. P. Indy, Smart Strike, Kingmambo, and two-time Horse of the Year Curlin.  Lane’s End is owned by William S. Farish, former United States ambassador to the Court of St. James’s.  Farish was honored earlier this year with the Eclipse Award of Merit for outstanding lifetime achievement in the Thoroughbred industry.

As part of the bottle introduction, the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum will host a grand opening celebration of its new exhibit: 1990-A Celebration of the 1990 World Champion Cincinnati Reds on March 25 at the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum.  Reds Hall of Famers and select members of the 1990 team will be in attendance.  The evening will consist of dinner and a question and answer session with the 1990 players.  Admission is $80 for the general public.  Reds Hall of Fame members and Maker’s Mark Ambassadors may purchase tickets at the discounted price of $70.  Tickets are available for purchase by calling 513-765-7923.

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