First Bourbon Event to Celebrate 'Bourbon Arts' in Louisville

Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau (LCVB) has announced the Bourbon Classic 2013, a new bourbon-themed event based in Louisville.

The event, which will take place at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts (501 West Main Street Louisville, KY 40202) on March 22 and 23, is designed to attract experts and enthusiasts from across the country in a forum that addresses all aspects of bourbon, from distilling to culinary pairings. A cross-section of the bourbon industry is expected to attend, including bourbon distillers, bourbon legends, writers, chefs, bartenders, expert connoisseurs and casual enthusiasts.

On March 22, the focus will be the “Bourbon Classic Cocktail Challenge", featuring contemporary and classic cocktails and hors d'oeuvres prepared by matched teams of chefs and master bartenders; and the opening after-party when attendees can meet the experts.

On March 23, the focus will be on the "Bourbon Classic University", eyeing to explore focused learning sessions like "How the Barrel Influences the Bottle: Exploring Maturation and Bourbon Production", "Crafting the Perfect Cocktails (and Serving them Right)", "Balance and Flavor in Bourbon and Food", and "Culinary Tips for Bourbon on the Plate." There will also be a “Bourbon Marketplace”, offering exhibits and displays featuring bourbon tastings, food tastings, and culinary and bourbon-related products; as well as a closing night party.

In attendance will be some of the bourbon industry's most well-known brands, including Urban Bourbon Trail, Buffalo Trace Distillery, Four Roses Bourbon, Michter's Distillery, Town Branch Bourbons by Alltech, Heaven Hill Distilleries Inc., Maker's Mark, Blanton's, Sullivan University National Center for Hospitality Studies, Spirits on Ice LLC, and Wildcat Water.

The Bourbon Classic was co-founded by Tony Butler of FSA Management Group, an event planning company based in Louisville, and Justin Thompson and Seth Thompson of The Bourbon Review.