Launched in 2014, the Kentucky Bourbon Affair features daily behind-the-scenes access to the nation’s most iconic distilleries, with elite nightcap dinners and fetes starring Louisville’s historic Bourbon culture and top-shelf culinary scene. The event has grown each year, with 35 events in 2016 and attendees from 40 states.
The 2016 Affair featured private distillery tours, personal barrel selections, limited special releases, rooftop dinners with renowned Bluegrass chefs, skeet shooting with a legendary Master Distiller, custom cocktail parties, receptions at the homes of famed Bourbon Barons and more.
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2017 Kentucky Bourbon Affair Dates
The 2017 Kentucky Bourbon Affair will take place over six days starting June 6 and running through June 11, 2017. And returning for its second year Whiskey Live, an international celebration of the world’s finest whiskies, will be the closing event, capping off the week-long intimate, immersive dive into Kentucky’s signature spirit.
Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer said, “The Kentucky Bourbon Affair has become a signature event for Bourbon lovers and Louisville is honored to be its home.”
Gregory praised the Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau for the three-year pact as Official Host City. “The Kentucky Bourbon Affair has quickly become one of the industry’s most revered events, due in large part to our friends at the Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Now, thanks to their vision, long-term commitment and collaboration with our legendary distilleries, the KBA will strengthen its position as a world-class event, and the only one produced by the actual distilleries themselves.”
The Return of Whisky Live
Whisky Live Founder Dave Sweet said, “Coupled with the week-long celebration of the Kentucky Bourbon Affair, Whisky Live Louisville 2016 was our most successful first launch event ever with attendees from more than 20 states, coast-to-coast.
“We’re looking forward to 2017 and adding an ever greater array of Scotch, Irish and other international whiskies, alongside the best Bourbons that the industry has to offer. Whisky Live Louisville is a national success and we’re just getting started.”
Video Highlights of 2016 Kentucky Bourbon Affair
Kentucky Bourbon Affair Golden Ticket
Gregory said member distilleries are hard at work on building once-in-a-lifetime events for 2017. A limited number of Kentucky Bourbon Affair Golden Tickets will go on sale later this year with single tickets available afterwards. The VIP Golden Ticket provides guests access to every event as well as exclusive access to Golden Ticket holder only events. Last year’s Golden Ticket sold out in 15 minutes.
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