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Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes on Wednesday marked the 238th birthday of Kentucky bourbon and National Bourbon Day with a visit to Shelby County’s Jeptha Creed Distillery.
Jeptha Creed, a 15,000-square foot, $3-million distillery, opened in November 2016. The owners are mother-daughter team Joyce and Autumn Nethery. Joyce is one of three female master distillers in Kentucky. She, along with her daughter and marketing manager Autumn, designed the distillery from the ground up. The two had taken courses on distilling before deciding to open their own distillery.
“Today is another milestone in the history of Kentucky bourbon. As the bourbon industry continues to experience a tremendous boom, I’m excited Jeptha Creed – a woman-owned small business – is adding to Kentucky’s rich bourbon tradition,” said Grimes, Kentucky’s chief business official.
Jeptha Creed employs 14 people and is as a “farm-to-glass” operation with production using ingredients grown on-site or at nearby farms. The distillery sits on 64 acres of farmland.
“Even though we’re new to the industry, we feel right at home,” said Joyce Nethery. “Our whole family is involved. My son takes care of the bees and my husband is heavily involved and grows all of our corn. We grow everything we can think of to flavor our spirits straight from the Kentucky soil. We’re excited to join Sec. Grimes in celebrating bourbon’s birthday today.”
Jeptha Creed uses the “bloody butcher” corn variety in their products, an heirloom crop they grow and harvest themselves that dates back to 1845. This makes the bourbon mash pink rather than yellow. Current products include vodkas, moonshines, and Bloody Butcher’s Creed, a limited-edition bourbon that previews the distillery’s full roll-out of bourbons in 2019. Jeptha Creed’s products are distributed across Kentucky.
“Jeptha Creed is the quintessential Kentucky small, family business – mix hard work and bourbon and you have a recipe for success,” said Grimes.
Design by Emily Keller; photo by Kory Johnson Photography.
A new bourbon tasting experience is coming to Louisville. Sour Mash Tours launched Saturday, May 27, in Nulu.
Each tour features samples of at least nine brands at local bars and restaurants, including Feast BBQ, Galaxie, Rye and Taj. The tours offer an expansive and interactive tasting experience, all while getting guests acquainted with a Louisville neighborhood known for its unique bourbon history.
“With all the excitement surrounding bourbon in Louisville, we realized there wasn’t anything out there that combined the bourbon tasting experience with some of our great bourbon bars,” said co-founder Andy Huenefeld.
Tastings are conducted with a lineup of spirits expertly curated to maximize the experience. For example, guests may taste rye-heavy bourbons at one bar and wheated bourbons at another. Bourbon beginners can use the tour to discover some favorite styles and brands while connoisseurs can further refine their palates by practicing picking out subtle differences and flavor profiles.
“Our goal with Sour Mash Tours is to show folks the best part of the distilleries — the bourbon — while exploring one of Louisville’s most vibrant neighborhoods,” said co-founder Dillon Miles, who used to give tours at Jim Beam Distillery.
The guides focus on the various steps in the distilling process and how they impact the taste of the product. Each tour attendee will receive a tasting booklet for notes and to mark their favorites.
Sour Mash Tours chose Nulu for its great selection of bourbon bars and walkability, but hopes to bring tours to other parts of Louisville in the future.
“There are so many great bourbons and bars in our city to explore,” said Danielle Huenefeld, co-founder and chief marketing officer.
Sour Mash Tours are offered each Saturday starting at 2pm in Nulu. The team also offers happy hours and private event tastings. To book an event, visit www.sourmashtours.com/tour-schedule.
Hollywood has a new character – he’s bold and daring with a rustic, yet smooth approach. America’s first bottled bourbon, Old Forester, is known for being full of character. But this time, Old Forester is introducing a new type of character – a straight bourbon whiskey – named Old Forester Statesman that will debut in acclaimed filmmaker Matthew Vaughn’s upcoming 20th Century Fox film “Kingsman: The Golden Circle” and available for film fans and bourbon aficionados to enjoy August 2017.
In “Kingsman: The Golden Circle”, our heroes face a new challenge when their headquarters are destroyed and the world is held hostage. Their journey leads them to the discovery of an allied spy organization in the US called Statesman, dating back to the day they were both founded. The Statesman, based in Louisville, Kentucky, act as Master Distillers to hide their true identity. In a new adventure that tests their agents’ strength and wits to the limit, these two elite secret organizations band together to defeat a ruthless common enemy, in order to save the world, something that’s becoming a bit of a habit for Eggsy. The sequel to Kingsman: The Secret Service, Kingsman: The Golden Circle is directed by Matthew Vaughn and stars original cast members Colin Firth, Taron Egerton and Mark Strong, and introduces new cast members Jeff Bridges, Channing Tatum, Pedro Pascal, Halle Berry and Julianne Moore.
“Bourbon is an American tradition that Old Forester has celebrated for five generations, and we’re proud to reinforce the authenticity of the characters, The Statesman, as bourbon distillers,” said Campbell Brown, President of Brown-Forman.
When choosing partners for the Kingsman brand i look for excellence, integrity and taste. Old Forester is my first partner who takes the taste requirement to the next level,” said Matthew Vaughn.
Old Forester chose a unique taste profile when selecting the Statesman bourbon specifically for the film. Taking inspiration from the dynamic characters, Old Forester Statesman offers bold flavor blended to a smooth 95 proof, resulting in an exceptional balance of heat and spice.
Celebrating the film’s inclusion of Louisville, Kentucky as home of the Statesman, Louisville’s Mayor, Greg Fischer, declared the premiere date of September 22 as Statesman Day in the city.
An exclusive sneak peek of the film which highlights Old Forester’s Statesman bourbon and Kentucky will debut to fans at the Kentucky Derby this Saturday. Jeff Bridges, lead Statesman as “Champ” in the film will be in attendance at this year’s Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs and attendees at the track will be the first people in the world able to sample this new product.
“Kingsman: The Golden Circle” will be in theaters on September 22, and Statesman will be available for purchase in the U.S. in August. For more information, please visit www.oldforester.com
Angel’s Envy™, the super-premium Kentucky Straight bourbon whiskey of uncompromising character and quality, will officially open its new distillery and visitor center to the public for guided tours beginning Saturday, November 19. Online reservations, which are required, are now being accepted at www.angelsenvy.com. Admission is $15 per person and includes a tasting.
Located at 500 E. Main Street at Jackson, (the former Vermont American and Baer Fabrics Building), the new state-of-the-art facility is the first full-production whiskey distillery in downtown Louisville. Having completed a $27 million renovation since breaking ground in 2013, the brand home center houses the Angel’s Envy distillery operations (including everything from milling of grains to blending and bottling on site), as well as a visitor center and gift shop. From the exterior walls to the vaulted ceilings and arched windows, their architects worked diligently to preserve every possible feature of the original building. Their breathtaking, one-of-a-kind 35-foot-tall column still, pot still and doubler were sourced locally from Vendome Coppery & Brass Works—just four blocks away.
The small batch artisan bourbon is the culmination of the late Master Distiller Lincoln Henderson’s storied career. Each of the brand’s three current expressions (flagship Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey finished in Port Wine Barrels, Angel’s Envy Cask Strength and Angel’s Envy Rye finished in hand-selected Caribbean rum casks), exhibit his passion for experimenting outside of conventional norms by producing unique whiskey steeped in tradition, but finished with a twist.
“Opening the Angel’s Envy distillery and visitor’s center in downtown Louisville was a dream Dad (Lincoln Henderson) and I had,” said Wes Henderson, Co-founder/Chief Innovation Officer, Louisville Distilling Company. “He would be so proud of what we’ve accomplished in such a short amount of time. My sons and I proudly carry on his legacy. The distillery is a must-see experience.”
“We are delighted that Angel’s Envy chose downtown Louisville for its new distillery and visitor center,” said Louisville Mayor, Greg Fischer. “It is evident that Angel’s Envy is not only committed to quality craftsmanship, but also the greater Louisville community.”
The Angel’s Envy distillery and visitor center is open for tours every Monday and Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00am – 5:00pm, and every Sunday, from 1:00 – 5:00pm. Tours will not be available on Tuesdays.
For more information, please visit us at www.angelsenvy.com or on facebook https://www.facebook.com/AngelsEnvyBourbon and twitter https://twitter.com/Angels_Envy (@angels_envy).
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.”
Eight Establishments in Louisville Named among America’s 80 Best Bourbon Bars
Bourbon industry publication, The Bourbon Review, has released its annual list of America’s 80 Best Bourbon Bars. During National Bourbon Heritage Month, The Bourbon Review will partner with Four Roses Bourbon for a nationwide “toast” to each of the 80 establishments selected.
Eight Louisville bars were selected as part of the list, including: Bourbons Bistro, Charr’d Bourbon Kitchen and Lounge, Derby Café, Doc Crows, Down One Bourbon Bar, Haymarket Whiskey Bar, Proof on Main, and Silver Dollar
Louisville has the most recognized bourbon bars than any other city in America. All eight of the establishments honored are also a part of the city’s Urban Bourbon Trail, a “pub crawl” that celebrates Louisville’s bourbon heritage and culture.
The nationwide “toast” will take place on Friday, September 30, when The Bourbon Review and Four Roses Bourbon will encourage fans to take part by tagging their favorite bourbon bar from the list using the hashtag #80Toast.
In addition to the toast, on-site visits to select winning Bourbon bars across the country by Four Roses Bourbon and The Bourbon Review are planned for September and October.
“We are proud to once again partner with The Bourbon Review to help celebrate its Top 80 list,” said Brent Elliott, master distiller, Four Roses Bourbon. “It’s an honor to recognize and toast these establishments who take their Bourbon as seriously as we do.”
To see the full list of America’s 80 Best Bourbon Bars, please visit www.gobourbon.com/best-80-bourbon-bars-2016.
Special event will honor legendary Master Distiller Jimmy Russell with Wild Turkey “Diamond Anniversary” bourbon
Louisville, Ky (December 30, 2014) – Varanese Restaurant, located at 2106 Frankfort Avenue, will host the Russell’s Reserve Bourbon Dinner on Thursday, January 15, with a reception at 6:30pm and dinner at 7:00pm. The dinner will feature a tasting of Wild Turkey’s limited edition “Diamond Anniversary” bourbon, which was made in celebration of Jimmy Russell 60 years with Wild Turkey. The evening will also include legendary Master Distiller Jimmy Russell as a guest speaker, and a four-course dinner paired with cocktails made with Russell’s Reserve bourbon. The cost is $55 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (502) 899-9904 or emailing letsdine@varanese.com.
The menu will consist of:
Reception
Reception Cocktail – “Pomegranate-Clementine Old Fashion”
First Course
Flight: Russell’s Reserve 6 yr. Rye / Russell’s Reserve 10 yr. Small Batch
Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel / Wild Turkey Diamond Anniversary
House-Made Pastrami Carpaccio with Bourbon Whole Grain Mustard, Rye Bagel Chip and Micro Mustard Greens
Second Course
Warm Grilled Frisee Salad with Confit Butternut Squash, Toasted Pumpkin Seeds, Pomegranate and Goat Cheese Tossed with Maple-Bourbon Vinaigrette
Third Course
“Espresso & Aztec Chocolate Manhattan”
Brown Sugar Glazed Ham with Red Eye Gravy
Served with Spicy Bacon Grilled Red Cabbage, Oven Roasted Potatoes and Yams
Fourth Course
“Butter Pecan Bourbon Cocktail”
Butter Pecan Ice Cream over Sugar Fried Flat Bread, Bourbon Anglaise, Salted Caramel and Brûléed Bananas
For information or to make a reservation, please call (502) 899-9904 or log on to www.varanese.com.