New Orleans Bourbon Festival Schedule 2023
That’s a wrap for 2023. See you next year!
Past Events-
Wednesday-
4pm-6pm The Bourbon and Rye Club Presents: Whiskey Social #1 at The Avenue Pub (welcome to NOLA kickoff party FREE!) featuring Castle and Key, Sagamore Spirit, and Still Austin. Hosted by yours truly. Unofficial event, not affiliated with the New Orleans Bourbon Festival. 1732 Saint Charles Ave New Orleans, LA 70130 SOLD OUT. This event is upstairs, there is another unrelated event downstairs.
4pm-6pm Wilderness Trail whiskey social at the Avenue Pub. FREE EVENT. No need to RSVP. This event is DOWNSTAIRS.
6pm- 10pm. Bourbon Brawl will be at the Southern Food and Beverage Museum on Wednesday night. Sponsored by Jim Beam. Free event, no ticket needed Starts at 6:00pm. A “Chopped” style cocktail competition with 8 bartenders. Event is at 1504 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70113. This is an official Bourbon Festival Event. No signup or RSVP necessary.
6pm-8pm Pinhook Social at Barrel Proof. Admission is free. Unofficial event, not affiliated with the New Orleans Bourbon Festival. 1201 Magazine St New Orleans, LA 70130 Free event. DM us to RSVP.
8pm-10pm The Backyard NOLA soft opening of their new whiskey bar and a FREE tasting flight of their new whiskey release. Admission and tasting is free, but you’re on the hook for purchasing your own food, and we recommend ordering the best TOTS you’ve ever had. Details here. Please DM us to RSVP.
Thursday-
10am- Bourbon Judging (ultimate VIP ticket required) This ticket is SOLD OUT.
3pm-5pm Pal’s Lounge whiskey social featuring Brett Bauer from Sagamore Spirit. FREE EVENT. DM TO RSVP.
5pm-7pm Dos Jefe’s whiskey social featuring Sagamore Spirit and Castle and Key. FREE EVENT. No need to RSVP.
5pm-7pm Still Austin whiskey social at Barrel Proof. FREE EVENT. No need to RSVP. (note that Barrel Proof will be closed for a private party after this event.)
6:30-9:30pm Whiskey dinner with Brent Elliot of Four Roses. Brennan’s 417 Royal St New Orleans, LA 70130 - 6:30pm-9:30pm. SOLD OUT
6:30-9:30pm Whiskey dinner with Jackie Zykan. Saint John 1117 Decatur St New Orleans, LA 70116 - 6:30pm-9:30pm. Tickets $139.
6:30-9:30pm Whiskey dinner O.H. Ingram. Cochon 930 Tchoupitoulas St New Orleans, LA 70130 - 6:30pm-9:30pm. Tickets $159.
6:30-9:30pm Whiskey dinner Wild Turkey. Briquette 701 S Peters St New Orleans, LA 70130 - 6:30pm-9:30pm. Tickets $159
6:30-9:30pm Whiskey dinner George Dickel. Side Car 1114 Constance St New Orleans, LA 70130 - 6:30pm-9:30pm. Tickets $139.
7-10pm Nulu and Bardstown Bourbon Company Whiskey Social at Whiskey and Ashe in Slidell, LA. 7pm. Free event.
10pm- VIP Welcome Reception. Hilton New Orleans Riverside - 2 Poydras St New Orleans, LA 70130 VIP admission only.
Friday-
10am Mash-Bill Rye, the Science Guy : “How Booze Works for Regular Folks” with Matt Ray from Sazerac Co.
Angel's share, hangovers, having to pee every five minutes... Alcohol is fun, but it does some crazy things! This class breaks down the sciency reasons behind some of the most perplexing booze-related questions in ways that almost everyone can follow.
10am Blind Flight Fight (Chad and Sara “It’s Bourbon Night”) THIS EVENT IS FULL
Join Chad & Sara, hosts of the YouTube channel It's Bourbon Night, for a mystery blind flight! Together we'll work towards discovering your tasting preferences when the biases of branding are removed. This is one of the most fun ways to progress down the path of your bourbon journey!
10am George Dickel
10am Manhattan Masterclass for Whiskey Lovers with The Cocktail Contessa Heather Wibbels THIS EVENT IS FULL
Cocktails are the gateway to whiskey. Learn how to use the Manhattan cocktail and its variation to get friends and family on the whiskey bandwagon. Explore the wonders of the Manhattan cocktail and its most popular riffs in this fun (and tasty) class for home bartenders and whiskey geeks. Hear about the history of the Manhattan cocktail, some of the legends surrounding it and how to make several classic riffs. Taste your way through some of the classics and learn how to choose the perfect whiskey for your own Manhattans at home.
1115am A perfect Palate to Pair with Peggy Noe Stevens THIS EVENT IS FULL
Join Master Taster and Bourbon HOF, Peggy Noe Stevens, as she takes your palate on a wild ride to dissect whiskey flavors and improve your food memory. You will taste your way through a sensory calisthenic to pair three whiskeys with hand curated appetizers. Guests will leave with the perfect palate to pair in their own home.
1115am Bottled-in-Bond through the Pure Food and Drug Act 1906 with Michael Veach THIS EVENT IS FULL
A discussion of the history of Bottled-in-Bond and the controversy between the rectifiers and straight whiskey distillers.
1115am- The Art of Pairing Bourbon and Cigars with Maggie Kimberl THIS EVENT IS FULL
Please join American Whiskey Magazine content editor and World Whiskies Co-Chair Maggie Kimberl as she guides you through her method for finding your favorite bourbon and cigar pairing.
1230pm Begin Your Journey to Becoming a Bourbon Badass with Bourbon Basics with Matt Ray from Sazerac Co THIS EVENT IS FULL
A true 101 course. Are you an expert with maybe a couple of holes in your memory? This is your all-purpose refresher course to top off your bourbon-brain. Are you just getting into whiskey but would love it if someone could just break it all down in a way that's quick and easy? This is your chance to get up to speed before the next bourbon tasting so you can sound like this is your fifth rodeo, instead of your first!
This class tackles the grains, the history, the tasting notes, and why so many brown liquors can call themselves whiskey, but bourbon remains in a category all by itself.1230pm Mastering the Old Fashioned. THIS EVENT IS FULL
Beam Suntory’s Master Mixologist & SR Portfolio Ambassador Bobby “G” Gleason takes you through a Tasting of the Beam Suntory Mashbills as he relates the History, Stories and Legends of the Old Fashioned Cocktail. You will leave with a better understanding of what mashbills Beam Suntory offers and an Old Fashioned that you create!
1230pm Whiskey with Jackie James THIS EVENT IS FULL
Whiskey with Jackie James blends traditional education, entertainment, events, and experiences with a twist of positivity, a modern approach and fresh perspective. Learn the signature Jackie James tasting method as we go on a delicious "Date" with Four Roses and Old Forester!
145pm Connor O’Driscoll Master Distiller Heaven Hill Distillery THIS EVENT IS FULL
145pm Brent Elliot Four Roses THIS EVENT IS FULL
3pm Mike and Matt Taste Whiskey THIS EVENT IS FULL
Mike Veach and Matt Kohorst will lead you through tasting whiskeys and how food changes flavor.
3pm Tasting the Agricultural History and Future of American Whiskey
Whiskey expert Maggie Kimberl will take you on a journey through time exploring the agricultural past, present, and future of American Whiskey.
3pm The Single Barrel Experience with Nate Winegar and Jamar Mack THIS EVENT IS FULL
Why Single Barrels are the Future for Unique Experiences in Bourbon
415pm Bourbon Thru Bluegrass with Bernie Lubbers of Heaven Hill
Imagine a Ken Burns documentary on bourbon brought to life through live bluegrass music. Then all throughtout the performance, you actually experience the evolution of bourbon by tasting the different whiskies and bourbon that folks were drinking starting back in the 1700's, move on to what they were drinking throughout the 1800's, all the way up through present day, and you have, Bourbon Thru Bluegrass.
415pm Peggy Noe Stevens Womensplaining Panel Discussion Featuring Christine Riggelman, Marianne Eaves, Jackie Zykan, Sherrie Moore.
Hear from women in the Bourbon industry who will share their stories and the spirits that crafted their journey.
An entertaining, informative and lively discussion and tasting. This candid conversation will include tastings from each distillery.415pm Aging and Finishing: The Craft of Maturation with Will Schragis of Barrell Craft Spirits THIS EVENT IS FULL
Join Barrell Craft Spirits in a discussion and vertical tasting. Will Schragis will lead the group through the classic Seagrass rye and Barrell Bourbon Batch 034 release along with the allocated Gray label and Gold label offerings for both. He will discuss what changes in a whiskey as it ages, and what attributes are important in selected secondary maturation, barrel finishes, and how long to utilize both tools.
7pm-11pm Grand Tasting VIP. PLEASE NOTE- This event is NOT at the Hilton. It’s at the Contemporary Arts Center 900 Camp Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
8pm-11pm Grand Tasting General Admission. PLEASE NOTE- This event is NOT at the Hilton. It’s at the Contemporary Arts Center 900 Camp Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
7pm-11pm Grand Tasting Food Only. PLEASE NOTE- This event is NOT at the Hilton. It’s at the Contemporary Arts Center 900 Camp Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
Saturday-
845am Wild Turkey with Joann Street THIS EVENT IS FULL
10am Barrels, Booze, and Beyond A Comprehensive Guide to Working with used Barrels with Jessica Ann THIS EVENT IS FULL
Join in for a comprehensive seminar on the art and science of working with used barrels. From understanding barrel options and choosing the right freight, to exploring the nuances of finishing spirits and navigating TTB regulations (because nothing screams 'fun' like government bureaucracy), this seminar covers all the essential topics for mastering the craft of barrel aging. We'll also delve into the world of specialty woods and simple barrel repairs, giving you the skills and knowledge you need to take your spirits to the next level. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this seminar is a must-attend event for anyone passionate about the art of barrel aging.
10am Old Forester with James Joseph. This event replaces the previously scheduled Jack Daniel’s. THIS EVENT IS FULL
10am Come See Tennessee with Dads Drinking Bourbon Podcast
You might have heard of Jack Daniel’s and George Dickel, but did you know that prior to 2009 there were only 3 distilleries that were legally allowed to distill in Tennessee? Join John Edwards, from the award-winning podcast Dads Drinking Bourbon, as he takes you on a tour of his state. Learn more of the history of the Volunteer State and their journey through whiskey, moonshine, and other spirits while we sip on a little whiskey, have some laughs, and learn all the great things the state directly below Kentucky has to offer. We’ll also talk about where some of these distilleries are going and what we have to look forward to in the future.
10am Maker’s Mark ULTIMATE VIP ONLY*
1115am Ryan Woody Bardstown Bourbon Company
1115am The Art of Pairing Bourbon and Cigars with Maggie Kimberl THIS EVENT IS FULL
Please join American Whiskey Magazine content editor and World Whiskies Co-Chair Maggie Kimberl as she guides you through her method for finding your favorite bourbon and cigar pairing.
1115am Defining Whiskey with Michael Veach THIS EVENT IS FULL
Mike will discuss the history of whiskey regulations and Mike & Matt will taste three whiskeys.
Whiskey Rebels: The Dreamers, Visionaries, and Badasses Who are Revolutionizing American Whiskey with John McCarthy
THIS EVENT IS FULL
In his Whiskey Rebels seminar, Author and Whiskey Expert John McCarthy takes a deep dive into the emergence of the craft whiskey scene in the United States over the past 20 years. From the earliest days of modern micro-distilling to today’s multibillion dollar industry and beyond, McCarthy explains how American craft distilling grew from 67 distilleries in 1999 to almost 3,000 here in 2023, as told through the lens of the brilliant, brave, and slightly crazy innovators who changed the whiskey landscape forever.
1230pm Lisa Wicker
1230pm Breaking Tradition while remaining Straight with Steve Beam THIS EVENT IS FULL
A discussion on innovation and straight whiskey.
1230pm Martin Duffy Glencairn Crystal THIS EVENT IS FULL
145pm Blind Flight Fight with Chad and Sara of It’s Bourbon Night THIS EVENT IS FULL
Join Chad & Sara, hosts of the YouTube channel It's Bourbon Night, for a mystery blind flight! Together we'll work towards discovering your tasting preferences when the biases of branding are removed. This is one of the most fun ways to progress down the path of your bourbon journey!
145pm Jedd Haas of Atelier Vie
3pm Bourbon Thru Bluegrass with Bernie Lubbers of Heaven Hill Distillery THIS EVENT IS FULL
Imagine a Ken Burns documentary on bourbon brought to life through live bluegrass music. Then all throughtout the performance, you actually experience the evolution of bourbon by tasting the different whiskies and bourbon that folks were drinking starting back in the 1700's, move on to what they were drinking throughout the 1800's, all the way up through present day, and you have, Bourbon Thru Bluegrass.
3pm Sourcing is not a crime! With Dave Schmier of Proof and Wood
Dave Schmier of Proof and Wood discusses sourcing and the business of independent bottling. More importantly Dave will showcases some of his best award blends and straight whiskey selections.
3pm Spice Bar Hood Sommelier SEMINAR CANCELED.
3pm Eaves Blind *ULTIMATE VIP ONLY*
415pm Brett Bauer of Sagamore Spirit THIS EVENT IS FULL
Sagamore: The history of Maryland Rye with Brett Bauer of Sagamore Spirit.
415pm Jackie Zykan THIS EVENT IS FULL
Join us as we explore the diversity in profiles of Hidden Barn small batch with an exploration into the nuances of individual barrels.
Seminar will include a palate sensitivity quantification, isolation of key notes contributed by esters, as well as an exercise in defect detection.415pm Julep Soul with Andrea Meriwether and Eve Marie Haydel THIS EVENT IS FULL
Amplifying African American contributions to the most iconic cocktail in horse racing history through the lens of Kentucky and Louisiana Derby.
7pm Grand Tasting VIP PLEASE NOTE- This event is NOT at the Hilton. It’s at the Contemporary Arts Center 900 Camp Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
8pm Grand Tasting General PLEASE NOTE- This event is NOT at the Hilton. It’s at the Contemporary Arts Center 900 Camp Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
7pm-11pm Grand Tasting Food Only. PLEASE NOTE- This event is NOT at the Hilton. It’s at the Contemporary Arts Center 900 Camp Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
11pm- till Bardstown Bourbon Company Night Cap at the Avenue Pub after the Grand Tasting is over. Free event.