After a decade of transporting tourists around the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, one tour company condenses 100 miles of distilleries into 120 feet.
Three Lexington contractors use an intimate 48-seat theater and three walls worth of floor-to-ceiling displays to tell the story of Kentucky’s favorite spirit instead of using its typical fleet of touring vans.
Bourbon Live opens to the public on Friday inside 903 Venues at 903 Manchester St. in the historic Distillery District of Lexington. Its mission is to bring different brands of bourbon to visitors in a high-tech way instead of physically transporting them to the distilleries.
Bourbon Live is not a bar or even a tour.
The team invited me to Lexington earlier this week to see the smooth opening of what they believe is the first attraction of its kind.
Bourbon Live management partners Abe Owen, Jeff Phillips and Collin Owen had their start in Bourbon tourism in 2012 when they founded Horse and Barrel Tours. For the past 10 years, they have been immersed in the suggestions of their customers, who in part, have laid the foundation for this new, technical experience. Some of the most common complaints they hear are that Bourbon excursions are too long or that bad weather can weaken the whole experience.
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Not to mention that booking Bourbon tours, in general, has become more difficult because distilleries have dwindled their offerings at the start of the pandemic, Abe Owen said. Just because you’re in Kentucky and you want to tour a distillery doesn’t mean you can book one. Some of the most popular tours in the Commonwealth are booked on Saturdays until the end of the month.
“How do you fill a day?” Abe Owen said, knowing that other travel companies feel the same pressure he is. “It’s hard to do. This is where it all began.”
The team first started talking to Jill Bakehorn, who owns 903 Venues, about creating the theater on her site about two years ago. The room where the theater is located was of little use during the day, so Phillips painted the walls with a special pigment that transformed them into projection screens.
Stepping into Bourbon Live feels a bit like entering a dinner theater, a state-of-the-art IMAX theater and a modern Bourbon bar at the same time. It’s certainly not as striking as the ever-popular Beyond Van Gogh Immersive Experience, which is currently on display in Louisville. Still the floor-to-ceiling screens paint an immersive picture of the waterfalls, mountains of Kentucky and even the fires in its bottles.
You can’t compare Bourbon Live with standing in a dark, cool cottage in a bourbon country or reproducing the smell of mash in the air, but the show is a climate-controlled, condensed alternative. It’s an opportunity for Bourbon novices traveling through Central Kentucky to learn the basics of bourbon and see some of the state’s sights digitally without spending an entire afternoon on the road.
Longtime Lexington meteorologist Bill Meck of LEX18 hosts the initial production. At the beginning of each show, guests are given a tiny flight of bourbon to drink while Meck explains the history of the various brands and the taste notes in the bourbon. Then a mixologist shows how to prepare a bourbon cocktail.
More from Maggie: Hidden in full view: How this Kentucky teacher discovered a secret in a Van Gogh painting
The inaugural production features Makers Mark 46, Woodford Reserve, Elijah Craig Small Batch and Four Roses Small Batch. The team chose these spirits because of their popularity and accessibility. Abe Owen says they can’t build a show around bourbon that they can’t provide at their bar. Bourbon Live intends to add four new spirits to its library by a quarter, which will add up to a library on 16 spirits until its one-year anniversary.
As you sip the bourbon during the show, the theater flashes dynamic images of the tasting notes. Cinnamon stick bounces down 40-foot walls as huge trucks and a nutmeg larger than a standard bourbon barrel fill the screen.
During the cocktail scenes, the bartender’s hands and materials take over the screens in a more intimate way than if you were sitting directly in front of a mixologist. The cocktail glass stands higher than a camping tent and the bourbon splashes into a tile with such intensity it may have also been a film of a fountain at a park.
Finally, the Bourbon Live team would like to build shows around rarer products. They hope they can function as a satellite tasting room for smaller craft distilleries in the southern or northern parts of the state.
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Being attached to an event venue also has advantages. They can use the food industry of 903 Venues, Bluegrass Catering, to be a lunch stop for corporate groups or even other tour companies. Over time, they hope they can use the space almost like a dinner theater for bourbon.
There is certainly room to grow on the technical side as well. They have an ambition to use more animation and expand the projections to the floors and ceilings.
Phillips has a dream of watching Makers Mark’s signature red wax drip digitally along the sides of the theater.
“We’re trying to present bourbon in a different way than it was ever presented,” Abe Owen said.
Lead columnist Maggie Menderski writes about what makes Louisville, South Indiana and Kentucky unique, amazing, and sometimes, a little weird. If you have something in your family, your city or even your closet that fits that description – she wants to hear from you. Welcome to mmenderski@courier-journal.com or 502-582-4053. Follow on Instagram and Twitter @MaggieMenderski.
Want to visit Bourbon Live?
WHAT: A three-screen, immersive bourbon experience that includes four samples of bourbon
WHERE: Within 903 Places at 903 Manchester St. To see also : DISMISSAL: WHISKEY & ARZIKI CONTINUES REGIONAL JUDGMENT IN US SECURITY LAW. in the Distillery District of Lexington
WHEN: Shows are Monday-Saturday at 9:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Visit bourbonlivelex.com to purchase tickets and learn more
Why is Blanton’s so hard to find?
Growing Demand, Constant Supply Blanton’s bourbons are lacking because the demand for this single barrel bourbon exceeds its supply. Although Blanton is all about quality over quantity, the liquor brand can only supply so much at a time.
What are the hardest Bourbons to find? 10 Rare, Hard to Find Bourbons
- E.H. …
- Russell’s Reserve 1998 Bourbon. …
- Elijah Craig 23 Years Single Barrel Bourbon. …
- Old Forester 2008 Birthday Bourbon. …
- Four Roses To Young 50th Anniversary Small Set Bourbon. …
- Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 23 Year. …
- Orphan Barrel Rhetoric 22-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon.
Is Blanton’s bourbon still made?
Blanton’s is a brand of bourbon whiskey produced and marketed by the Sazerac Company. Although it does not own the mark, it has exclusive distillery rights. It is owned by Age International, Inc. It is distilled in Frankfort, Kentucky at the Buffalo Trace Distillery.
How often do they release Blanton’s?
Straight From The Barrel – an uncut, unfiltered bottle – was not far away. In fall 2020, it made its home debut with a price tag of $ 150. Like the Golden Edition, it’s only released once a year, so Blanton fans have to keep their eyes peeled if they want to get their hands on any of the sought-after bottles.
How much should I pay for a bottle of Blanton’s?
How much does Blanton cost? Blanton whiskey costs between $ 65 and $ 110 per bottle. Price will depend on which bottle you choose: Blanton’s Gold Edition will cost more than a Single Barrel, for example.
What happens when you collect all Blanton’s tops?
All 8 plugs together B-L-A-N-T-O-N-S and are often displayed in a collectible stand or barrel bar. In fact, if you collect all 8, you can send them to Buffalo Trace Distillery, which will mount them on a barrel bar for free and return them to you.
What do the Blanton’s tops spell?
Beginning in 1999 a collector’s edition of eight different plugs was produced. The set features a horse and jockey in different strides and poses similar to the stages of horse racing. Each plug is marked with a single letter that spells Blanton when the set has been completed.
How much is a full set of blantons worth?
| Type | Size | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Blanton’s Gold Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon | 750 ml | $ 89.99 – $ 99.99 |
| Blanton’s Special Reserve Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon | 750 ml | $ 59.99 – $ 69.99 |
| Blanton’s Straight from the Kentucky Straight Bourbon Barrel | 750 ml | $ 105.99 – $ 110.99 |
What is the rarest Blanton?
What Is The Rarest Blanton? You can choose from Blanton’s Original Single Barrel, Blanton’s Gold Edition 700ml, or Blanton’s Straight From The Barrel 700ml Special.
Is blantons gold rare?
Today, Blanton’s Single Barrel has become one of the most honored and award-winning bourbons on the market. The Golden Edition was the second version created, after the Original 93 demonstration. This 103-proof Blanton’s Gold is very limited, but a favorite among sensible bourbon fans.
Are any of the blantons letters harder to find?
All letters are produced in equal quantities. However, because Blanton’s is bottled by hand they are put on the bottle at random. It therefore seems as if some letters are more difficult to find.
How many distilleries are on the Bourbon Trail?
Bourbon lovers can stop at some of the distilleries or all 41 — there is no wrong way to experience it. Each trip is personalized and requires planning, as some of the distilleries are up to 70 miles apart.
Which distilleries make up the Bourbon Trail? When you exit the Frazier Museum and turn left, there are four KBT distilleries within one mile of Main Street – Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery, Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, Old Forester Distilling Co. and Angel’s Envy Distillery.
How many bourbon distilleries are there?
There are 740 Whiskey & Bourbon Distilleries businesses in the United States as of 2022, an increase of 15.4% from 2021.
How many states produce bourbon?
50 states: 50 Bourbon destinations.
How many Kentucky bourbon distilleries are there?
Distillery Excursions Currently, there are more than 20 working bourbon distilleries in Kentucky that produce more than 200 of your favorite brands. Most of these working bourbon distilleries offer work tours and special visitor experiences that include tastings and gift shops.
Why is Buffalo Trace Distillery not on the Bourbon Trail?
Buffalo Trace is not included on the official Bourbon Trail due to the fact that they are not on the board of distillers, but this distillery differs from the rest in Bourbon district in that it is free to visit.
Where is Buffalo Trace bourbon distilled?
Buffalo Trace Distillery is a distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, owned by the Sazerac Company. It has historically been known under several names, including the George T. Stagg Distillery and the Old Fashioned Copper (O.F.C.)
Is the Buffalo Trace Distillery part of the Bourbon Trail?
No, Buffalo Trace Distillery is not a member of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®. What distilleries are near Buffalo Trace? Nearby distilleries east of Louisville in the Frankfort area include Woodford Reserve, Wild Turkey, Castle & Key and Three Boys Farm Distillery.
What do you wear to a bourbon tasting?
Dress to Impress “Please be well-dressed, at least smart casual,” says Patel. “You don’t have to wear a tuxedo, but dress just in case.
What should I take to a distillery? The recommended clothing for visiting the distillery is casual and comfortable. Vulgar or profane clothing is not allowed. Be aware that during the spring and summer months, the distillery can be very hot with temperatures exceeding 90 degrees.
What do you wear to a bourbon party?
It is recommended that you wear casual and comfortable clothing when visiting the distillery. It is not allowed to wear vulgar or profane clothing.
What do you wear to a whiskey distillery?
What Do You Bring to a Distillery? It is recommended that you wear casual and comfortable clothing when visiting the distillery. It is not allowed to wear vulgar or profane clothing. It is important for visitors to be aware that the distillery can be extremely hot in the spring and summer months.
What do you wear to a bourbon event?
Dress to Impress â € œPlease be well-dressed, at least skilfully casual, â € says Patel. “You must not wear a tuxedo, but dress as appropriate.”
How much do you pour for a bourbon tasting?
Step Two: Pour the Bourbons. Don’t cross. Limit the flavor itself to three or four Bourbons and make the pours small – about half an ounce each. You can always come back and pour more after the tasting, but the goal of the tasting is to learn something about the product.
How do you throw a bourbon tasting?
Add Some Food to the Mix To refresh everyone’s palates between tasting sessions, you should provide your guests with some food. The foods that best combine with bourbon are typically cheeses, fresh fruit, ham, chocolates or olives. You don’t need all these foods, just choose a few of them to be well.
What should you do first during a whiskey tasting?
The best way to progress through tasting is to drink the lightest whiskey first and finish with the richest and / or most flavored / smoked. As a host, it’s a good idea to taste everything yourself first to make sure you have the right order. A lighter color does not necessarily mean a lighter taste.
How do you cleanse your palate for whiskey tasting?
Water is the best palate cleanser, although it is common for places to serve unsalted salads, biscuits or pretzels to be palate cleansers. Smelling coffee grounds is also another viable option for a palate cleanser.
How do you take a whiskey flight?
You should generally order your whiskeys so that the demonstration increases as the flight progresses. One or two percentage points don’t make a huge difference, and can be exchanged seamlessly. In some cases, however, a dominant flavor, such as heavy peat or rich sherry, will take precedence over proof.
How many days do you need for the bourbon trail?
The Kentucky Bourbon Trail is a collection of eighteen bourbon distilleries located in and around Louisville. If you want to tour all eighteen distilleries, you need a minimum of seven days. However, there is much more to do in this part of Kentucky than just turning bourbon distilleries.
Do you need reservations for the Bourbon Trail? Are reservations necessary or necessary? It is highly recommended to book your excursions online and in advance. Most distilleries have online booking options, or you can book your experiences with one of our trusted transportation partners. Special excursions require reservations.
What is the best time of year to do the Bourbon Trail?
Spring is a beautiful time to visit the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. The weather is pleasant and bourbon is in full production. If you want to tour the distilleries without the crowds, visit Kentucky from late November to March.
Is the Bourbon Trail worth it?
They give a really thorough background on the drink and the history of Louisville with it (and yes, it ends with a tasting). Seeing that this is the only “bourbon tour” in Louisville itself is worth the stop. The samples were pretty small, but it’s straight bourbon, so you’ll probably feel pretty good afterwards.
How long does it take to complete the Bourbon Trail?
With 37 distilleries, it’s hard to pick just one favorite. Some are as close as eight miles and others are up to 70 miles apart. Average tour time is 90 minutes.
Is the Bourbon Trail worth it?
They give a really thorough background on the drink and the history of Louisville with it (and yes, it ends with a tasting). Seeing that this is the only “bourbon tour” in Louisville itself is worth the stop. The samples were pretty small, but it’s straight bourbon, so you’ll probably feel pretty good afterwards.
How much does it cost to go on the Bourbon Trail?
Bourbon Trail Tours: Are They Expensive? Tours, as of May 2022, run in the range of $ 15 to $ 30 per person. Special tours and tasting cost more.
How long does it take to drive the Kentucky Bourbon Trail?
With 37 distilleries, it’s hard to pick just one favorite. Some are as close as eight miles and others are up to 70 miles apart. Average tour time is 90 minutes.
How long does the Bourbon Trail take?
With 37 distilleries, it’s hard to pick just one favorite. Some are as close as eight miles and others are up to 70 miles apart. Average tour time is 90 minutes.
How much does it cost to go on the Bourbon Trail?
Bourbon Trail Tours: Are They Expensive? Tours, as of May 2022, run in the range of $ 15 to $ 30 per person. Special tours and tasting cost more.
How long does it take to complete the Kentucky Bourbon Trail?
On this tour you visit micro-distilleries, tour historic sights and cities in Kentucky, and live in historic bed-and-breakfast accommodations. It takes five days to complete this tour.
Is Buffalo Trace a part of the Bourbon Trail?
No, Buffalo Trace Distillery is not a member of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®. What distilleries are near Buffalo Trace? Nearby distilleries east of Louisville in the Frankfort area include Woodford Reserve, Wild Turkey, Castle & amp; Key and Three Boys Farm Distillery.
What makes up the Bourbon Trail? Bulleit Frontier Experience at the Stitzel – Well Distillery in Louisville. Evan Williams Bourbon Experience in Louisville. Distillery Four Roses in Lawrenceburg. Heaven Hill Visitor Center in Bardstown.
Is Blanton’s made by Buffalo Trace?
Blanton’s Bourbon is produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery, located in Frankfort, Kentucky.
How much is Blanton’s at Buffalo Trace?
| House of Bourbon of Justin | 30/6/2021 | 31/12/2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Blanton’s Single Barrel | $ 199.99 | $ 224.99 |
| Buffalo Trail | $ 29.99 | $ 44.99 |
| E.H. Taylor, Jr. Small Set | $ 149.99 | $ 179.99 |
| Rare Eagle | $ 99.99 | $ 99.99 |
Who is Blanton’s owned by?
Blanton’s is a brand of bourbon whiskey produced and marketed by the Sazerac Company. Although it does not own the mark, it has exclusive distillery rights. It is owned by Age International, Inc. It is distilled in Frankfort, Kentucky at the Buffalo Trace Distillery.
Why is whiskey spelled wrong on Makers Mark?
The United States follows the Irish example and spells whiskey with e, although there are some important exceptions. George Dickel, Makers Mark and Old Forester all follow the Scottish spelling.
What does it mean if whiskey is spelled with and without the E? Whiskey (not e) refers to Scottish, Canadian or Japanese grain spirits. Whiskey (with e) refers to grain spirits distilled in Ireland and the United States.
Why is Irish whiskey Spelt with an E?
Some distillers – whether they are in Scotland, Ireland or the US – used the ‘e’. Others did not. It is widely believed that during the 19th century, Irish distillers began to use the “e” as a way to differentiate their whiskeys from the Scottish. They became more popular and were regarded as being of a higher quality.
Why do Irish people spell E with whiskey?
During the late 19th century, many of the great Irish distillers began spelling whiskey with e to differentiate their whiskey from its Scottish competitors.
Why is whiskey Spelt two ways?
It is generally spelled â € œwhiskeyâ € – with eâ € ”in the United States and Ireland. It is spelled â € œwhiskeyâ € – without the eâ € ”in Scotland and Canada, which are both well known for their whiskey, and in several other countries.
Why is whiskey sometimes spelled with an E and sometimes not?
During the late 19th century, many of the great Irish distillers began spelling whiskey with e to differentiate their whiskey from its Scottish competitors. The practice, however, was not uniform.
Why do some whiskeys not have an E?
The spelling of Scotch whiskey (no ‘e’) is enshrined in law. The same goes for Canadian whiskey, while Japan, England, Wales, the Nordic countries, Australia (you understand my drift) follow that guidance. As you rightly point out, American and Irish producers use the alternate spelling, with the ‘e’. Mostly.
Why is there two spellings for whiskey?
Spelling depends on the country of origin of the spirit; American-produced varieties such as bourbon, rye, Tennessee, as well as the Irish spirit, use the “whiskey” spelling, while the spirit of Scotland, Canada, and Japan use the “whiskey” spelling.
Is whisky Spelt with an E?
Irish immigration to America in the 18th century means that we also refer to American “whiskey” spelled with e. But ‘whiskey’ and ‘whiskey’ are just two varieties of a wide family of spirits and spirits – understanding what makes each key different to unlock a spectrum of tastes and experiences…
Why is whiskey spelled whisky?
Basically, the United States and Ireland spell it “whiskey,” while the rest of the world spells it “whiskey.” One good tool to remember is that countries with an “e”. in the name (USA, Ireland) use the â € œeâ € while countries without â € œeâ € (Scotland, Japan, India) do not.
Is whiskey Spelt with or without E?
If you’re talking about a drink made in Scotland, Canada or Japan, use the spelling without the e-whiskey. When referring to beverages distilled in the United States or Ireland, use the e-whiskey.
