Sips & Sites & Bites

There’s something about June in Kentucky. The days get longer, the porches fill up, and that familiar warm vanilla scent drifts through the rolling hills of Bardstown — yes, it’s bourbon season. And no one does it quite like Bardstown, the self-proclaimed (and let’s be honest, rightfully so) Bourbon Capital of the World.

Now in its second year, National Bourbon Week is back June 9–15, and it’s quickly shaping up to be one of those can’t-miss events that locals circle in red and bourbon fans plan their vacations around.

But don’t expect one giant bourbon bash … this is a week-long, choose-your-own-adventure style celebration that flows through distilleries, downtown streets, and dinner tables like a well-aged pour of the good stuff.

Think of it less as a festival and more as a love letter to the spirit that built this town.

While last year’s inaugural celebration set the bar high, 2025 is going all in. The lineup features a curated collection of events hosted by some of the biggest names in the bourbon world … Heaven Hill, Maker’s Mark, Bardstown Bourbon Company, James B. Beam, Lux Row, and more … each putting their own spin on tastings, classes, and culinary pairings. Whether you’re here to sip a rare release or dive into the science of mashbills, there’s something happening somewhere every single day.

And speaking of mashbills, this year’s newest event, The Mash Up, might just steal the spotlight. Hosted at the sleek new Bespoke in Bond venue, this gathering brings together nine distilleries and nine local chefs for a one-night-only flavor explosion. Each pairing is designed to show off how the ingredients in a bourbon’s recipe echo through food in unexpected ways. Add in a blind bottle pull for charity, and you’ve got a night that’s both delicious and downright heartwarming.

But it’s not just about sipping and swirling. On Saturday, June 14th, Bardstown’s historic downtown transforms into a lively street party for National Bourbon Day itself. Families can check out the brand-new Kids Zone, while grown-ups (with a wristband, of course) can sample from eight local distilleries … for free. Yes, you read that right. Free samples. There’s even a beer garden if someone in your group prefers hops to heat.

Downtown shops will be buzzing with sidewalk sales, live music will spill from patios, and there’s a very good chance you’ll end up dancing with a stranger or two before the day is done. That’s just how Bardstown rolls when the bourbon flows.

So whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or just curious to see what the fuss is all about, National Bourbon Week is the perfect excuse to slow down, savor, and celebrate the spirit that’s more than a drink … it’s a way of life in these parts.

Ready to start plotting your itinerary? Grab tickets and check out the full lineup at www.nationalbourbonweek.com.