Kentucky Bourbon Affair Fantasy Camp To Feature Kentucky Proud Products

For Immediate Release – May 25, 2018

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Kentucky Proud, which markets farm-fresh fare and ingredients from across the Bluegrass, will showcase the state’s top agricultural offerings and talented local chefs at June’s Kentucky Bourbon Affair™ fantasy camp.

“The Kentucky Bourbon Affair celebrates the homegrown allure and authenticity of Kentucky Bourbon, and you can’t get more genuine than Kentucky Proud,” said Eric Gregory, President of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association that operates the elite event. “We’re honored to feature Kentucky Proud products again this year.”

Kentucky Proud is the official state marketing program for farm products raised, grown or processed by Kentuckians. It is administered by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and involves more than 7,000 farmers, retailers, restaurants, school, markets and parks.

“The Kentucky Bourbon Affair gives Bourbon lovers the opportunity to immerse themselves in Kentucky’s signature beverage and pair it with fresh, delicious Kentucky Proud foods while supporting our hardworking grain farmers,” Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles said.

“We are pleased to partner with the Kentucky Distillers’ Association for this world-class event.”

Gregory said Kentucky Proud products will be highlighted during the KBA’s second annual Higher Proof Expo, a daylong workshop on Saturday, June 9, packed with unique educational and tasting sessions led by top industry professionals.

The Expo features 19 exclusive learning sessions, lunch and pop-up experiences with the best of Louisville and Kentucky’s food, drink and retail for the Bourbon aficionado. The one-day pass is $150 with access to four sessions. Seating is limited. The event will be held at the Omni Hotel.

Kentucky Proud also will be front and center at the first-ever “Angel’s Fare” charitable event that night, alongside a silent auction of rare whiskies, a vintage spirit tasting and an all-star lineup of Kentucky chefs offering Bourbon-inspired culinary delights local ingredients.

The KBA announced last week that the “Angel’s Fare” will include an unprecedented auction of private single barrel releases hand-picked by five legendary Master Distillers of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame.

Tickets to select events are still available at www.kybourbonaffair.com.

The Kentucky Bourbon Affair™ is an intimate six-day exploration into the state’s signature spirit with more than 40 events featuring behind-the-scenes tours, private barrel selections and specialty programs at the world’s most iconic distilleries and famous Louisville hotspots. Dates are June 5-10.

It’s the only whiskey event that’s actually created and executed by the distilleries themselves.

The Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau is once again the top sponsor as Host City for the fifth straight year. Learn more about one of the world’s top “foodie” cities at www.gotolouisville.com.

Companies showcasing their products and services during the Higher Proof Expo include: 21C Museum Hotel – Proof on Main, Ale-8-One, Art Eatables, Drunkwood, Go To Louisville, Horse Country Tours, Kendra Scott, Louisville Water, Mint Julep Tours, R&R Limo/Copper Still Tours, Shaker Village, Steurer & Jacoby by Firebird, Sweet Mash Boutique, Upper Right Marketing, and Westport Whiskey & Wine.

In addition, Art Eatables will serve once again as the Official Chocolatier of the Kentucky Bourbon Affair. Art Eatables produces Kentucky Proud Bourbon truffle and is a sponsor of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® experience.

Tickets to individual Kentucky Bourbon Affair™ events are still available. Many include souvenir bottles, Bourbon-infused cuisine, and commemorative gifts. Transportation is included in all ticket prices.

There are 17 distilleries featured this year: Angel’s Envy, Bulleit, Four Roses, Hartfield & Co., Heaven Hill, Jeptha Creed, Jim Beam, Limestone Branch, Maker’s Mark, Michter’s, Old Forester, O.Z. Tyler, Rabbit Hole, Town Branch, Wild Turkey, Woodford Reserve, Wilderness Trail.

Gregory said, “The Kentucky Bourbon Affair is a classic Bourbon lover’s dream. The partnership with Kentucky Proud just adds a new level to an already unforgettable experience.”

-30-

For more information, contact: Mary Gratzer, Kentucky Bourbon Affair Director, at (502) 727-0008 or [email protected].

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the historic voice for Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. Its diverse and growing membership produces 90 percent of the world’s Bourbon, from legendary, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s timeless craft and treasured economic engine. Member benefits include media relations, international trade development, private sampling events, technical assistance, economic development support, networking, legal defense, marketing strategies, governmental and regulatory advocacy and innovative tourism experiences through the KDA’s world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® adventures. The KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com

KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®, KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL CRAFT TOUR®, KENTUCKY BOURBON AFFAIR™, KBT™, and BOURBON TRAIL™ are trademarks/service marks of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. Please savor our Bourbon and distilled spirits like a true Kentuckian – Responsibly.