Bourbon & Beyond Announces 2018 Bourbon Headliners, Musicians Announced Later

In case there was any doubt that the Bourbon & Beyond Festival really is a bourbon centric event, this should put it into perspective – the list of bourbons and master distillers has come out before the list of music headliners.

Festival producer Danny Wimmer Presents has announced the bourbon lineup for the world’s largest bourbon festival. The now annual celebration of award-winning bourbons, master distillers, legendary musicians, chefs, and an unforgettable showcase of the craftsmanship, soul and spirit of Louisville will be held September 22 and 23, 2018 at Champions Park in Louisville, Kentucky.

Bourbon & Beyond - The Big Bourbon Bar, The Calm Before the Storm — Inside The Big Bourbon Bar at Bourbon & Beyond with Chef Edward Lee and Bourbon Author Fred Minnick.

The festival’s centerpiece, the Big Bourbon Bar, will feature more than two dozen bourbons selected by best-selling author and renowned bourbon authority, Fred Minnick, the events official bourbon curator. Acclaimed Louisville whiskey bar Silver Dollar will operate The Hunter’s Club, where attendees can find vintage bourbons dating as far back as the 1930s, as well as contemporary collectibles — which last year included more than 50 rarities. The festival also announces the return of Minnick’s Mini Bar, which will showcase this year’s craft bourbon selections: Hartfield & Co. Distillery, MB Roland Distillery, Old Pogue Distillery, Wadelyn Ranch Distillery and Wilderness Trail Distillery. In an event that many would assume to be dominated by the bigger distilleries, it’s great to see the craft spirits makers getting equal billing. There is a full list of distilleries included below.

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Danny Wimmer, founder of Danny Wimmer Presents says, “Louisville is hitting on all cylinders right now because of its amazing food scene and the bourbon enthusiasm. My goal is to continue to help highlight all of the reasons to visit Kentucky, especially the incredible distillery experiences that each offer a unique window into the history, culture, and spirit of the region.”

“It is unprecedented in bourbon history to see distilleries and master distillers receive this kind of national attention and prominence,” says Fred Minnick. “For a spirit that was left for dead in the 1980s, it excites me to see a promoter like Danny Wimmer treating Kentucky’s bourbons as world-class rockstars. Bourbon & Beyond honors every bourbon pioneer that came before.”

The 2017 Bourbon & Beyond Festival attracted more than 50,000 attendees for a weekend of music, food and bourbon. Last year’s musical headliners included Stevie Nicks, Eddie Vedder, Steve Miller Band and cocktails and bourbons paired with celebrity chefs Carla Hall, Ed Lee and Tom Colicchio.

Bourbon & Beyond - The Big Bourbon Bar Tent — Inside The Big Bourbon Bar Tent with Chef Edward Lee, Author Fred Minnick and Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer. (L to R>)

Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer said, “Bourbon & Beyond is a combination of fantastic bourbon, food and music that can’t be found anywhere in the world except right here in Louisville. Our city’s bourbonism sector is flourishing, and helping make Louisville a year-round tourist attraction for bourbon fans who know they can only find the real deal in this region,” said Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer. “We’re excited to hear this update and are already looking forward to another tremendous festival in September.”

Bourbon & Beyond is part of DWP’s previously announced 10-year plan to grow bourbon related entertainment in Louisville which includes Louder Than Life, a future country music festival and a spirits conference to be launched in 2020. You can read more about their projected $1 Billion investment here – Bourbon & Beyond Festival Inks 10 Year Deal – Projects $1 Billion Economic Impact [Video].

Distilleries, Bourbons Experts & Bourbon Brands (So far.)

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Good thing the festival is not too soon. Today, the field is better fit for ducks than bourbon fans but it’s sure to be high and dry by festival time.