Louisville and bourbon have been intertwined since the 18^th century, when farmers shipped it down the Ohio River with the words “Old Bourbon” stenciled on the barrels. This month, it has all flowed together as Louisville first celebrated the annual Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown and now will conclude October 2 with the Kentucky Bourbon Bash at the Kentucky Arts Association.

The mid-month festival offered bourbon tasting, food , and music throughout the Bardstown area. Since 1992, when the festival started out as a tasting and dinner, the event has grown to attract over 55,000 from around the world.  Among the three dozen events occurring over the week are challenges to create the best mixed drink. The winning Manhattan will be the official drink of the 2012 Kentucky Bourbon Festival.  Last year’s winner featured this time was the Bluegrass Sunrise Bourbontini, created by Azur Restaurant & Patio in Lexington.

This weekend, the Bourbon Bash  will have the same main attraction – bourbon tasting – along with trunk shows & demonstrations by 30 of Kentucky’s finest artists in honor of the 30 year anniversary of the Museum. The Bash, to be held at the Louisville Marriott on Saturday, October 1, replaces the more formal Bourbon Ball, and will feature dinner, a live auction, and an after dinner concert.

In a town that is proud of its bourbon, who drinks it? -Joy Perrine, a career bartender for 46 years and a fixture at Equus & Jack’s Lounge in St. Matthews, co-author of “The Kentucky Bourbon Cocktail Book”, and judge at Mixed Drink Challenge, has noticed that patterns have changed over the years. Over the past few decades, women have started drinking more bourbon.  Her bartender’s observations are backed up by Jack Rutledge, master distiller at Four Rose and former festival chairman, says 40% of bourbon drinker are now women.  This is up from 15% in the mid-80’s.  Though many are drinking it on the rocks or with a little water, mixed bourbon cocktails have appeal to women as well as men.

Enjoy one more classic Louisville event this weekend as you since our home-brewed bourbon. Thinking of settling here?   My team and I at Younger Group Real Estate can list your home and show you affordable homes in this great city in Butchertown, St. Matthews, The Highlands, and other great Louisville neighborhoods. We know Louisville.