Kentucky Bourbon Festival
Encyclopedia
Bardstown, Kentucky
As of the census of 2010, there were 11,700 people, 4,712 households, and 2,949 families residing in the city. The population density was . There were 5,113 housing units at an average density of...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, dedicated to celebrating the history and art of distilling bourbon whiskey
Bourbon whiskey
Bourbon is a type of American whiskey – a barrel-aged distilled spirit made primarily from corn. The name of the spirit derives from its historical association with an area known as Old Bourbon, around what is now Bourbon County, Kentucky . It has been produced since the 18th century...
. The organizers of the festival promote the strong association between bourbon and the city of Bardstown, and have trademarked the phrase "Bourbon Capital of the World"® to apply specifically to Bardstown. Bardstown has been the site of bourbon distilleries since 1776.
The event started in 1992 as a dinner and bourbon tasting for 250 people. The event now draws more than 50,000 visitors each year from more than a dozen countries, and includes events that may appeal to adults and children alike. http://www.american.com/archive/2008/october-10-08/whiskey-galore Whiskey Galore!, TheAmerican.com, October 2008.
Besides concerts by such famous names as the Kentucky Headhunters, several local distilleries have commemorative displays on the lawn, as well as food and craft vendors. The event is home to the world championship bourbon barrel relay
Competitive Barrel Rolling
Competitive Barrel Rolling is both a team or individual sport which is practiced by bourbon distilleries in Kentucky. It is also referred to as a bourbon barrel relay...
, a barrel rolling race between many of the Kentucky distilleries. On the property of Spalding Hall
Spalding Hall
Spalding Hall is a building on the National Register of Historic Places in Bardstown, Kentucky, USA. It was built in conjunction with the Basilica of Saint Joseph Proto-Cathedral. The building houses the Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey and the Bardstown Historical Museum.The hall was built in 1826...
, the Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey
Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey
The Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History chronicles the history of American whiskey from Colonial days through the 1960s. Rare documents such as Abraham Lincoln's liquor license, advertising posters, prescriptions for the medicinal use of alcohol during National Prohibition, whiskey bottles, and...
is often visited during the festival.
The Bourbon Festival gives tourists the opportunity to taste many different types of Bourbon and whiskey.
See also
- American Whiskey TrailAmerican Whiskey TrailThe American Whiskey Trail is an initiative of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States that promotes the history and cultural heritage of distilled beverages in the United States.-History of whiskey in the United States:...
- Kentucky Bourbon Trail
- List of attractions and events in Louisville, Kentucky
- Whiskey
- Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History