Kentucky Bourbon Affair Announces 2017 Dates, Host City, Director Search

The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today announced a new three-year
partnership that will keep the prestigious Kentucky Bourbon Affair fantasy camp in Louisville
through 2019, as well as dates for next year’s event and a national search for a KBA Director.

KDA President Eric Gregory also said Whisky Live, an international celebration of the world’s
finest whiskies, will return as the KBA’s closing event, capping off the week-long intimate,
immersive dive into Kentucky’s signature spirit.

Dates are June 6 through June 11, 2017. A limited amount of Golden Tickets will go on sale
later this year at http://www.kybourbonaffair.com/, with single tickets available afterwards.
Information about Whisky Live also can be found at http://www.whiskyliveusa.com/.

Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer said, “The Kentucky Bourbon Affair has become a signature
event for Bourbon lovers and Louisville is honored to be its home.”

Gregory praised the Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau for the three-year pact as Official
Host City. “The Kentucky Bourbon Affair has quickly become one of the industry’s most
revered events, due in large part to our friends at the Louisville CVB.

“Now, thanks to their vision, long-term commitment and collaboration with our legendary
distilleries, the KBA will strengthen its position as a world-class event, and the only one
produced by the actual distilleries themselves. “We deeply appreciate the support of the LCVB and its Board.”

Launched in 2014, the KBA is hailed for featuring daily behind-the-scenes access at the nation’s
most iconic distilleries, with elite nightcap dinners and fetes starring Louisville’s historic
Bourbon culture and top-shelf culinary scene.

The KBA has grown each year, with 35 events in 2016 and attendees from 40 states. Nearly all
events sell out quickly, with prized Golden Tickets – allowing first access to activities –
disappearing in minutes.

“Visiting Louisville for a festival or event is the number one driver for tourism in the city,” said Karen Williams, President and CEO of the Louisville CVB. “Having world-class events like the Kentucky Bourbon Affair that tie in to Louisville’s authenticity and Bourbon tradition are especially attractive and will benefit the city both culturally and economically.”

To learn more about Louisville and all its offerings, visit http://www.gotolouisville.com/.

Whisky Live Founder Dave Sweet said, “Coupled with the week-long celebration of the

Kentucky Bourbon Affair, Whisky Live Louisville 2016 was our most successful first launch

event ever with attendees from more than 20 states, coast-to-coast.”

“We’re looking forward to 2017 and adding an ever greater array of Scotch, Irish and other

international whiskies, alongside the best Bourbons that the industry has to offer. Whisky Live

Louisville is a national success and we’re just getting started.”

As part of its growth strategy, Gregory said the KDA is conducting a nationwide search for a

dynamic, full-time director to coordinate the annual showcase. A job posting is listed the KDA’s

website, http://kybourbon.com/about/careers/. The deadline to apply is Nov. 4.

“The KDA staff has done an incredible job in building this event from scratch,” Gregory said.

“But it has easily become a year-round position that needs dedicated resources, much like the

KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail experiences.”

Gregory said KDA distilleries are hard at work on building once-in-a-lifetime events for 2017.

The 2016 Affair featured private distillery tours, personal barrel selections, limited special

releases, rooftop dinners with renowned Bluegrass chefs, skeet shooting with a legendary Master

Distiller, custom cocktail parties, receptions at the homes of famed Bourbon Barons and more.

“One of the most attractive aspects of the Kentucky Bourbon Affair is that it changes from year

to year,” he said. “And while we’re always looking for opportunities to grow, the KBA is

committed to maintaining the intimate distillery atmosphere that guests clearly love.

“Kentucky is the one, true and authentic home of Bourbon. The Kentucky Bourbon Affair

features our Southern hospitality and genteel spirit in a way that makes it unique from any other

whiskey event in the world. Don’t miss this unforgettable experience.”