If you are looking to get lucky in Kentucky ‘National Bourbon Day’ 2024 may be the right time. This is the week that seven Bardstown, Kentucky distilleries have partnered to celebrate National Bourbon Day (technically the town has expanded it to National Bourbon Week) with the release of seven unique Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskies. They are all outstanding but perhaps the most notable is the 20-year-old bourbon from the James B. Beam Distilling Co. It’s the oldest bourbon they have ever publicly released, and the suggested retail price is quite reasonable for the age.
Grab yourself your favorite sipping whiskey and listen to the master distiller or representative from each brand to learn about each release.
7 Distilleries, 7 Bourbons, 1 Collection.
Bardstown stands tall as the Bourbon Capital of The World with 11 unique distillery experiences within 16 miles. Every year, the Kentucky town’s vibrant distilling community joins together to release a one-of-a-kind bourbon series — The Bardstown Collection. The Collection’s grand unveiling takes place during the first annual National Bourbon Week, June 11-16, 2024, a celebration of the rich heritage and craftsmanship behind America’s native spirit.
In a true display of craftsmanship and camaraderie, the seven participating Bardstown distilleries are releasing a hand-selected, premium bourbon available exclusively on-site as part of The Bardstown Collection. With less than 500 bottles available from each distillery, the Collection promises to be an elite affair. These limited-edition bottles are not just rare; they’re a testament to the artistry and passion that define Bardstown’s bourbon scene.
“In Bardstown, bourbon isn’t just a drink; it’s a way of life,” said Chairman of Bardstown Tourism and Director of Heaven Hill Bourbon Experiences Jeff Crowe. “The Bardstown Collection 2024 is a testament to the traditions and dedication that define our town as the heart of bourbon culture. The attention to detail, level of craftsmanship, and most importantly, superlative flavor profiles are why we say that Bourbon Comes from Bardstown.”
Participating Distilleries, Release Dates & Tasting Notes
Bardstown Bourbon Company
June 14, 9 a.m.
Blending innovation with classic Kentucky flavor, Bardstown Bourbon Company’s offering to the Collection this year is a layered, complex balance of ripe cherry with toasted oak leads to cinnamon, maple, and spearmint.
James B. Beam Distilling Co.
June 14, 12 p.m.
Aged for close to 20 years, James B. Beam Distilling Co.’s Bardstown Collection 2024 selection is the oldest whiskey that the iconic brand has ever released. Delivering intense flavors of oak, vanilla and sweet smoke, it’s sure to be a fan favorite.
Heaven Hill Distillery
June 12, 12 p.m.
Heaven Hill Distillery’s 2024 Bardstown Collection release consists of three carefully blended barrels aged between 7 and 16 years. The bourbon is bottled at 105 proof and consists of Heaven Hill’s traditional bourbon mashbill of 78% corn, 10% rye and 12% malted barley. The extra aged nature of the bourbon results in aromas of spice, leather and toasted oak with notes of cinnamon spiced apples, nutmeg and caramel on the palate.
Limestone Branch Distillery
June 13, 12 p.m.
With a mash bill that dates back to the 1930s, Limestone Branch’s Bardstown 2024 selection is a six-year-old, 100% pot-distilled wheated bourbon, made with 28% red winter wheat, which produces an exceptionally approachable yet complex whiskey.
Log Still Distillery
June 13, 3 p.m.
Log Still’s 2024 Bardstown Collection release is a 9-year-old Kentucky High-Rye Bourbon that evenly blends aromas of sweet caramel with lingering earthy scents of smoke and oak. On the palate, bourbon lovers will enjoy a burst of full-flavored spices blended with mild sweetness of honey, providing a warm, smooth finish.
Lux Row Distillers
June 13, 9 a.m.
Lux Row Distillers’ contribution will feature three single barrels from their wheat recipe (68% corn, 20% wheat, 12% malted barley). Aged six years, these barrels went through an additional toasted finishing process with toasted caramel honey staves for a rich, full-bodied finish.
Preservation Distillery + Farms
June 12, 9 a.m.
Preservation Distillery and Farm is excited to release a cask-strength blend of their own wheated pot distilled Kentucky Bourbon, layered with liquid from some of their most precious vintage Kentucky Bourbon casks.
2024 Bardstown Collection Bourbon Bottles
Throughout National Bourbon Week, attendees can partake in a range of festivities including special distillery events, curated tastings, unique bourbon education opportunities and the 21st Annual Bourbon City Street Concert. This comprehensive series of experiences is crafted to offer bourbon enthusiasts an unparalleled immersion in the Bourbon Capital of the World.
Each bottle in the 2024 Bardstown Collection has a suggested retail price of $250 per bottle.
Settled in 1780, Bardstown is Kentucky’s second-oldest city in the Bluegrass state. Throughout Nelson County, there are more than 300 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, with nearly 200 of them located in the historic downtown district.
For more information, go to VisitBardstown.com National Bourbon Week.
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James B. Beam Distilling Co. Whiskey Blending Scientist Davis Jeffries, Preservation Distillery Founder Marci Palatella, Visit Bardstown President Stacey Phelps, Bardstown Bourbon Co. Master Distiller Steve Nally, Preservation Distillery PR Director Shelby Nash, Beam Brand Manager Tyler Himes, Log Still Distillery National Brand Ambassador Manager Kaleb Cecil, Beam Senior Brand Manager Chris Hood, Limestone Branch Distillery Master Distiller Steve Beam, Lux Row Distillers Visitor Center Director Vincent Clark, Lux Row Distillers Visitor Center Manager Landon Foster, Limestone Branch Visitor Center Manager Michael Hood, Visit Bardstown Marketing Coordinator Hannah Medley, Heaven Hill Distillery General Manager Josh Hollifield (L to R).
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