Fifteen minutes.
That’s all it took for 50 prestigious Golden Tickets to June’s Kentucky Bourbon Affair™ showcase to sell out, with dozens more signing up for the waitlist.
“Talk about a gold rush,” said Eric Gregory, President of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association that coordinates the signature showcase. “The word has clearly gotten out that the Kentucky Bourbon Affair is the hottest ticket around.”
The Kentucky Bourbon Affair is a six-day Bourbon fantasy camp featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes tours and tastings at the world’s most iconic distilleries, capped by VIP evening and weekend events that highlight Louisville’s leading Bourbon culture and cuisine.
It’s the only whiskey event that’s actually created and executed by the distilleries themselves.
Tickets to individual events will go on sale at Noon EST on Tuesday.
The website for more information and to purchase tickets is www.kybourbonaffair.com.
Attendees must be at least 21 years of age.
Tickets to individual events range between $35 and $275. Many include souvenir bottles, Bourbon-inspired lunches and commemorative gifts. Transportation is also included in all ticket prices. “You can leave the driving to us,” Gregory said.
This year’s Affair also will feature Whisky Live, an international celebration of the world’s finest whiskies, for the first time in the Commonwealth. The Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau is returning as Official Host City Sponsor.
Nine distilleries are featured this year: Bulleit, Four Roses, Heaven Hill, Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Michter’s, Old Forester, Wild Turkey and Woodford Reserve. Kentucky’s burgeoning craft distilleries also will be highlighted at an opening VIP party at Vendome Copper & Brass.
In addition to Whisky Live, the Kentucky Bourbon Affair has added an extra day of tours, giving guests more time to intimately experience the art and craft behind America’s only native spirit.
“Golden Tickets” offered top priority to tours and events, plus early registration for private barrel selections and special VIP receptions. The cost was $1,595 per ticket. Golden Tickets sold out last year in less than six hours.
Golden Ticket buyers came from 16 states and England: Arkansas, Alabama, California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin.
“Apparently people love Kentucky Bourbon – a lot,” said Adam Johnson, the KDA’s official Bourbon Affair Concierge. “The passion for this event is incredible. Our phones haven’t stopped ringing and the waitlist is filling up fast.”
Even though a handful of events are close to selling out, Johnson said there will be plenty of opportunities to enjoy a wide variety of activities with a total of 37 ticketed events over six days.
“There’s plenty to sample and savor even if you don’t get a Golden Ticket, so check out the website on Tuesday and grab individual tickets while they last. This year’s Affair is bigger and better – don’t miss out on the fun and excitement.”
