Kentucky Bourbon Affair 2016 Dates Announced, Adding Whisky Live

The Kentucky Bourbon Affair fantasy camp will return to Louisville, KY June 14-19, 2016 and will host Whisky Live, an international celebration of the world’s finest whiskies, for the first time in Kentucky.

The Kentucky Bourbon Affair has expanded from five to six days, giving bourbon fans more time to experience behind-the-scenes tours and events at the most famous Bourbon distilleries in the world.

The Golden Ticket – Sold Out in 6 Hours Last Year

A Golden Ticket guarantees first choice at exclusive tours; VIP access to opening and special events; early registration to nightcap events; customized itineraries; and personalized service from a Bourbon Affair concierge. A limited amount of Golden Tickets will go on sale later this year at the Kentucky Bourbon Affair website, with single tickets available afterwards. If you want a Golden Ticket, you better be prepared to act fast once tickets go on sale, the 2015 Golden Tickets sold out in less than six hours!

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“With its ever-growing Bourbon presence and world-class culinary scene, Louisville has firmly established itself as the heartbeat of Bourbon culture,” Gregory said. “Now, with the addition of Whisky Live, the entire world will get to savor Louisville’s passion for our signature spirit.

“We applaud and appreciate our partners at the Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau for once again hosting this elegant event, and for their long-running commitment to promoting and elevating Bourbon tourism.”

Karen Williams, President and CEO of the Louisville CVB, said, “The Kentucky Bourbon Affair has become one of our city’s signature Bourbon events. The addition of Whisky Live only elevates it further and adds to our tourism strategy. “We are proud to host both in the River City.”

New International Event: Whisky Live

Whisky Live offers the unique opportunity to sample the greatest whiskies in the world under one roof while mingling with stars of the industry. It will be held Saturday night, June 18, at the Louisville Marriott East, the state’s only Bourbon-themed hotel. (The world’s only Bourbon themed hotel?)

This is the first time the event has been held in Kentucky and south of Washington, D.C. Previous host cities include Los Angeles, New York, Singapore, London, Paris, Tokyo, Moscow, Tel Aviv, Dublin and Sandton, South Africa.

Founder Dave Sweet said that in addition to a fantastic array of Bourbons and American whiskeys from across the U.S., there will also be distillers and ambassadors from Scotland, Ireland, Canada, Japan and more to offer samples and insight into their sought-after brands.

“There’s great food to include a delicious whiskey infused dinner, entertainment and a range of educational classes to make learning about whisky fun and stimulating,” Sweet said. “We are excited to announce this long overdue launch of Whisky Live in the home of Bourbon.”

Private Tours, Barrel Selections, Food, Fishing, Polo and more…

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The 2015 Affair featured private distillery tours, personal barrel selections, limited special releases, rooftop and progressive dinners with renowned Bluegrass chefs, fishing with a legendary Master Distiller, custom cocktail parties, receptions at the homes of famed Bourbon Barons and more.

Distillers have been working hard to craft once-in-a-lifetime events that top the previous two Affairs, said Adam Johnson, Director of the KDA’s famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour and the chief Kentucky Bourbon Affair concierge.

“This is the only Bourbon event that’s actually produced by the distilleries themselves, so there’s a lot of pride in creating these rare and intimate offerings,” Johnson said. “Plus, there’s always a little friendly competition to raise the bar.”

2015 Event Was an Affair to Remember

KDA President Gregory said the 2015 Affair generated tremendous positive publicity and strengthened Kentucky’s rightful place as the one, true and authentic home for Bourbon and artisan spirits. Nearly 2,000 tickets were sold to 45 events with visitors from 32 states, Canada and Japan.