The prestigious Kentucky Bourbon Affair fantasy camp will return to Louisville in June 2016 and will host Whisky Live, an international celebration of the world’s finest whiskies, for the first time in the Commonwealth.
The premier event also has added an extra day, giving guests more time to experience behind-the-scenes tours and events at the most famous Bourbon distilleries in the world, said Eric Gregory, President of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association that founded and manages the six-day showcase.
The Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau is once again the top sponsor as Host City for 2016.
Dates are June 14-19. A limited amount of Golden Tickets will go on sale soon at www.kybourbonaffair.com, with single tickets available afterwards.
“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 of making Louisville a world-class destination.
“We are proud to host both in the River City.”
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.
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 country, 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.”
Learn more at www.whiskyliveusa.com
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.”
A limited number of Golden Tickets will go on sale later this year, guaranteeing holders their 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.
Once Golden Tickets are exhausted, tickets to individual and nightcap events will go on sale to the general public, Johnson said. This year, Golden Tickets sold out in less than six hours. “You’d better be quick on the keyboard if you want the deluxe experience,” he said.
“We’ve added the extra day and broken down events by geography so guests can take part in more distillery experiences,” Johnson said. “This allows the Kentucky Bourbon Affair to grow while keeping the activities small and intimate.”
Transportation will once again be included in ticket prices so guests never have to drive themselves. “Responsibility is always our first priority,” Johnson said. “We want people to relax and have fun.”
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. In addition, coverage produced 152 news stories that captured 34 million unique visits. Media included Men’s Journal, PASTE Magazine, CNBC and nationally recognized whisky bloggers.
Gregory said, “The Kentucky Bourbon Affair is a classic, unforgettable Bourbon lover’s dream. Next year will be even more special with Whisky Live, which will put Kentucky’s booming Bourbon renaissance directly in the international spotlight.
“This is an incredible opportunity to showcase the Southern hospitality and genteel spirit that makes Kentucky Bourbon and Louisville the perfect world-class destination for Bourbon newcomers and aficionados around the world.”
