Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown Returns for 31st Anniversary
The Kentucky Bourbon Festival returns to Bardstown, KY for its 31st Anniversary in 2022!
In 1991 a bourbon tasting and dinner in Bardstown, Kentucky was the inaugural Kentucky Bourbon Festival®. Fast-forward 31 years later and The Bourbon Capital of the World® will host an event much evolved.
“We’re excited to welcome guests and distilleries back to Bardstown for the Kentucky Bourbon Festival,” said Randy Prasse, president and COO of Kentucky Bourbon Festival. “We are looking forward to building on the successful festival format we unveiled last year with exciting updates based on feedback from our guests. Bourbon lovers will have three days to experience new products, meet distillers, attend programs and enjoy an experience they will not get anywhere else.”
When is the 2022 Kentucky Bourbon Festival?
For its 31st Anniversary, The Bourbon Festival will be held from September 16th through September 18th, 2022.
Festival Events & Highlights
Those of you who followed the 2020 Bourbon Festival happenings will recall some of last year’s events. Those included, Supermarket Cocktails, Bourbon & Kentucky Cuisine, From the Shadows to the Spotlight: Barton 1792 Distillery and Four Roses Bourbon, The Art of Whiskey Making, Growing Up in a Whiskey Distilling Family, Bourbon & Kentucky Cuisine, Cocktail Quickie, and more. In 2021, things looked a bit more like normal. However, in 2022 the festival is looking to make a full-blown return.
This year, festival events and highlights will include an expanded tasting experience. That will feature both heritage and craft brands. September’s event will also offer a vintage and rare bourbon auction that is sure to draw big interests! Last but not least, the annual World Championship Bourbon Barrel Relay Race bourbon barrel rolling competition is always a fan favorite. As The Bourbon Festival 2022 attempts to bring together bourbon fans and producers themselves, conversations with industry leaders will be on the agenda. Also, as we outlined for last year, culinary and cocktail classes bring an educational angle that you can try at home.
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When is The Bourbon Festival?
For its 31st Anniversary, The Bourbon Festival will be held from September 16th through September 18th, 2022 in Bardstown, KY. This annual event coincides with National Bourbon Heritage Month. Bourbon is officially America’s Native Spirit, and has its own monthly celebration to prove it.
Festival Lineup & Schedule
The festival lineup and schedule, interactive sessions which include culinary and cocktail classes, is yet to be announced. However, we’re keeping our eye out for the finalization of the annual bourbon barrel rolling competition.
“We’re excited to deliver an improved and truly authentic, world-class celebration of America’s native spirit,” says president and COO of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, Randy Prasse. “We’re looking forward to welcoming bourbon lovers back to Bardstown.”
How much does it cost?
There are a wide variety of experiences at The Bourbon Festival. Those range from Single Day General Admission, to full blown VIP experiences.
- Price Range: $75 – $300+
Tickets
The Kentucky Bourbon Festival tickets are now available for purchase. Last year, the virtual events were free and issued through EventBrite. However, there will be more traditional ticketing options for 2022. You can Buy Tickets Here!
- 1 DAY SUNDAY SAMPLER – $75
- FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY admission
- SAMPLING from all participating distilleries throughout the weekend
- ‘Wee’ Glencairn KBF-branded nosing and tasting glass – one glass per guest
- Ability to purchase bottles from the distilleries AND exclusive KBF Single Barrel bottles from the KBF Bottle Shop
- Access to distilleries, educational sessions, musical entertainment, food trucks, and exhibits
- 3 DAY BOURBON TASTER – $125
- 3 DAY VIP BOURBON ENTHUSIAST – $300
- 3 DAY VIP FLASK FORCE – $400
Map
About Kentucky Bourbon Festival
The Kentucky Bourbon Festival brings five days of full flavored bourbon, food, and entertainment. Add Kentucky hospitality, mixed with the historic presence of “Bourbon Capital of the World,” and living legends of the industry bring a spirit of their own. This decades old celebration offers black tie galas, unique tours, and a lineup of experiences and activities for the whole family to enjoy!
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