The Bourbon & Banter neighborhood gathered in Louisville three weeks in the past for the 2024 Bourbon & Banter Summit. This annual gathering has turn out to be the spotlight of the 12 months for our members and will get higher every year. What follows is a day-by-day recap of the Summit with commentary from a number of members of the Bourbon & Banter workforce. We hope you benefit from the recap and are impressed to affix us for subsequent 12 months’s Summit. Cheers!
SUMMIT DAY ONE IN REVIEW
Day one of many Summit began with a gaggle favourite for breakfast: Biscuit Stomach. Should you’ve by no means skilled the belly-busting goodness of Biscuit Stomach, that is sufficient purpose to be sure to be a part of us for subsequent 12 months’s Summit. As soon as correctly fueled, the group heads to Pursuit Spirits to take part of their “Complete Shebang” expertise.
Pursuit Spirits “The Complete Shebang” Expertise
I confess that I had by no means given a lot thought to Pursuit Spirits. What did I care about, a bourbon model created by two white dude whiskey podcasters? Certain, I might listened to a couple episodes of The Bourbon Pursuit, hosted by co-founders Ryan Cecil and Kenny Coleman, however I had actually not put it on my bourbon bucket checklist. I might by no means even tasted Pursuit Spirits earlier than this 12 months’s Kentucky Bourbon Pageant. I wasn’t opposed to it, there are simply so many manufacturers, and so little time. So I am thrilled they have been included on our annual summit’s agenda for me to actually lean in and “drink curious.”
Pursuit Spirits is at the moment housed in a warehouse on Mellwood Avenue—proper on the positioning of the previous Mellwood Distillery—and is unquestionably a no-frills expertise. However that rawness provides to the attraction. We have been booked for his or her “Complete Shebang” providing, which they describe as “a 90-minute expertise that has completely every thing.”
The “Complete Shebang” Expertise at Pursuit Spirits
We walked in and have been handled to a style or two. Then we sat down in entrance of tasting mats with samples of 6 completely different barrels, each rye and bourbon, from Kentucky, Tennessee, Maryland, and New York. Pursuit believes that whiskey ought to be sourced from no matter barrels are finest, and so they take no precedence for geography. If it is good whiskey, it is coming by means of the doorways. We tasted by means of and selected which barrel finest suited our tastes. Our tasting was briefly interrupted by a large semi backing up and unloading a number of full barrels – it is a working mixing expertise, in spite of everything! After choosing our favourite pattern, we thieved straight from the barrel to fill our bottles and moved by means of the whole strategy of labeling, corking, and sealing. Et voila! Our very personal bottle of Pursuit Spirits whiskey.
Total, it is an effective way to spend a number of hours whereas in Louisville if you wish to expertise one thing a little bit completely different than a conventional distillery tour and tasting. Your nostril and palate might be put to the take a look at and I encourage you to look previous the appellation of every barrel (sure, this Kentuckian selected a Maryland barrel). Plus, you get to stroll away with a bottle you may like to drink. So, shade me a convert to Pursuit Spirits, and I stay up for seeing what they do subsequent, particularly of their new residence (coming quickly) to Whiskey Row downtown. These are nice people placing out attention-grabbing whiskey blends, really embracing their newness and fashionable method to sourcing and mixing. In any case, mixing is a real artwork, and right here, it is all they do.
– Erin Petrey, Cocktail Editor
Neat Bourbon Bar + Bottle Store
Between Pursuit Spirits and Michter’s the group grabbed lunch and killed a while at Neat Bourbon Bar + Bottle Store. The bar has an incredible vibe and stable assortment of cocktails and neat pours. I like to recommend the Japanese export bottle Nationwide Distillers 1993 Previous Crow for simply $22 a pour. It was every thing you count on from Nationwide Distillers, and if we hadn’t been on the clock, I’d have stayed there to get pleasure from a number of extra pours. I extremely advocate you test it out subsequent time in Louisville.
Nice vibe and pours at Neat Bourbon Bar + Bottle Store. Kampai!
Michter’s Distillery Pals & Household Tour
For the previous few years, Michter’s Whiskeys has given excursions solely at its Fort Nelson Distillery on Whiskey Row, a.okay.a. Louisville’s Primary Road. Nonetheless, to make use of the Michter’s workforce’s personal language, “family and friends” are sometimes welcomed at its manufacturing distillery in Shively, a suburb of Louisville that is residence to Brown-Forman Distillery and the historic Stitzel-Weller Distillery. It was there that the Bourbon Banter crew acquired a deep dive into how Michter’s scrumptious whiskies are made.
Images is restricted on the behind-the-scenes tour, however listed here are a number of permitted photographs to make you jealous.
A few of us on the go to have been lucky to see the manufacturing distillery evolve over time because it opened in 2014. Its bottling corridor is not only computerized, however largely managed by robots that place bottles into circumstances for a visit down the bottling and corking line earlier than being lifted once more into cardboard circumstances. The robots raise these sealed circumstances as soon as extra to put them on palates for shrink wrapping. We weren’t allowed to {photograph} any of the shiny equipment, however we have been pleased for the workforce who now not has to raise tens of 1000’s of circumstances every year manually.
The tour, led by distillers Dan McKee and Matt Bell, closed out with a incredible tasting of 10 Michter’s whiskies starting from its flagship bourbon and rye releases, to toasted barrel goodies of each varieties, which led as much as the 20-year bourbon because the closing act. It is occasions like these that make you grateful for the entry these beneficiant distilleries present their many followers.
Bottle Share Day 1 that includes Mercenary BBQ + The Craft Shoot
Day One festivities continued after the Michter’s Distillery tour as attendees returned to the Summit HQ for what many think about the spotlight of our annual Summit: Dinner that includes Mercenary BBQ and group bottle share.
Group Supervisor and Single Barrel Coordinator Brent Joseph owns Mercenary BBQ in Indianapolis. Yearly, he prepares a feast (brisket, ribs, and pulled pork with sufficient sides to feed everybody twice over) earlier than the Summit and hauls it down for us to get pleasure from on Day 1. I do know everybody has their favourite BBQ joints, however belief me once I let you know, when you style Brent’s work, you may replace that checklist with Mercenary on the prime. It occurs time after time. But another excuse to be sure to register for subsequent 12 months’s Summit.
Mercenary BBQ – Voted the highest BBQ joint accountable probably the most vegetarian conversions on this planet. Reality.
Dinner was adopted by an epic bottle share that featured over 100 completely different whiskeys introduced by attendees and native company. Talking of native company, Summit attendees have been joined by a number of local people members and associates from close by manufacturers, together with, however not restricted to, the legendary Dan Gardner (retired 4 Roses model guru), Kenny Coleman (co-owner of Pursuit Spirits), and Invoice Straub and Bob D’Antoni (house owners of 4 Gate Whiskey). Sadly, we won’t share photographs from that a part of the night attributable to frequent decency legal guidelines and the truth that you may’t deal with how a lot enjoyable we had.
Did I point out the stay model of The Craft Shoot?
It is a crowd-favorite phase from the Bourbon & Banter podcast that we introduced again this 12 months attributable to common demand from the 2023 Summit. The Craft Shoot includes prepping 50 blind samples for the Summit. Every visitor grabs a bottle out of a field, sight unseen. Every visitor then takes a flip tasting the pattern in entrance of different company and a video digicam. Every particular person shares their spontaneous tasting notes and ideas on proof, age, and liquor model. And in the event that they’re feeling assured, they’re going to even guess their model expression. Somebody hardly ever guesses the model accurately, nevertheless it’s a blast for everybody, regardless of the result. We hope to have a montage video of this 12 months’s Craft Shoot within the not-so-distant future to share with you, however for now, take a look at final 12 months’s video under to get an thought of the problem and hilarious outcomes.
After finishing The Craft Shoot, people continued a energetic night of copious bourbon samples, legendary banter, and cigars outdoors on the expansive Summit HQ grounds. Ultimately, issues settled down as we tucked Day 1 into the books early within the wee hours of Day 2.
SUMMIT DAY TWO IN REVIEW
Regardless of the late night time earlier than, everybody awakened recent and able to sort out a full day of distillery excursions and mixing experiences. Certainly you did not count on something much less of us? I imply, we’re all professionals, proper?
To gas up for the day forward, the group grabbed breakfast at First Watch (together with some Millionaire Bacon) and launched into a drive out to Citadel & Key Distillery for the day’s first tour.
Citadel & Key Behind the Scenes Expertise
The second day of our 2024 Annual Member Summit began with a gaggle breakfast earlier than we hit the street to Citadel & Key. Our Annual Member Summit Weekends have turn out to be a approach for us to offer distinctive and unique experiences for our neighborhood members, and our go to to Citadel & Key was simply that.
You are lacking out when you have by no means been to Citadel & Key. I feel it is without doubt one of the most original distilleries in all of Kentucky. Citadel & Key operates within the Previous Taylor Distillery in Frankfort, KY. Citadel & Key began renovating the property in 2014, and after a number of arduous work, they opened to guests in 2018. If you’re a historical past or structure fan, put this place on the prime of your checklist. There was distilling occurring on this web site since way back to 1819, and the fort has been there since 1887. I first visited this web site in 2012, when every thing was nonetheless fenced off and boarded up. A couple of of us might have climbed the fence and brought some footage, however we didn’t get too far because of the treacherous circumstances. The transformation from then till now could be nothing wanting superb.
Victoria Haley-Brown, the Gross sales Coordinator at Citadel & Key, met us on the entrance gate. She launched herself to us, and we shortly stopped at Taylorton Station, their onsite walk-up cocktail bar. We have been handled to our cocktail or drink earlier than beginning our official tour. The cocktail bar is situated subsequent to the Springhouse, their 140,000-gallon pure spring designed to appear like a Roman Tub Home. It was constructed within the form of a key, therefore the distillery’s identify. The Springhouse sits on the banks of Glenns Creek, and there are lots of locations to loosen up and take within the sights of this historic property. The distillery has carried out an incredible job making this scenic spot an incredible place to cease and have a drink whereas exploring the bourbon path. A number of units of lounge chairs have large umbrellas and benches overlooking the creek. That is such a preferred spot that the walk-up bar serves over 100,000 drinks yearly.
After visiting the Springhouse, we have been led into the fort and noticed the restored distillery’s interior workings. Citadel & Key began distilling in 2016, however earlier than that, there had not been any distilling on-site since 1972. They nonetheless use 15 completely different 11,000-gallon fermenters from the 1950’s. Conventional Bourbon, Wheated Bourbon, Rye, Vodka, and Gin are all produced on-site. As we walked over the unique hardwood flooring and previous the unique plaster partitions, you might virtually really feel the historical past of the fort. I feel that is by far probably the most distinctive and thrilling property in all of bourbon.
Citadel & Key Distillery Tour
After getting a behind-the-scenes take a look at the operations aspect of the distillery, Victoria led us outdoors previous the newly constructed tower the place the distillery hosts VIP company and personal barrel choices. We have been then led to the Sunken Backyard, which is inaccessible to the general public. The distillery retains this spectacular spot personal and is barely accessible through personal occasions and particular excursions. Apparently, they host many weddings on the property, and you’ll see why.
After the Sunken Backyard, we went previous the Cistern Constructing, which is their barrel home. Then, we went previous the ruins of the outdated Bottling Corridor, which was apparently used as an vintage mall within the Nineteen Nineties. Only some partitions stay of this constructing. We have been then led to the placement of the outdated Warehouse A. It has been leveled into an out of doors area used to host occasions.
From there, we made our approach into Warehouse B. It’s a 4 ½ ground rick home that holds 36,000 barrels. Whereas in Warehouse B, our complete group acquired to pattern three personal barrel samples of their Restoration Rye. We might pattern two 4-year-old barrels, one at 121.4 proof and one other at 122.38. Then, we have been capable of strive a 5-year-old Rye at 113.9 proof. After all, this tasting was purely for analysis as we plan our personal barrel picks for the upcoming calendar 12 months. After tasting the personal Rye barrels, we went upstairs and acquired extra samples from a 7-year-old Wheated barrel. We couldn’t get the precise proof on this one; it was, by far and away, my favourite go to. I hope they open these as much as their personal choice program subsequent 12 months.
After some incredible picture alternatives because of the large lighting in Warehouse B, we went outdoors, acquired a number of group footage, and wrapped up our behind-the-scenes tour with a cease by Warehouse E. This warehouse is palletized on the primary ground because it was constructed/doubled as a bomb shelter in 1953. This monster has a capability of 58,000 barrels.
A couple of years in the past, we went on a tour right here after Citadel & Key first opened. It was nothing just like the particular therapy we acquired this cool Fall morning. Should you haven’t been right here, you could cease the subsequent time you’re within the space. You received’t be disillusioned. Should you’re a Group Member, you could be a part of us on a non-public barrel choose right here within the subsequent 12 months or so. Should you do, I can promise you that Victoria and her workforce at Citadel & Key will make it as memorable as this go to was.
– Brent Joseph, Group & Single Barrel Program Supervisor
J. Mattingly 1845 Expertise
Contemporary from a pleasant lunch on the Stave, we headed to Frankfort, KY, and the J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery for an immersive mixing expertise.  After arriving (and having our ID checked), we proceeded to the decrease stage, the place a big area is organized for varied mixing choices. J. Mattingly blends bourbon, rye, and American Whiskey from contract distillers. The expertise is mixing the identical supply of aged whiskey from completely different barrels. Anybody who has participated in a barrel choose is aware of that the person barrels can differ enormously.  As well as, J. Mattingly introduces further charred staves to the barrel as their Double Stavedâ„¢ course of.Â
After a brief intro, you select between barrels (6 every) of two completely different Bourbons, Rye, or American Mild Whiskey.  We tasted every barrel after which proposed some blends to the host, who made suggestions and combined them for tasting. After a few tries, we every chosen our favourite. We selected the bottle we needed (every participant will get two 375ml bottles, totaling about 750 ml) and also you select a reputation in your personal mix.
That is my Rye. There could also be many prefer it, however this one is MINE. Mine is a little bit candy with creamy notes, clocking out at 117 proof. It was a enjoyable solution to finish the day. We thank the individuals at J. Mattingly for the expertise and their hospitality.
– Jim Knudsen, Sr. Contributor
Bottle Share Day 2 + Swag Giveaway
After our time at J. Mattingly Distillery, we made our approach again to the Summit HQ, the place we loved pizza and leftovers from the night time earlier than. Spherical 2 of the bottle share quickly commenced, however in typical Summit trend, night time two is a little more subdued after a second full day of ingesting actions. That mentioned, we did spice issues up a bit by internet hosting our 2nd Annual Swag Giveaway for Summit attendees and native company.
Annual Swag Giveaway That includes Doug Slaymaker as giddy as a toddler on Xmas morning. Congrats in your huge win, Doug!
Everybody in attendance receives a carnival ticket for a swag raffle, and everyone seems to be a winner. This 12 months, we gave away over forty gadgets from our distillery companions who’ve supported us over time. Giveaways included t-shirts, hats, flasks, bottles, one-of-a-kind restricted version Bourbon & Banter gadgets, and a significant merchandise from Whistlepig that included a Solo Range.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE SUMMIT
The drive residence after the Summit is all the time difficult for me. I discover myself battling a mixture of pleasure from what has occurred, fatigue from the planning and execution (to not point out the lengthy nights), and disappointment that the subsequent Summit is a 12 months away. It is the identical feeling I’d get in my abdomen once I got here residence for summer season break in school. I suppose you might name it reverse homesickness.
I will be trying into whether or not we need to change the timing of the Summit to make it occur sooner in 2025. Within the meantime, we’ll announce some new digital neighborhood actions to assist us bridge the gap and hold the neighborhood extra lively. These might be along with our month-to-month Group Remedy classes. Now could be a good time to improve your membership to one of many paid tiers to make sure you get first entry to register for these occasions, which can have restricted slots obtainable. As a paid member, you may obtain a precedence invite to register for the 2025 Summit.
Thanks to everybody who attended the Summit this 12 months. Your friendship and help imply the world to me. I stay humbled by your willingness to hang around with us for a number of days and your continued help of Bourbon & Banter.
Particular due to Bourbon & Banter workforce members (clockwise L to R): Brent Joseph, Jim Knudsen, Steve Coomes, and Erin Petrey.2
Final however actually not least, I want to acknowledge and thank members of the Bourbon & Banter neighborhood/workforce members for his or her assist in making this 12 months’s Summit an enormous success:
- Jason Fiehler, Thanks for capturing photographs from the weekend. They turned out nice!
- Steve Coomes, Thanks in your continued work as Editor and for being our “boots on the bottom” in bourbon nation. We respect your native fixer expertise when serving to with last-minute provides and meals supply.
- Jim Knudsen, Thanks in your ongoing contributions to Bourbon & Banter and your willingness to journey wherever we go. I all the time stay up for spending time collectively, even should you go away your higher half at residence. Ensure that Karen (and Dezil ) know they have been missed as this 12 months’s occasion.
- Erin Petrey, Thanks for taking over the problem of trekking from DC to Seattle to Louisville for this 12 months’s Summit. And let’s not overlook the ten+ years of contributing to Bourbon & Banter’s neighborhood. Subsequent 12 months we plan to be sure to can deal with Mercenary BBQ with out skipping a beat. Belief us, we have a plan in movement.
- Brent Joseph, I have been instructed I’ve a difficulty delegating duties. Thanks for stepping up and forcing me handy over duties (even when I am sluggish.) Your assist this 12 months in organizing the Summit was large and made issues a lot simpler for me. I stay up for working with you to roll out new neighborhood programming and a kick-ass Summit in 2025.
I stay up for seeing everybody on the 2025 Bourbon & Banter Summit!
Cheers,
Pops
