The Kentucky Bourbon Festival, held annually in Bardstown, Kentucky—the “Bourbon Capital of the World”—is a must-attend event for bourbon enthusiasts and casual fans alike. The 2024 edition was particularly notable for its immersive experiences, a wide range of offerings, and a welcoming atmosphere.  

This was the first year I was able to attend. With the music business, I get my share of traveling and crowds.  I’m usually not interested in the smaller whiskey festivals that pop up. I’d much rather spend my time at home when I’m not on the road.  But this event has been tugging at me the last few years and I decided to see what the hype was all about. 

When you enter the festival grounds, you receive a mini-Glencairn glass. This is your drink vessel for the weekend. There are over 200 brands and expressions present. Sixty-two participating distilleries give you a never-ending choice of samples that are available at their tents, one right next to the other. Some lines to grab samples were short, others were longer but never too long. You had the big guys as well as a good number of craft distilleries. Things moved quickly and gave you the opportunity to speak with other enthusiasts in line about their experiences and advice on where to go next.  In ran into attendees from Europe, California, Oklahoma and Kansas.  

Spanning several days, the festival blends bourbon culture with Southern hospitality, offering a mix of tastings, master distiller meet-and-greets, seminars, live music, and local food. One of the festival’s highlights is the opportunity to purchase rare and limited-edition bourbons that are difficult to find elsewhere. On Saturday morning, I stood in line for about one hour to score a couple great Heaven Hill bottles-their 18 Year Heritage and their yearly Parker’s Heritage Collection.  I later had these signed by Master Distiller Conor O’Driscoll. Guests can also enjoy behind-the-scenes tours of nearby distilleries, giving them an intimate look into the craftsmanship behind their favorite spirits. 

The first day was raining so I set off to visit the gift shops at Jim Beam, Wild Turkey & Heaven Hill. I was able to score some great bottles including the Heaven Hill ‘Grain to Glass’ series and the Jimmy Russell 70^th Anniversary bottles. Not crazy expensive selections but all on my ‘want’ list.

The festival features various events, such as cocktail classes, and bourbon-pairing dinners, which deepen one’s appreciation for the art of bourbon. It’s also a great way to meet like-minded people who share a passion for this iconic American whiskey. The Bourbon Marketplace is a crowd favorite, where attendees can purchase exclusive bottles, artisanal goods, and bourbon-themed merchandise.

While the event is packed with activities, it never feels overwhelming thanks to excellent organization and a laid-back, friendly  small town atmosphere. Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon aficionado or just getting into whiskey, the Kentucky Bourbon Festival offers something for everyone.

Overall, it’s a celebration of Kentucky’s rich bourbon heritage that lives up to the hype, making it a standout event in the world of whiskey festivals.  My room is already booked for next year.