BARDSTOWN, Ky. — To the joy of Bourbon fans across the Commonwealth, the Kentucky Bourbon Festival announced its dates for 2021.
The 30th annual festival will be held Sept. 16-19, 2021 in Bardstown, the Bourbon Capital of the World.
According to a press release from the festival, next year "will feature expanded opportunities for bourbon enthusiasts to engage with the most sought-after brands and engaging educational experiences."
“Over the past year, we’ve completely revamped the Kentucky Bourbon Festival to provide expanded opportunities to interact with the nation’s top bourbon brands,” said David Mandell, chairman of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival. “We could not be more excited to unveil our new format to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the festival.”
Some of the highlights include an expanded tasting experience with heritage and craft brands, vintage and rare bourbon auction, and the annual World Championship Bourbon Barrel Relay Race bourbon barrel rolling competition. There will also be interactive sessions with industry stars and culinary and cocktail classes.
“We’re excited to deliver an improved and truly authentic, world-class celebration of America’s native spirit,” said President and COO of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival Randy Prasse. “We’re looking forward to welcoming bourbon lovers back to Bardstown, a small town as historic as bourbon itself.”
While tickets for the festival won't be available until summer 2021, gift cards are available on the festival's website.
The non-profit Kentucky Bourbon Festival’s Board of Directors also appointed its 2021 Executive Committee, including:
- Chair David Mandell, co-founder, Bardstown Bourbon Company
- Vice Chair Melissa Horton, corporate events manager, Heaven Hill Brands
- Treasurer Donald Blincoe, president, Buzick Construction
- Secretary Rachel Miller, owner, The Harrison-Smith House
Haeli Spears is a digital producer with Spectrum News 1 Kentucky. She is a University of Louisville graduate who started her career with Spectrum News in May, 2020.