When the fall leaves start to change and the air begins to cool, there’s no better time to visit the beautiful state of Kentucky. And if you happen to find yourself in the area, make sure to mark your calendars for the Kentucky Bourbon Festival. It’s an event that truly embodies the spirit of the region. This annual festival, taking place from September 15th to 17th, is the perfect opportunity to experience the rich history and culture of Kentucky’s bourbon industry. With a wide range of events and activities, there’s something for everyone at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival. So, grab a glass. And get ready to immerse yourself in the Bourbon Capital of the World.

Distillery Partners

Several premium distillery partners partner with the Kentucky Bourbon Festival. For example, this is just a small selection of the many partners that participate in the two-day event.

Bardstown Bourbon Company

Nestled in Bardstown, the Bourbon Capital of the World, Bardstown Bourbon Company is dedicated to producing exceptional whiskey. With a state-of-the-art facility, they have the capacity to create more than 50 distinct mash bills. These are technically recipes, spanning the entire whiskey spectrum. Experience a wealth of experience distilling among some of the world’s most prestigious whiskey brands. And each demonstrating their expertise to craft their own highly coveted expressions.

Kentucky Owl

Kentucky Owl is a bourbon brand that has quickly gained recognition among bourbon enthusiasts for its high quality and unique flavor profiles. The brand was revived by Dixon Dedman, whose family has been in the bourbon business for over a century. Additionally, each batch of Kentucky Owl bourbon is carefully selected and blended to create a distinct taste. With limited releases and small-batch production, Kentucky Owl has become a sought-after brand among collectors and whiskey lovers alike.

James Beam Distilling, CO. 

The James Beam Distillery is home to one of the most iconic bourbon brands in the world. The Beam family has been crafting bourbon for over 200 years, passing down their knowledge and techniques from generation to generation. The distillery has faced many challenges over the years, including Prohibition and the Great Depression. However, the Beam family still remains dedicated to their goal of producing the best bourbon possible. Today, the distillery is still family-owned and operated. Moreover, their bourbon is enjoyed by millions around the world. Pour yourself a glass of James Beam and taste the rich history and tradition in every sip.

Four Roses Bourdon 

Four Roses has been made with the same passion since 1888. A sip of Four Roses Bourbon reveals its uniqueness and excellence in taste. The secret lies in the ten distinct Bourbon recipes, each handcrafted by Four Roses. Among these, Four Roses Single Barrel is selected by hand, Four Roses Small Batch is a result of expert mingling of four Bourbon recipes, and Small Batch Select is created by hand-selecting and mingling six recipes. For the perfectly balanced Four Roses Bourbon, all ten recipes are blended. Handcrafting each recipe takes time, but the unmatched taste and quality are worth the effort, as any Four Roses Bourbon connoisseur can attest.

Where to stay

For those attending the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, travelers can find a range of accommodations to suit their preferences in Bardstown, Elizabethtown, Lebanon, Springfield, and Shepherdsville. Whether you prefer a cozy bed and breakfast or a modern hotel, there are multiple options to ensure a perfect stay in any of these areas. Here are a couple of choices to consider. 

Bourbon Manor Bed & Breakfast Inn

Todd Allen and Tyler Horton are the hosts of Bourbon Manor, an award-winning B&B accommodation that features 10 rooms across two beautifully restored, National Historic Registry and Kentucky Landmark Plantation Homes. The Federal House, built in 1810, and the Antebellum Mansion, built in 1830, provide luxurious and spacious antique-appointed rooms with fine art and tranquil park-like settings. Guests can enjoy king beds, private baths, whirlpool tubs, fireplaces, Wi-Fi, and pets are accepted. The full country gourmet breakfast is served in the Bourbon Bar & Lounge, where guests can also enjoy a drink. The Health & Wellness Spa is also onsite for relaxation. Bourbon Manor is available for private events. For more information, visit their website at www.bourbonmanor.com, email at stay@bourbonmanor.com, call 502-Bourbon (502-268-7266), or toll-free at 844-4Bourbon.

Hilton Garden Inn – Elizabethtown

The Hilton Garden Inn in Elizabethtown, Kentucky is an excellent choice for travelers attending the Kentucky Bourbon Festival. This modern hotel features comfortable guest rooms with all the comfortable amenities, including free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges. The hotel also offers an on-site restaurant, fitness center, and indoor pool. Located just a short drive from Bardstown, the Hilton Garden Inn is an ideal home base for exploring the festival and the surrounding area.

Cabin Chic On Main

This charming mid-1800’s log cabin is the perfect place to stay during the Kentucky Bourbon Festival. Formerly the home of author Elizabeth Maddox Roberts, the cabin has been recently remodeled with a new chic design that offers both comfort and charm. The layout features a full-service kitchen and laundry room on the main floor, with the bedroom, concession area, and living room upstairs. While the stairs are a bit steeper and narrower than most, the large backyard, grazing hillside, and stream provide a unique setting to relax and unwind. Plus, the home’s central location puts you right on the Bourbon Trail, TransAmerica Bike Trail, Lincoln Scenic Byway, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

When Will Tickets Go On-Sale?

Tickets for 2023 are available for sale in the spring.  Please be sure to subscribe to our newsletter to be among the first to know!

I Create and Sell Bourbon Inspired Goods. How Can I Apply to Be a Vendor?

All attendees of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival have access to the Bourbon Marketplace where they can find unique, high-quality and custom-made wares.  Click here to apply as an exhibitor at the 2023 Kentucky Bourbon Festival.

I Operate a Food Truck; Can I Get In On the Fun?

The Kentucky Bourbon Festival welcomes a variety of cuisines with a bourbon flair!  Please click here to view the requirements for food truck vendors and submit your application.

Visiting the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, you will experience the rich history and tradition of bourbon making in Kentucky. Enjoy tasting some of the finest bourbons in the world, learn about the process of bourbon making from industry experts, and immerse yourself in the unique culture and heritage of the region. 

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