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Almost 40 distilleries on board for bourbon tasting in BBQ and Barrels

Almost 40 distilleries on board for bourbon tasting in BBQ and Barrels

Yahoo15-04-2025
HENDERSON, Ky (WEHT) – Visit Owensboro announces that nearly 40 distilleries are on board for the bourbon tasting portion BBQ and Barrels.
Officials state some of the largest distilleries in the country like Buffalo Trace, Makers Mark and Angels Envy will be joined by some new brands like Silk Velvet and Fresh Bourbon on May 10 with VIP hour starting at 3 p.m. and general admission starting at 4 p.m. at the Owensboro Convention Center.
'You're going to see some brand favorites along with some brands you have yet to discover. BBQ and Barrels is the perfect opportunity to enjoy world class BBQ and Kentucky's finest spirit,' said Dave Kirk, Visit Owensboro.
In addition to the distillery lineup, one can buy one get one 50% off tickets that are being offered for a limited time. To claim, use promo code BG50 on bbqandbarrels.com.
Officials say the weekend will include several other bourbon culinary experiences like a dinner/cocktail paring at Green River Distilling Company at $145 a person happening on May 9. Officials say very limited tickets are still available for the new high-end dinner/bourbon pairing at Lure Seafood and Grille called Smoke and Oak on May 8 and can be booked directly by calling Lure.
An option to participate in the birdies, bourbon and BBQ golf fundraising event on May 9 at the Owensboro Country Club is available benefitting Fight Light a Dozer.
Officials say VIP tickets for the bourbon tasting portion of BBQ and Barrels are nearing sellout and are $120 and include special pours and samples. Class tickets are on sale for $25 a piece and the three classes being offered at 2 p.m. at the Owensboro Convention Center on May 10 are one with Four Roses Master Distiller Brent Elliott, Buffalo Trace's Freddie Johnson and Green River Distilling Company.
Tickets can be purchased by visiting owensborotickets.evenue.net/event/BBQBF.
Listed is a complete list of participating distilleries.
10 Day Bourbon
Angel's Envy
Augusta Distillery
Bardstown Bourbon Company
Bard Distillery
Barrel House Distilling
Blue Run
Boss Molly
Bourbon Brothers of the Leaf
Buffalo Trace
Bubba's Whiskey
Bulleit Buzzard's Roost
Casey Jones Distillery
Castle & Key
Chicken Cock Whiskey
Coal Pick Distillery
Four Roses Fresh Bourbon
Green River Distilling Co.
Hemingway Whiskey
Jefferson's Bourbon
Jeptha Creed Distillery
Larrikin Bourbon Co.
Leiper's Fork Distillery
Limestone Branch Distillery
Log Still Distillery
Maker's Mark
MB Roland Distillery
New Riff Distilling
Preservation Distillery
Pursuit Spirits
RD One Bourbon
Silk Velvet Whiskey
Starlight Distillery
True Story
Wenzel Whiskey
Western Kentucky Distilling
Wilderness Trace Distilling
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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Buffalo Trace Debuts Two New Bourbons In Its William L Weller Range
Buffalo Trace Debuts Two New Bourbons In Its William L Weller Range

Forbes

time24-07-2025

  • Forbes

Buffalo Trace Debuts Two New Bourbons In Its William L Weller Range

The new Weller 18 YO from Buffalo Trace Photo, courtesy Buffalo Trace Distillery On the eve of the centenary of William LaRue Weller's birth, Buffalo Trace Distillery has announced two new additions to its Weller lineup: the second edition of Weller Millennium, a blend of vintage wheated bourbons and wheat whiskeys, and Weller 18-Year-Old, now the oldest age-stated expression in the brand's history. Below is a brief background and tasting notes on the two new additions to Buffalo Trace's Weller range. Both bottlings continue the distillery's commitment to wheat-based whiskey. The tradition dates back to 1847 when William Larue Weller chose to use wheat instead of rye in his mash bill. That decision resulted in a smoother, softer whiskey that stood apart from the bolder, spicier styles of the day, heralding the beginning of wheated bourbons. These new expressions build on that legacy, exploring how wheat evolves with extended aging and careful blending. Weller 18-Year-Old marks a milestone as the oldest whiskey to carry the Weller name. Bottled at 90 proof, this ultra-aged wheat whiskey showcases the softer side of extended maturation, highlighting how wheat-based bourbon, when handled carefully, can retain its elegance and sophistication over time. 'This whiskey reflects the patience and precision we apply to every step of the process,' said Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley. 'Wheat can fade with age, but here it has developed into something remarkably nuanced and expressive.' According to Wheatley, the whisky features 'aged fruit and a hint of tobacco' on the nose. The palate offers 'a mix of baking spice and crisp green pear, with a finish that lingers without overwhelming.' Weller 18 is housed in a 700ml crystal decanter, topped with the same hand-etched stopper used in the Millennium release, though without the accompanying display case. It will first appear in select international airport retail shops, including LAX, JFK, and London Heathrow, starting in July 2025. The suggested retail price is $499 for a 700ml bottle. The Weller Millenium #2 Photo, courtesy Buffalo Trace Distillery Following the debut release in May 2024, the second edition of Weller Millennium features a new blend of straight wheated bourbons and wheat whiskeys distilled in 2001, 2003, and 2006. All were produced at Buffalo Trace and set aside specifically for this limited series. The result is a whiskey with depth, character, and a layered complexity that reflects both time and intention. The mash bill for the Weller Millennium #2 is not disclosed. As it's a blend of wheated bourbon and wheated whiskey, it's unlikely to qualify as a bourbon. 'This second release goes even further than the first,' said Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director. 'By working with barrels from the early 2000s, we're not just blending whiskey—we're revisiting a moment in our history.' According to the distillery, Weller Millennium #2 opens with 'notes of dark cherry, butterscotch, and vanilla, with oak taking the lead on a long, warming finish.' The whiskey is bottled at 99 proof (49.5% ABV). It's presented in a custom crystal decanter etched with Weller's original 'W' mark, accompanied by a lit display case that highlights the whiskey's components and their respective distillation years. Only a limited number of bottles will be available starting July 2025 through Sazerac's domestic and international distribution partners, as well as at the distillery and via Legacy de Forge, Sazerac's direct-to-consumer platform powered by Blockbar. The suggested retail price is $7,500, with local taxes varying. For more information on how to obtain these two new bourbons, see the Buffalo Trace website. More From Forbes Forbes America's Top-Rated Wheated Bourbons And Whiskeys: Smooth, Bold And Affordable By Joseph V Micallef Forbes The World's Best Wheated Bourbon, According To The San Francisco World Spirits Competition By Joseph V Micallef Forbes Want Alternatives To Pappy And Weller? 10 Top-Ranked Wheated Bourbons By Joseph V Micallef

Father's Day 2025: 39 restaurant and bar specials in Chicago
Father's Day 2025: 39 restaurant and bar specials in Chicago

Chicago Tribune

time10-06-2025

  • Chicago Tribune

Father's Day 2025: 39 restaurant and bar specials in Chicago

While Mother's Day celebrations traditionally involve breakfast in bed or brunches with free-flowing mimosas plus gifts of flowers, it can be a little harder to figure out what to do for Father's Day. Luckily, local bars and restaurants are making planning easier by offering a wide range of events and specials with an emphasis on big steaks, beer and whiskey. Whether you think your dad would love a multi-course dinner with plenty of time to talk or to show off his skills in a putting competition, these 39 spots make it easy to enjoy some quality time together. All events take place on June 15 unless otherwise specified. The Loop and Near North Side The 101 Bar & Grill The Magnificent Mile spot offers specials including a full slab of ribs with cornbread, coleslaw and dessert ($39), a Buffalo Trace old-fashioned ($18) and a flight of three bourbons ($48). 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. 101 E. Erie St., 312-667-6800, About Last Knife The restaurant within the Arlo Chicago offers The Best Dad's Mixed Grill, a plate of barbecue pulled pork sliders, shrimp skewers and a 6-ounce grilled steak with creamy potato salad ($40). Add on Papa's Kick, a blend of bourbon, honey, jalapeno and mint ($17) or apple crumble ($14) for dessert. 168 N. Michigan Ave., 312-392-2440, Adalina Come for brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for deviled eggs, fried chicken and dessert for $75 or $40 for kids ages 7-12, with a bottomless bloody mary bar available for $20. You can also book a table for dinner, where $85 gets you a 22-ounce rib-eye with fries, a smoked old-fashioned and a slice of chocolate cake. 912 N. State St., 312-820-9000, Bar Pendry Treat dad to a wagyu burger served with a side of herb-seasoned fries and a draft beer for $25 June 13-15. 81 E. Wacker Place, 312-777-9000, The Dearborn The Loop restaurant offers smokehouse-inspired specials with brisket, chile-smoked chicken and baby back ribs served with collard greens, jalapeno cornbread and bourbon baked beans ($30). Try a bit of all three entrees as part of a $55 barbecue platter. 145 N. Dearborn St., 312-384-1242, Dearly Beloved Bring dad to enjoy two Angel's Envy cocktails and a cigar from The Clayton ($40). Additional drinks and cigars are available to purchase along with food. 5-8 p.m. 900 N. Franklin St., Ema Dine in to take advantage of a crispy lamb ribs special served with cherry barbecue sauce, marcona almond and mint, or a Drop Dad Gorgeous cocktail made with Uncle Nearest whiskey, beef chip and bourbon barrel-smoked demerara served Friday through Sunday. 74 W. Illinois St., 312-527-5586, Etc. Chef Lamar Moore's Southern restaurant hosts a brunch ($65) celebrating Black men and families to raise money for the Chicago Public Schools Safe Passage program. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 404 S. Wells St., 773-343-6872, The Grillroom Chophouse & Wine Bar A Prime Time With Dad dinner offered June 12-15 includes a 16-ounce prime rib, two sides and dessert for $75. Add a smoked old-fashioned for $12. 33 W. Monroe St., 312-960-0000, Maple & Ash The steakhouse offers a special three-course brunch from 10 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Sunday for $120 or $65 for kids 12 and under. 8 W. Maple St., 312-944-8888, Michael Jordan's Steak House Treat dad to a special Metric Coffee-rubbed bone-in ribeye served with charred Vidalia onion butter ($140) and a sommelier-selected wine flight ($35). 505 N. Michigan Ave., 312-321-8823, Shula's Steak House Order the 42-ounce tomahawk steak and take home a jar of Shula's signature dry rub. 5-11 p.m. 301 E. North Water St., 312-670-0778, Three Dots and a Dash Sample drinks from bars from around the world ($89), including Bisous, Sip & Guzzle and BKK Social Club at the Chicago Cocktail Classic, which runs at Three Dots and a Dash and neighboring venues Gus' Sip & Dip and Salon 61. 4-8 p.m. 435 N. Clark St., 312-610-4220; Toro A Fuego & Flavor family-style three-course dinner includes smoked swordfish dip, corn empanadas and esquites mac and cheese for $100, or you can opt for a version that includes a tomahawk steak flamed with mezcal tableside for $155. The celebration also features cigar rolling and an old-fashioned cart. 200 N. Columbus Drive, 312-565-6644, Yardbird Specials offered for brunch and dinner Saturday and Sunday include green chile truffle mac and cheese ($18), beer cheese soup ($14) and a Smoke on the Water cocktail made with Sazerac rye, toasted demerara, bitters and cinnamon smoke ($16). 530 N. Wabash Ave., 312-999-9760, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Chicago Take dad out to a movie and share a special menu offered June 10-30, including a mustard meatloaf sandwich ($18) and a pulled pork and pineapple pizza ($17). 3519 N. Clark St., 872-298-3961, Bar Roma Share specials offer June 13-15, including wood-grilled hanger steak with jumbo lump crab cake ($40), hand-rolled tagliatelle Bolognese ($26) and dark chocolate cake with spumoni gelato ($12). 5101 N. Clark St., 773-942-7572, Cody's Public House Watch the U.S. Open starting at 11 a.m. and enter a raffle to win a golf bag and cooler while sipping themed drinks including $7 John Dalys, $5 312 cans and $8 Bushmills Mulligan Mules made with cranberry and ginger beer. Dads can also show off their putting skills with a contest starting at 2 p.m. 1658 W. Barry Ave., 773-799-8217, The Graystone Tavern The bar shows the U.S. Open on 16 TVs Thursday through Sunday, offering drink specials including $8 John Dalys, Tito's Transfusions and Dobel Ranch Water. Enter free raffles Saturday and Sunday for the chance to win a golf bag and other swag. 3441 N. Sheffield Ave., 773-666-5450, Lark Venus Carangi hosts a Zaddy's Day drag brunch ($85) that includes a choice of entree and 90 minutes of bottomless mimosas, bloody marys and sangria. 11 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. 3441 N. Halsted St., 773-799-8968, Le Sud Dig into soft shell crab finished with house-made grapefruit butter sauce or a wood-grilled double burger layered with gruyere, caramelized onions and aioli (both $25) offered throughout the weekend. 2301 W. Roscoe St., 773-857-1985, Carnivale Stop in the Rumba Lounge for giveaways and complimentary sips of Bulleit Bourbon, Union Mezcal and Don Julio Tequila. 1-5 p.m. 702 W. Fulton Market, 312-850-5005, Kaiser Tiger An all-you-can-eat smokeout ($30; $10 for kids 12 and under) in the West Loop beer garden includes pulled pork, grilled brats, German potato salad and baked beans plus $5 house beers. Noon-3 p.m. 1415 W. Randolph St., 312-243-3100, Nettare Treat dad to a $90 five-course dinner with the option to add mini cocktails and whiskey pairings from J. Henry & Sons for $50. 5:30-9 p.m. 1953 W. Chicago Ave., The Oakville Grille & Cellar All dads will receive a free bourbon double chocolate chip cookie and they can enjoy steak and eggs ($32) for brunch or a New York strip ($72) served with a twice-baked potato for dinner. 163 N. Green St., 773-309-2300, South Side & Near South Side Sanders BBQ Supply Co. The Beverly restaurant teams up with pitmaster Bryan Furman for a Carolina-style whole hog cookout ($35) that includes rum-glazed chicken, brisket beans, mac and cheese, and banana pudding. 2-6 p.m. 1742 W. 99th St., 773-366-3241, Beatrix Come for brunch at the restaurant's River North, Streeterville or Fulton Market locations Saturday or Sunday to get a burger topped with thick-cut peppered bacon and an egg served with fries and a choice of beer or bloody mary for $26. Multiple locations, Chicago Culinary Kitchen The barbecue spot offers a pound of smoked prime rib with horseradish cream for $49 for dine-in or takeout. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., 2391 N. Hicks Road, Palatine, 847-701-8243, Easy Street Pizza & Beer Garden Keep the celebration low-key with 75-cent wings and $3 Miller Lite drafts offered all day. 711 Devon Ave., Park Ridge, 847-823-4422, Farm Bar Celebrate with the whole family on the dog-friendly patio, where you can enjoy a special wagyu patty melt with bourbon-braised charred onions and Hook's cheddar offered through Sunday. 1300 W. Wellington Ave., 773-281-2599 and 1970 W. Montrose Ave., 773-770-9081; The Graceful Ordinary The Dad's Meal offers a 22-ounce chargrilled ribeye served with creamed spinach, fingerling potatoes and an old-fashioned for $80. 4-9 p.m. 3 E. Main St., St. Charles, 331-235-5803, Kama A lunch buffet ($55; $25 for kids 3-10; free for kids under 3) includes lamb samosas, chicken tikka, butter chicken, gulab jamun and hot chai. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 9 S. La Grange Road, La Grange, 708-352-3300, Lago by Fabio Viviani The restaurant offers its Wednesday prime rib night special for Father's Day, serving 16- or 20-ounces ($55-$60) with Italian-inspired sides. 350 N. Rand Road, Lake Zurich, 224-286-3567, Nick's Pizza & Pub Enjoy $12 burgers and fries offered all day. 856 Pyott Road, Crystal Lake, 815-356-5550 and 990 S. Randall Road, Elgin, 847-531-5550; Passero Celebrate early with a $110 five-course bourbon dinner at 6:30 p.m. Saturday. 3 S. Evergreen Ave., Arlington Heights, 224-857-8900, Perry's Steakhouse & Grill The restaurant's Oak Brook, Schaumburg and Vernon Hill locations open early to offer bloody marys, mimosas and rosé sangria ($14) until 4 p.m. and a $69 22-ounce bone-in caramelized prime rib all day. Multiple locations, Prairie Grass Cafe Specials offered in addition to the regular menu include a blue cheese wedge salad ($18), an 18-ounce bone-in ribeye ($72) and sauteed local mushrooms ($12). 5-8 p.m. 601 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook, 847-205-4433, Prairie Moon A three-course supper club dinner includes lobster bisque, hanger steak frites and Key lime pie. 1635 Chicago Ave., Evanston, 847-864-8328, Sweet Mandy B's Tell dad that he's No. 1 with themed cookies, cupcakes and cakes available Friday through Sunday. 1208 W. Webster Ave., 773-244-1174 and 254 E. Ontario St., 312-255-1632,

10 Must-Try Craft Bourbons You've Never Heard Of
10 Must-Try Craft Bourbons You've Never Heard Of

Forbes

time09-06-2025

  • Forbes

10 Must-Try Craft Bourbons You've Never Heard Of

Bourbon by a fire Bourbon lovers, we need to talk. You've probably sipped the big names—Buffalo Trace, Wild Turkey, Maker's Mark—but let's be honest, the hunt for something new is half the fun. And while the shelves are stacked with recognizable bottles, there's a whole world of craft bourbon out there just waiting to be discovered. These smaller distilleries may not have century-old rickhouses or celebrity endorsements, but they do have something arguably better: creative freedom, bold experimentation, and a dedication to making some pretty fantastic whiskey. So if you're ready to venture beyond the usual suspects, here are ten craft bourbons that deserve a spot on your bar cart. New Riff Bourbon New Riff is proof that you don't need 100 years of history to make great bourbon—you just need great bourbon-making. Their bottled-in-bond expression follows all the old-school rules (minimum four years of aging, 100 proof, no chill filtration), but the result is anything but ordinary. New Riff may not be a household name—yet—but their bottled-in-bond bourbon is quickly making waves. Aged at least four years and non-chill filtered, this Kentucky gem packs a rich caramel sweetness balanced by a spicy rye kick. There's even a refreshing touch of mint on the finish, proving that not all bourbons have to taste like straight-up dessert. Tasting Notes: Vanilla bean, baking spice, hint of mint Wilderness Trail Single Barrel Bourbon While many distilleries rush to bottle their bourbon, Wilderness Trail takes the slow-and-steady approach. Using a sweet mash process and careful aging in low-heat warehouses, they create a whiskey that's rich, well-balanced, and full of complexity. Wilderness Trail takes their time with everything, from using sweet mash (instead of the usual sour mash) to aging their whiskey in lower warehouse ricks for better flavor development. The result? A beautifully balanced bourbon with dark cherry, toffee, and a black pepper bite that lingers long after your sip. Tasting Notes: Dark cherry, toffee, black pepper Pinhook Bourbon Heist Pinhook does bourbon a little differently—releasing it in vintages, just like wine. This means each batch has a unique personality, and Bourbon Heist is a standout, blending a warm, honeyed sweetness with a bit of spice and nuttiness. Pinhook's approach is unique—they release bourbon in yearly vintages, similar to wine. Bourbon Heist, one of their recent standouts, brings a cozy mix of honey, cinnamon, and roasted peanuts, making it feel like a warm hug in a glass. Tasting Notes: Honey, cinnamon, roasted peanuts Chattanooga Whiskey 111 Tennessee whiskey usually brings one name to mind, but Chattanooga Whiskey is carving out a lane of its own. Their high-proof, unfiltered bourbon is packed with rich, toasty flavors that make it perfect for sipping—or standing up to a bold cocktail. Tennessee might be better known for Jack Daniel's, but Chattanooga Whiskey is here to shake things up. Their 111-proof bourbon is unfiltered and unapologetically bold, with rich brown sugar sweetness, toasty marshmallow notes, and a deep espresso backbone. Tasting Notes: Toasted marshmallow, espresso, brown sugar Frey Ranch Straight Bourbon Nevada might not be bourbon country, but Frey Ranch is proving that great whiskey can come from anywhere. As a grain-to-glass distillery, they grow their own grains, giving their bourbon a unique citrusy brightness that sets it apart. Nevada might not be the first place you think of when it comes to bourbon, but Frey Ranch is proving that great whiskey can come from anywhere. This grain-to-glass distillery grows its own grains, creating a uniquely citrusy and caramel-forward bourbon that stands out from the pack. Tasting Notes: Orange zest, caramel, toasted oak Starlight Carl T. Bourbon Starlight Distillery's Carl T. Bourbon feels like a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Family-owned and operated, they focus on small-batch production with innovative finishes—so don't be surprised if you find a honey or port cask version floating around. Starlight Distillery, run by the Huber family, makes some of the most interesting craft bourbon around. Their Carl T. Bourbon is a buttery, maple-laced delight with just enough toasted almond to keep things interesting. Plus, their finishing experiments (like honey and port casks) make them one to watch. Tasting Notes: Buttered popcorn, maple syrup, toasted almonds Ironroot Harbinger Texas heat accelerates bourbon aging, but Ironroot Harbinger takes that intensity and turns it into an art form. Dark chocolate, dried fruit, and oak spice combine in this high-proof sipper, making it a must-try for fans of bold, rich flavors. If you like your bourbon with a little extra punch, this one's for you. Tasting Notes: Dark chocolate, dried fruit, oak spice Bluegrass Distillers Toasted Oak Bourbon The toasted barrel trend is here to stay, and Bluegrass Distillers is doing it right. Their Toasted Oak Bourbon is a rich, layered pour with just the right balance of sweet vanilla, toasted coconut, and subtle smokiness. Their Toasted Oak Bourbon has a rich vanilla core, a surprising hint of toasted coconut, and just a wisp of campfire smoke to round it all out. Tasting Notes: Toasted coconut, vanilla, campfire smoke Kings County Peated Bourbon Peated bourbon? You read that right. Kings County Distillery isn't afraid to push boundaries, and their peated bourbon blends smoky Scotch-like flavors with the caramel sweetness of classic American whiskey. It's weird, it's wonderful, and it's worth a try. This Brooklyn-based distillery brings a Scotch-like smokiness to a classic American bourbon, blending caramel sweetness with earthy peat and bright citrus peel for a sip that's truly one-of-a-kind. Tasting Notes: Smoked caramel, earthy oak, citrus peel Redwood Empire Pipe Dream California might be famous for wine, but Redwood Empire is making serious moves in the bourbon world. Pipe Dream brings a beautifully smooth, fruit-forward profile with baked apple, cinnamon, and sweet oak—perfect for those who like their bourbon on the softer side. It's proof that great bourbon can thrive outside of Kentucky. Tasting Notes: Baked apple, cinnamon, sweet oak The days of bourbon being dominated by just a few big-name distilleries are long gone. Across the country, craft producers are making some of the most exciting and unique whiskey on the market. Whether you're looking for a high-proof monster, a delicately balanced sipper, or something completely unexpected (looking at you, peated bourbon), there's a craft bottle out there waiting to surprise you. So next time you're browsing the liquor store shelves, take a chance on one of these underrated gems—you just might find your new favorite pour.

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