The annual Kentucky Bourbon Festival has started, and there is plenty to do, lots to learn about Bourbon, and quite a few opportunities to sample one of Kentucky’s premier world-class products.

Throughout the week, the distilleries have window displays throughout downtown Bardstown, the Welcome Center on the town square has a photo exhibit that “captures the Kentucky Bourbon experience,” and the Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Today, Wednesday, Sept. 14, events include a session about Bourbon cocktail mixology, led by Louisville’s Joy Perrine,  bartender at Equus and this evening a Bourbon All-Star Sampler sponsored by the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, featuring all the KDA Master Distillers.

Tomorrow, the Kentucky Dinner Train will offer a Woodford Reserve tasting session followed by a luncheon prepared by Ouita Michel, Woodford chef-in-residence. At noon, a Half Pint of Whiskey History is a session of story-telling and historical tales of whiskey making in Kentucky.

Friday, Sept 16 will offer a seminar on the history and process of making Kentucky Bourbon; a talk on pairing Bourbon drinks with food, led by Susan Reigler, President of Bourbon Women Association; an outdoor crafts market; an auto show by the Whiskey City Cruisers;  jazz and a tasting of rare Bourbons from Heaven Hill Distillery, held at My Old Kentucky Home State Park; and a country music concert, among other events.

The weekend holds many more amusing, entertaining and educational choices. There will be a display of barrel making, a barrel-rolling relay, an auction of vintage Bourbon items. including unusual bottles of Bourbon, and more music performances. For a full brochure listing all  events, click here.

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