Kentucky Bourbon Affair

A RETURN AFFAIR: JUNE 3-7, 2015 LOUISVILLE TO HOST SECOND “KENTUCKY BOURBON AFFAIR” SHOWCASELOUISVILLE, Ky. – Mayor Greg Fischer, the Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau and officials of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association today announced that the prestigious Kentucky Bourbon AffairTM fantasy camp will return to the Derby City next year, June 3 through June 7.“We’re thrilled that the Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau will be our top sponsor for 2015,” KDA President Eric Gregory said. “This year’s showcase was a tremendous success, mainly because Louisville has so much to offer Bourbon aficionados as host city. “Thanks to our strong partnership with the Louisville CVB and Mayor Fischer’s leadership, Louisville has quickly become the heartbeat of Bourbon culture and cuisine. It will be hard to top this year, but we promise 2015 will be even more exciting.” Mayor Fischer said, "The Bourbon Affair is the premier event for Bourbon lovers and with Louisville's long and storied whiskey history, it's a chance to showcase our city to national and international visitors. “The partnership between the CVB and the KDA will take the Affair, already a major success in its first year, to an even higher proof." Karen Williams, President and CEO of the Louisville CVB, said Louisville offers unique urban experiences to the Bourbon visitor from the new Evan Williams Bourbon Experience and more distillery tours on the way, to the 34 bars and restaurants of the Urban Bourbon Trail®. “For more than 230 years, Bourbon has played a role in the fabric and shaping of Louisville from the culture and architectural footprint on Whiskey Row in the center of downtown,” she said. “Hosting a signature event that celebrates this culture enhances Louisville’s Bourbon offerings even further and is in line with our tourism strategy to make this a world-class destination.” A limited number of Golden Tickets will go on sale in November, guaranteeing holders their first choice at exclusive tours; VIP access to opening and closing 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, Gregory said. “All 50 Golden Tickets sold out in a week the last time around,” he said. “If you want the deluxe Bourbon experience, that’s definitely the way to go.” The website for tickets and information is www.kybourbonaffair.com.

“Guests loved the relaxed, intimate atmosphere that really brings them into our distilling family,” said Fraser, Vice President of Operations at Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. “That’s what sets the Kentucky Bourbon Affair apart from other whiskey events — it is the only one put on by the distilleries themselves.” The 2014 Affair featured private distillery tours, personal barrel selections, gourmet delights with renowned Bluegrass chefs, rooftop tastings, custom cocktail parties, receptions at the homes of famed Bourbon Barons and even skeet shooting with a legendary Master Distiller. Next year’s showcase promises to be even more “over the top,” said Adam Johnson, Director of the KDA’s famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour and the chief Kentucky Bourbon Affair concierge. “We asked this year’s participants what their dream Bourbon event would be, and they responded with some incredible ideas,” Johnson said. “Plus, the distilleries witnessed each other’s efforts, and I’m sure there will be some friendly rivalry to raise the bar.” Attendees also requested more free time to explore Louisville, so the Affair agenda will be adjusted to accommodate adventurous spirits. And there will be more nightcap offerings to highlight the city’s cosmopolitan allure and Urban Bourbon Trail® tour. KDA President Gregory said the 2014 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 48 events with visitors from 26 states and three countries. In addition, coverage produced 135 news stories that captured 34 million unique visits. Noted Bourbon author Fred Minnick called it “a fete of epic proportions” in Whisky Magazine. Gregory said, “It’s a classic, unforgettable Bourbon lover’s dream. We’re a close-knit bunch here in Kentucky, and you definitely get that sense of genteel Southern hospitality with the Affair and Louisville’s passionate spirit. “Ask anyone who came this year, and they’ll tell you that it was truly an affair to remember.”

For more information, contact KDA President Eric Gregory at (502) 875-9351

The KDA, founded in 1880, is the state’s leading advocate on spirits issues. Heritage members include Beam Suntory (Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark), Brown-Forman Corp., Diageo North America, Four Roses Distillery, Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. and Wild Turkey Distillery. Proof members include Michter’s Distillery.

Craft members include Alltech’s Town Branch Distillery, Barrel House Distilling Co., Copper & Kings American Brandy Distillery, Corsair Artisan Distillery, Kentucky Artisan Distillery, Limestone Branch Distillery, MB Roland Distillery, New Riff Distillery, The Old Pogue Distillery, Silver Trail Distillery, Wilderness Trail Distillery and Willett Distillery. The Distilled Spirits Epicenter is the KDA’s official educational distillery.

KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®, BOURBON TRAILTM, KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL CRAFT TOUR® and KENTUCKY BOURBON AFFAIRTM are trademarks/service marks of the Kentucky Distillers' Association. Please drink responsibly.