Last month, I received a pleasant surprise: I was selected as one of eight bourbon media folks to be part of the first cohort of media members of the Bourbon Capital Guild (BCG). Now I'd heard of the BCG before, and even toyed with membership when it was first announced but never pulled the trigger. Some friends of mine from Bardstown and across the broader bourbon industry joined and recommended me a number of times for membership. I do, afterall, love a bourbon club.

So what actually is the Bourbon Capital Guild (BCG)? The group dubs itself the bourbon society for the Bourbon Capital of the World, Bardstown, Ky. It exists under the umbrella of the Bourbon Capital Alliance, a cooperative created to boost bourbon tourism in Bardstown. The BCA oversees the Bourbon Capital Academy, National Bourbon Week, in partnership with Visit Bardstown, the Brindiamo Penthouse in partnership with the Kentucky Bourbon Festival (the leading force behind the establishment of the Bourbon Capital District in downtown Bardstown), and much more.

The BCG also has a roster of partner distilleries, including: Bardstown Bourbon Company, Barton 1792 Distillery, Heaven Hill Distillery, James B. Beam Distilling Co., Log Still Distillery, Lux Row Distillery, Old SteelHouse Distillery, Preservation Distillery, and Maker's Mark Distillery. Seems like a good group of folks (with some excellent whiskey!) dedicated to spreading the gospel of bourbon made in the heart of bourbon country.

As part of its signature programming, the BCG just announced the schedule for the second-annual National Bourbon Week, running this year from June 9-15. The event includes 20 events with 11 distilleries located within 16 square miles. They've got everything from a Beam Backyard Luau (complete with pig roast and hosted by the pork-loving father-and-son distilling duo, Fred and Freddie Noe of James B. Beam Distilling Co.), to a pre-Father's Day tailgate-style homage to Elijah Craig, the Father of Bourbon. And if you've never had the pleasure of attending a country ham and whiskey tasting with our very own Steve Coomes, he's is hosting one at Preservation Distillery on June 12.

I am thrilled that my first event as a newly minted BCG member will be the inaugural Bourbon Capital Mash Up event in downtown Bardstown. The event will feature food and whiskey pairings from all nine partner distilleries at the Bespoke in Bond event space in downtown Bardstown (operated by the owners of NEAT Bourbon Bar in Louisville), as well as opportunities to mix and mingle with master blenders and distillers, enjoy live DJ music and craft cocktails at a cash bar.

I love seeing Bardstown continuing to level up their place as a must-go destination in Kentucky. As someone who grew up in the small bourbon town of Lawrenceburg, Ky., I hope that Anderson County can learn and take notes from the strides Bardstown is making to become a truly world-class destination. I'll be taking notes, y'all!

Heading to Bardstown for the Mash Up? Hit me up for an impromptu Bourbon & Banter meetup. Who knows, maybe I'll have a bottle or two to share!

A spirited schedule announced for second annual National Bourbon Week

Tickets on sale for more than a dozen unique experiences

BARDSTOWN, Ky. (April 29, 2025)–With unparalleled access and unique experiences, National Bourbon Week announced the full event schedule for the second annual weeklong celebration of America’s native spirit, to be held in the Bourbon Capital of the World June 9-15, 2025. For more information and tickets, visit www.nationalbourbonweek.com.

Presented by Buzick Construction, National Bourbon Week brings together world-class distilleries, exclusive tastings, unique educational experiences and Bardstown’s vibrant historic downtown.

“As we kick off the second annual National Bourbon Week, we’re proud to celebrate not only Nelson County’s deep-rooted bourbon heritage but also the growing economic impact this event brings to our community,” said Stacey Phelps, president of Visit Bardstown. “This weeklong celebration is a true toast to the spirit, craftsmanship, and community that make us so special. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or just discovering your love for bourbon, there's no better place to be than Bardstown during National Bourbon Week.”

National Bourbon Week is a community-wide celebration of the city and its ties to bourbon’s history, growth and evolution. All events are offered independently so guests can build their perfect itinerary with great places to stay, dine and explore.

This year’s schedule includes a wide range of events for every bourbon lover, with culinary offerings, cocktails, classes, tastings and more. Distilleries including Log Still Distillery, Bardstown Bourbon Company, Heaven Hill Distillery, James B. Beam Distilling Co., Preservation Distillery, Old SteelHouse Distillery, Lux Row Distillers, Maker’s Mark Distillery, and Barton 1792 Distillery are all planning special events for the week, with the full schedule and ticketing information on the National Bourbon Week website.

New this year, Bourbon Capital Alliance’s The Mash Up will bring together its nine partner distilleries for a special evening at the just-opened Bespoke in Bond event space. The Mash Up will pair each distillery with a local culinary partner to showcase the distinctive flavors found in each distillery’s unique mash bill. In addition, proceeds from a blind bottle pull that evening will be directed to a local community cause.

“Our Bourbon Capital Alliance partner distilleries and local community have put together an incredible series of events that are worthy of the Bourbon Capital of the World. We are excited to welcome guests from all over back to Bardstown this June,” said Sam Lacy, executive director of the Bourbon Capital Alliance.

On Saturday, June 14, celebrate National Bourbon Day in downtown Bardstown with activities for all ages. A brand-new Kids Zone offering free family fun will be available for enjoyment. For those of age, eight local distilleries will offer free samples from 12-4 p.m. For those who prefer something different, Bardstown Rotary Club will host a beer garden.

“We can’t wait to welcome locals and visitors alike for a full day of celebration,” said Randi Mouser, executive director of Bardstown Main Street. “Our downtown shops will be open and ready with great summer deals—there’s something for everyone! We’re incredibly grateful to our generous sponsors who help make this event possible year after year for our community. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the music!” 

About Bardstown:Located in the heart of the Bluegrass State, Bardstown offers the ultimate bourbon getaway. With 11 unique distilleries within 16 miles of court square, all your bourbon dreams can come true here in Bardstown, the Bourbon Capital of The World. Settled in 1780, Bardstown is Kentucky’s second-oldest city so come see us for our unrivaled history. Throughout Nelson County, there are more than 300 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, with nearly 200 of them located in the historic downtown district. Here in Bardstown, you’ll find the friendly attitude and Southern charm that can only be found in such a town. For more information, go to www.VisitBardstown.com. 

About the Bourbon Capital Alliance: Founded in 2017, the Bourbon Capital Alliance is committed to building upon Bardstown’s status as the Bourbon Capital of the World. Working alongside local distilleries and community partners, the nonprofit Alliance is elevating and expanding experiences and enhancing the legacy and prevalence of bourbon culture. The Alliance’s initiatives include the Bourbon Capital Academy educational offerings, National Bourbon Week events series, The Bourbon Capital Guild bourbon society, the Bourbon Capital District entertainment destination center, special Bardstown bourbon barrel license plates, and other projects that improve the Bardstown community. Learn more at bourboncapital.org.