New Orleans Bourbon Festival 2023
The winners of the 2023 New Orleans Bourbon Festival Bourbon Awards
UPDATE 3/26-
That’s it for 2023 folks. This page will no longer be updated.
The winners of the Bourbon Awards are posted above. Sorry, I would normally type it out and put some commentary but I’m tired.
I’ll be doing a column on my musings from the festival (warts and all) very soon.
Thank you all for stopping by my little place on the internet and allowing me to share my love of the festival and New Orleans with you.
See you next year!
UPDATE 3/25-
The single barrel picks for the festival are selling briskly. The Four Roses pick will have a very small amount of bottles available on Saturday at the grand tasting. DON’T SLEEP. The RY3 Madeira finish also sold quite well, with a limited number of bottles for Saturday.
5 VIP tickets are available. GET TICKETS HERE
Brett Bauer of Sagamore Spirit has replaced Brian Treacy for the Sagamore Seminar. The time is unchanged.
Schedule page is updated with past events moved out of the way.
For all the latest, hit my instagram stories or follow me on twitter.
UPDATE 3/23-
Check in and seminars are on the 3rd floor. When you enter via the revolving door take the elevator to the 3rd floor. Not the escalator. You’ll get lost like I did.
Brian Treacy of Sagamore Spirit will not be here for the festival. So far the seminar is still on as team Sag is here.
If you signed up for the Connor O’Driscoll Heaven Hill seminar you are in for a treat(s).
The festival has begun. Follow me on Twitter and Instagram for updates the rest of the way. This page will not be updated as quickly as before now that the festival is underway.
Sales for the dinners have ended. No more tickets.
Ticket sales end soon for the tasting/food/seminars only tickets. All VIP’s are sold out.
I forgot to mention that the Hilton will have grab and go style food and snacks out for the seminars.
The rooms for the individual seminars are noted on the “schedule” page of the Festival. THESE MAY CHANGE during the event, so keep an eye on your email from the festival when they do.
The schedule only page has updated, and I moved the past events to the bottom to make it easier to keep up with what is next.
UPDATE 3/22-
UPDATE!! Joann Street Wild Turkey seminar is now 845am on Saturday 3/25. If you signed up for it you’re still signed up but note the event is early on.
You can still RSVP ASAP to any of the whiskey socials other than the Avenue Pub event tonight which is 100% sold out.
VIP and Ultimate VIP Judge tickets are now SOLD OUT. Stop your EMO CRY CRY, you were warned.
At 11:59 PM tonight, this page will stop being updated. I will post one more big update in the morning on 3/23 then I will switch to exclusively posting updates via stories on Instagram, and also via Twitter. Click on either link to follow.
Podcast episode featuring RY3 CEO and founder, talking about the new Toasted RY3 release (available at the festival)
The Backyard Whiskey Social Wednesday 3/22 8-1opm Details here. FREE EVENT. Space still available. RSVP ASAP LAST CALL
UPDATE 3/21-
Podcast episode featuring RY3 CEO and founder, talking about the new Toasted RY3 release (available at the festival)
The Backyard Whiskey Social Wednesday 3/22 8-1opm Details here. FREE EVENT. Space still available. RSVP ASAP
Move quickly on this, they added a handful of Ultimate VIP Judge tickets. GET TICKETS HERE.
Two more tickets to the previously SOLD OUT Four Roses dinner with Brent Elliot are available! SOLD OUT.
Wilderness Trail is hosting a whiskey social at the Avenue Pub on Wednesday 3/22 from 4-6pm. Free event. No need to RSVP. DOWNSTAIRS.
Still Austin is hosting a whiskey social at Barrel Proof on Thursday 3/23 from 5-7pm. Free event. No need to RSVP.
Bardstown Bourbon Company is hosting a whiskey social at the Avenue Pub on Saturday 3/25 after the grand tasting event.
Barrel Proof will be closed on Thursday night from 8pm on for a private event.
Barrel Proof will be closed on Saturday night for another private event.
There are now only 19 VIP tickets left. GET TICKETS HERE.
There are only 8 tickets left to the Jackie Zykan hosted dinner at Saint John. GET TICKETS HERE. If you want a preview of the food click here
Cochon still has 5 tickets left for the O.H. Ingram dinner. GET TICKETS HERE.
Dickel at Side Car and Turkey at Briquette still have tickets, but don’t sleep on them. GET TICKETS HERE.
UPDATE 3/20-
The SCHEDULE ONLY page has been updated to include all the whiskey social events, dinners, and whether a seminar is full or not.
There are 22 VIP tickets left. GET TICKETS HERE.
There are still plenty of Whiskey Dinner tickets available but I suspect these will fill up quickly as people solidify their plans for the week. The O.H. Ingram dinner at Cochon has 7 spots left. Here’s the link to purchase.
The Bourbon Brawl details have been shared by the official festival email blast. If you didn’t see it, the event will run from 6pm-10pm on Wednesday night 3/22 at the Southern Food and Beverage Museum.
If you’re looking for local distilleries to visit while here, here’s a quick non-comprehensive list- Atelier Vie, Seven-Three Distilling, Sugarfield Spirits, NOLA Distillery.
For weather updates we recommend the incomparable Bob Breck and our Instagram favorite The Tinder Meteorologist. We should have some high 70’s during the days, and lows of the mid-60’s at night. No rain currently forecast, but it’s Louisiana, so it could rain 6 minutes from now.
UPDATE 3/19-
Stay tuned for a whole bunch of Whiskey Socials during the week. Some you already know about, and some to be announced.
The Backyard Whiskey Social Wednesday 3/22 8-1opm Details here. FREE EVENT.
Sagamore Spirit and Castle and Key are doing another whiskey social, now that they have sold out the Avenue Pub event. Dos Jefes is the venue. FREE EVENT.
Sagamore will also be doing a very support local event at Pal’s lounge on Thursday 3/23 from 3-5pm. FREE EVENT.
Still Austin is rumored to be doing a pair of unannounced events. Will update when known.
As we get closer to the event, updates will be harder to post here as they happen as I’ll be doing so many things, so if you wish to keep up, make sure you follow me on Twitter for any last minute changes or updates.
UPDATE 3/18-
And here’s the very long list of Distilleries with booths!
291
Seven-Three Distillery (Local to New Orleans)
Atelier Vie (Local to New Orleans)
Bardstown Bourbon Company
Barrell Craft Spirits
Blade and Bow
Breckenridge
Brown Forman
Bulleit Woody Bar
Castle & Key
Cathead
Catseye Distillery
Charbay Distillery
Easy Rider
Few
Four Roses
George Dickel
Giant Texas Distillery
Golden Moon Distillery
Heaven Hill
Hidden Barn
Hood River Distillers
James E Pepper
James B Beam (Jim Beam)
JT Meleck
K Luke
Kings County
Limestone Branch
Maker’s Mark
Michter’s
Middle West
Nulu
O.H. Ingram
Oak & Eden
Obtanium
Old Elk
Ole Smoky
Penelope
Pernod Ricard
Piedmont
Proof and Wood has two booths!
Rare Stash
Redemption
RY3
Sagamore Spirit
Sazerac
Silverback
Still Austin
Stoli/Kentucky Owl
Spirits of French Lick
Stranahans
Tin Cup
Town Branch
Uncle Nearest
Western Spirits
Whistlepig
Widow Jane
Wild Turkey
Wilderness Trail
William Grant & Sons
Wines Unlimited
The food vendor list is here now with LINKS! Unless noted, vendors will be appearing both days of the Grand Tasting.
Lucky dog 2 carts
Luke Friday only
Pelican State Provisions (sponsored by Wilderness Trail)
Squeal Team VI (sponsored by Seven Three Distilling)
Short dinner review of Saint John restaurant. Jackie Zykan from Hidden Barn will be hosting a whiskey dinner. LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE
25 VIP tickets left. GET TICKETS HERE
Media Request link is live for Press Passes.
UPDATE 3/16-
VIP tickets are running way low. Less than 30 tickets remain, act quickly people or you’ll have to spend some time in the Harmony Hut with your sad feelings….. GET TICKETS HERE
I’m pretty sure Elio’s Wine Warehouse is trolling me now, but that’s ok Tim is awesome and welcome to do so. They just dropped ANOTHER THREE New Orleans Bourbon Festival barrel selections.
Proof and Wood Senator 6-year Rye
Proof and Wood The Representative 4-year Bourbon
Proof and Wood Tumblin’ Dice Heavy Rye Mashbill Bourbon
Three new New Orleans Bourbon Festival barrel selections have landed at Elio’s Wine Warehouse in New Orleans.
Oak & Eden Bourbon finished with a French Oak Spire
Kentucky Peerless Rye
Blue Note Juke Joint Uncut
The Jack Daniel’s seminar on Saturday at 10am has been canceled and is now the Old Forester seminar, same time and location.
A new seminar has been added for Saturday at 3pm. “Sourcing is not a crime!” with Dave Schmier of Proof and Wood.
The Avenue Pub Whiskey Social presented by the Bourbon and Rye Club (yeah, that’s me, so weird to put it that way) is almost full. We have a few limited spots left, so please RSVP ASAP. Thank you to everyone that RSVP’d, see you at the AvePub on 3/22 at 4pm.
UPDATE 3/15-
Nulu and Bardstown Bourbon Company are doing a whiskey social Thursday Night 3/23 at 7pm. It’s taking place at Whiskey and Ashe. 227 Cousin Street, Slidell, LA. 70458. Please note that this is not in New Orleans proper, but it’s also not that far.
The Backyard NOLA is doing a soft opening of their new whiskey bar from 8pm-10pm on Wednesday 3/22. Admission is free, but you’re on the hook for purchasing your own food. I recommend ordering the best TOTS you’ve ever had. Details to follow. Please DM us to RSVP. I will be attending this event, so if you want to have a drink or two, and some food, come join me.
The George Dickel dinner has a price update and more information about the event- Get Tickets Here. $125
An evening enjoying George Dickel hosted by Douglas Kragel, Lead Educator for Diageo Accelerator Whiskies. Sidecar Patio & Oyster Bar will be serving up the perfect pairing of a delectable menu and delicious cocktails featuring George Dickel 8 Year Bourbon, Rye Whisky, and Barrel Select Whisky with a final neat pour of the George Dickel Leopold Bro Collaboration Blend. March 23, 2023, from 6pm - 9pm
More details on the Wild Turkey Dinner at Briquette have emerged. Get Tickets Here. $159
An evening with Joanne Street - Brand Ambassador at Wild Turkey at Briquette. March 23, 2023, 6:30pm to 9:30pm, 701 South Peters, NOLA 70130.
-1st Course: Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl Ahi tuna, cucumbers, and avocado tossed in a Siracha sauce resting on a bed of sticky rice, topped with seaweed salad, fresh fish roe, and sesame seeds. Cocktail Pairing: The French 95 Wild Turkey, honey simple syrup, orange juice, lemon juice, orange bitters and topped with champagne.
-2nd Course: Oysters Briquette Louisiana oysters flash fried, tossed in Tabasco beurre blanc, topped with Gorgonzola cheese and scallions served on the half shell sitting on a bed of rock salt. Cocktail Pairing: Paper Airplane Rarebreed Barrell Proof Bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
-3rd Course: Seared Sea Scallops Goat cheese grit cake, finished with a poblano butter sauce, floating in a mélange delicatement la puree de carotte. Cocktail Pairing: Anna’s New Fashion Longbranch muddled blackberries, simple syrup, and orange bitters.
-4th Course: Russell’s Bourbon Braised Short Ribs Served over a Sun-dried tomato polenta. Cocktail Pairing: Briquette Manhattan Russell’s Reserve Bourbon, and Herring Cheery Liqueur; finished with a Bordeaux Cheery
-5th Course: Flourless Chocolate Torte Fresh raspberry compote Cocktail Pairing: Bourbon Chocolate Espresso Martini
Executive Chef: Peter Issac Chef de Cuisine: John Trinh Craft Cocktails: Anna Tusa Mixologist: Timmie Stewart
UPDATE 3/14-
A Podcast Episode from the Bourbon Life Podcast featuring Tracy Napolitano and Barbara Hirsch-Naploitano Founders of the New Orleans Bourbon Festival. Give it a listen. Lots of good info.
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 6:30pm. A “Chopped” style cocktail competition with 8 bartenders. Event is at 1504 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70113.
Bourbon Judging begins Thursday morning at 10am. This requires an Ultimate Judge VIP ticket to participate in. It is sold out. Winners will be announced Saturday.
Some Food vendor news - Lucky Dog will have TWO carts one inside the grand tasting, and one outside. Saint John, and Luke will have booths. There will be lots of seafood on Friday night (it’s Lent or something Catholic like that). Whiskey jalapeño ice cream will be available. The full list will eventually be released, and we will update as we learn more.
The Festival is holding a Raffle for some really killer prizes. There are only 1000 tickets, and the cost is $100 each. The tickets are tax deductible because it’s for charity! Do some good and you might win some loot too!
UPDATE 3/13-
The Bourbon and Rye Club Presents: Whiskey Social #1 at the Avenue Pub (pre-fest kickoff party FREE!)
TIME CHANGE for the Bourbon Judging (Ultimate VIP Judge ticket holders only) it is now 10am instead of the previously scheduled 11am on Thursday 3/23.
Many of the seminars are filling up, and some have been full, then not full, then full again, then not full, so if there’s a seminar you desperately wish to attend, wait list it, and see what happens. I’ve heard from several folks already that their waitlist turned to available so act accordingly.
UPDATE 3/11-
The Ultimate VIP Judge ticket has officially SOLD OUT. VIP and others still available.
The whiskey dinner with Brent Elliot of Four Roses at Brennan’s has SOLD OUT. Tickets still available for the other dinners.
Most of the seminars are FULL. I updated the schedule page to show which ones are, and aren’t. HURRY UP AND RSVP.
For simplicity sake, I created a separate page that shows the scheduled events and descriptions. I will update it as things change, but it will not be as cluttered as this live update page.
Check your schedules, the Spice Bar with Hood Sommelier on Saturday is off the calendar for now. I’m calling it canceled until I know otherwise. UPDATE- Jack couldn’t make it this year, he will be at next years event.
The list of Food vendors should be up either tonight or tomorrow night. I’ll post them as soon as they’re available.
The list of tasting booths will be extensive, I don’t know that I’ll have the entire list, but expect all the big hitters, and an awful lot of small to mid-size distilleries being here. The Festival mentions 200 brands represented, not sure if that’s 200 booths, probably not, consider that Heaven Hill for instance won’t have separate booths for all 847 labels they have.
UPDATE 3/10-
We have a list of the available New Orleans Bourbon Festival Single Barrel Picks, and here they are. I’m looking to confirm what ones will be available at the festival grand tasting, and what ones will be at local stores in the area (and their location). Until then, here’s the list.
Penelope
The Senator 6yr. Rye.
The Representative.
Tumblin’ Dice.
RY3 Toasted (I participated in this pick).
RY3 Madeira Finish (I participated in this pick, it’s stunning).
Wilderness Trail Wheat Bottled-in-Bond.
Wilderness Trail Rye.
Wilderness Trail Rye (3 barrel blend).
Sagamore Barrel Select.
Heaven’s Door.
Peerless Rye.
Oak & Eden.
Rumor has it that their Four Roses pick will be landing in time for the festival, stay tuned.
Here’s the map for the booths at the Grand Tastings on Friday and Saturday night.
Doing some Festival Pick work with the head honchos of the festival. Tracy and Barbara pictured center.
UPDATE 3/8
Two new whiskey dinners announced! Wild Turkey and George Dickel!
Briquette has it all, on one plate apparently.
Dinner with Wild Turkey Brand Ambassador Joanne Street at Briquette.
An evening with Joanne Street - Brand Ambassador at Wild Turkey at Briquette. March 23, 2023, 6:30pm to 9:30pm, 701 South Peters, NOLA 70130. 1st Course: Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl Ahi tuna, cucumbers, and avocado tossed in a Siracha sauce resting on a bed of sticky rice, topped with seaweed salad, fresh fish roe, and sesame seeds. Cocktail Pairing: The French 95 Wild Turkey, honey simple syrup, orange juice, lemon juice, orange bitters and topped with champagne.
Thursday night 6:30pm-9:30pm.
Get tickets HERE $159.
Sidecar Patio and Oyster Bar has food, and well, Oysters too.
An evening enjoying George Dickel hosted by Lead Educator with Diageo at Sidecar Patio and Oyster Bar.
Thursday night 6:30pm-9:30pm.
Get tickets HERE $125.
UPDATE- 3/7
Whiskey Dinners Announced-
These dinners are not included in any Festival ticket package. These are additional tickets. If you wish to attend these events you must purchase a dinner ticket. All whiskey dinners are Thursday night, 3/23 from 6:30-9:30pm so choose wisely, you can’t attend all of them.
Brennan’s is a classic New Orleans restaurant.
Dinner with Brent Elliot of Four Roses at Brennan’s. An evening with Brent Elliot, Master Distiller of Four Roses at the world famous Brennan’s restaurant.
Thursday night 6:30pm-9:30pm.
EVENT IS SOLD OUT
I’ve yet to dine at Saint John, however I have dined at their sister restaurant Gris-Gris several times and it’s freaking marvelous.
Dinner with Jackie Zykan at Saint John Restaurant. Share an evening with Jackie Zykan, partner and master blender at Hidden Barn with a dinner at Chef Eric Cook’s Saint John Restaurant.
Thursday night 6:30pm-9:30pm.
Get tickets HERE $139.
Cochon is elevated Cajun, and yeah, it is.
O.H. Ingram dinner at Cochon. Enjoy pours of the delicious O.H. Ingram with fine dining at Cochon.
Enjoy pours of the delicious O.H. Ingram with fine dining at Cochon. Hosted by Hank Ingram - founder, Scott Beyer - Master Blender and Steve Nicodemo - Brand Manager. March 23, 2023 6:30pm to 9:30pm. 930 Tchoupitoulas St., NOLA 70130.
Thursday night 6:30pm-9:30pm.
Get tickets HERE $159
SCHEDULE- will continually update as more info comes online
Wednesday-
4pm-6pm The Avenue Pub “Welcome to NOLA” Social featuring Castle and Key, Sagamore Spirit, and Still Austin. Hosted by yours truly. Unofficial event, not affiliated with the New Orleans Bourbon Festival.
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 6:30pm. A “Chopped” style cocktail competition with 8 bartenders. Event is at 1504 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70113.
6pm-8pm Pinhook Social at Barrel Proof. Admission is free. Unofficial event, not affiliated with the New Orleans Bourbon Festival.
Thursday-
Bourbon Judging 10am (ultimate VIP ticket required) SOLD OUT
Whiskey dinner with Brent Elliot of Four Roses. Brennan’s 6:30pm-9:30pm. Tickets $179 SOLD OUT
Whiskey dinner with Jackie Zykan. Saint John 6:30pm-9:30pm. Tickets $139.
Whiskey dinner O.H. Ingram. Cochon 6:30pm-9:30pm. Tickets $159.
Whiskey dinner Wild Turkey. Briquette 6:30pm-9:30pm. Tickets $159
Whiskey dinner George Dickel. Side Car 6:30pm-9:30pm. Tickets $139.
VIP Welcome Reception 10pm.
Friday-
10am Mash-Bill Rye, the Science Guy : “How Booze Works for Regular Folks”
10am Blind Flight Fight (Chad and Sara)
10am George Dickel
10am Manhattan Masterclass for Whiskey Lovers
1115am A perfect Palate to Pair with Peggy Noe Stevens
1115am Bottled-in-Bond through the Pure Food and Drug Act 1906
1115am- The Art of Pairing Bourbon and Cigars
1230pm Begin Your Journey to Becoming a Bourbon Badass with Bourbon Basics
1230pm Mastering the Old Fashioned.
1230pm Whiskey with Jackie James
145pm Connor O’Driscoll Master Distiller Heaven Hill
145pm Brent Elliot Four Roses
3pm Mike and Matt Taste Whiskey
3pm Tasting the Agricultural History and Future of American Whiskey
3pm The Single Barrel Experience
415pm Bourbon Thru Bluegrass with Bernie Lubbers
415pm Peggy Noe Stevens Womensplaining Panel Discussion
415pm Aging and Finishing: The Craft of Maturation Will Schragis of Barrell Craft Spirits
7pm Grand Tasting VIP
8pm Grand Tasting General Admission
My Friday itinerary.
Saturday-
10am Barrels, Booze, and Beyond A Comprehensive Guide to Working with used Barrels with Jessica Ann
10am Old Forester
10am Come See Tennessee with Dads Drinking Bourbon
10am Maker’s Mark ULTIMATE VIP ONLY*
1115am Ryan Woody Bardstown Bourbon Company
1115am The Art of Pairing Bourbon and Cigars
1115am Defining Whiskey
Whiskey Rebels: The Dreamers, Visionaries, and Badasses Who are Revolutionizing American Whiskey
1230pm Lisa Wicker
1230pm Breaking Tradition while remaining Straight (Steve Beam)
1230pm Martin Duffy Glencairn Crystal
145pm Blind Flight Fight (Chad and Sara)
145pm Jedd Haas and Chip Tate
145pm Wild Turkey with Joann Street
3pm Bourbon Thru Bluegrass with Bernie Lubbers
3pm Eaves Blind *ULTIMATE VIP ONLY*
415pm Brian Treacy Sagamore Spirit
415pm Jackie Zykan
415pm Julep Soul with Andrea Meriwether
7pm Grand Tasting VIP
8pm Grand Tasting General
My Saturday itinerary.
UPDATE 3/5-
The official dates are 3/22-3/25.
You can buy tickets here.
If you’re visiting from out of town, I recommend you arrive on 3/19 or 3/20 (or stay later) so you can experience some of this beautiful city outside of the festival. The programming for the festival will eat up a great deal of your time, so give yourself an extra day or two.
Book dinner reservations NOW if you’re planning on dining at some of the more popular destinations. While there are lots of places to eat, and I will be doing a piece on places to go off the beaten path, if there’s a place you’ve got your heart set on, book it right now, you can come back to this column later.
Brand dinners are posted, and the whispers are that there will be more brand socials than in years past but expect them to start earlier in the afternoon on Wednesday 3/23 perhaps? There are also some pre-events Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
Late Thursday night on 3/23, the official kick off party takes place at the New Orleans Riverside Hilton (2 Poydras Street). Food, drinks, and music are happening, and it’s a terrific meet and greet. This years theme is 1950’s business attire “Mad Men” style. Mad Men took place in the 60’s but you get the idea of it.
Seminars will be taking place 10-5pm on both Friday/Saturday. If you already hold a ticket, check your email immediately for the link to register for the seminars. A lot of these will be can’t miss panels, start planning which ones you want to do, and sign up. Remember, you can’t do them all, so choose wisely.
The Grand Tastings are on Friday and Saturday night from 8pm-11pm. VIP enters at 7pm. These events will be held at the Contemporary Arts Center (900 Camp Street) and will be your place to sample whiskey, eat some eats, and meet the faces behind the labels. There will be live music, a cigar lounge (outside), and so much to do. Make sure you drink water, and remember, you can’t taste them all, I mean you can try if you want… but good luck.
Bring truckloads of Liquid IV packs, or other such methods of hydration, trust me, you will need these before bed, and when you wake up. Use of these will determine your staying power during the week, I speak from experience.
Food is included (not the brand dinners) in the VIP tickets, as well as early entry to the grand tastings, I urge you to get this ticket as it’s worth it for those things alone. Getting into the grand tasting early was HUGE for me personally, as I was able to get to taste 4 Roses LE, Jack Coy Hill, and several other very difficult to obtain pours. So if the limiteds are important to you, get the VIP.