Kentucky Bourbon Festival 2011, Bardstown, KY

Celebrating the “spirit” of Kentucky in the Bourbon Capital of the World

by Carrie Daut | August 15, 2011

Southerners like their bourbon. Kentuckians love their bourbon. And we darn well should – we produce 95 percent of the world’s supply!

So for six straight days this September, thousands upon thousands of bourbon lovers, distillers and bottles of the smooth spirit itself will come together in Bardstown, Kentucky for the 2011 Kentucky Bourbon Festival.

Centrally located near all of Kentucky’s most famous bourbon distilleries (including Buffalo Trace, Four Roses, Heaven Hill, Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Wild Turkey and Woodford Reserve), the city of Bardstown has been dedicated to distilling great bourbon since 1776. Since 1992, they began hosting the official festival, and this year’s 20^th anniversary event should prove to be no less of a party.

The 2011 Kentucky Bourbon Festival will be held September 13-18 with 39 events planned. Attendees of all ages can enjoy a long list of activities, food, entertainment and more, including:

A nighttime hot air balloon glow. The Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History. Bourbon samplings. Distillery tours. A Bourbon-style cooking class. Ghost tours. The family fun lawn. Concerts. A ride on a steam locomotive. A black-tie gala. The golf tournament. Horseshoe pitch. Poker Run. A 5K run, and more.

And this Insider’s event pick? The wacky World Championship Bourbon Barrel Relay™.

On Saturday, September 17 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the lawn behind Bardstown’s City Hall will fill up with spectators out to watch teams roll 500-lb bourbon barrels down a wooden track course. All participants are employees of the local bourbon distilleries, where barrel-rolling is still an important part of storing and aging authentic Kentucky bourbon. Admission to the lawn is free, but arrive early for a good view. And wach this video for a better idea of the crazy contest.

Bardstown is about 50 minutes southeast of Louisville. To reach the festival site, follow Interstate 65 South from Louisville and take Exit 112 (KY-245) towards Clermont/Bardstown. Then continue for approximately 15 miles.

(Insider Tip: Although much of the festival is held on outdoor lawns, pets are not allowed.)

For more information on the 2011 Kentucky Bourbon Festival or to reserve event tickets, visit kybourbonfestival.com. From their site, download this year’s brochure and event schedule, as well as a map of downtown Bardstown. See you there in September!