This page is now closed. Please bookmark this page for 2025.

UPDATE 3/24-

Congratulations you made it to the end of the festival. This will be the final update for 2024. After this update, this page will be discontinued until after Christmas when I will start the live updates for 2025. It was so great meeting so many of you, and your kind words mean so much to me. Hopefully you’ll join us again next year!

Closing party at Barrel Proof from 1-3pm, supported by Penelope. Free entry, but you own your own tab.
Whiskey Judging Award winners below.
Turning Tables is having a fundraiser at Jewel of the South starting at 5:30pm. This event is SOLD OUT.

*Not pictured, Best Canadian Rye Whiskey. Gold- Crown Royal XO. Silver- Crown Royal Black.*

UPDATE 3/23-

Saturday 3/23 updates will be brief. For live updates throughout the day, check me out on Twitter/IG/Threads. Links on top right of this page. Let’s break down Saturday.

BREAKING NEWS. The end of festival recovery party at Barrel Proof from 1-3pm on Sunday is now supported by Penelope. Free entry but you own your bar tab. Get some frozen margs! . We can retire the Traveller jokes.

You can pre-purchase single barrels today upstairs at the Festival check in booth. If you did this yesterday, you can pick them up this morning. I’m guessing you can pick them up tomorrow morning at the hotel, or you could just purchase at the Grand Tasting.
I might have the Women’s Panel panelists today before the event, I might not, if I get them 2 seconds before the event I’ll share them on the socials.
Saturday Seminar schedule and room map posted below so you don’t have to scroll.

*Saturday’s schedule. Seminar map below.*

*Second floor seminar map. 1st floor is below.*

UPDATE 3/22-

Seminars start today, and the grand tasting is tonight. Brief updates today and tomorrow as we switch over to Twitter/Threads/IG for the remainder of the festival.

Friday schedule updated and posted below.
VIP Tickets are almost sold out. I’m telling you the price is worth the hour early entry on both days of the grand tastings.
Seminars are at the hotel. Do the scroll down thing to find the room listings/map.
REMINDER- The Grand Tasting is NOT at the hotel, it’s at the Contemporary Arts Center. 900 Camp Street.

UPDATE 3/21-

Well, the festival is already off to a rousing start. We won’t recap that here, you came just for the updates so let’s have at it. We have the hotel conference room maps so don’t forget to scroll down.

2pm- Family Lunch Backyard Nola (a food and whiskey vendor at the festival)
430-9pm Still Austin presents ROADHOUSE at Barrel Proof. (Free event)
5-7pm Chicken Cock NOBF single barrel release meet and greet at Dorignacs with Gregg Snyder (free event)
5-7pm Bardstown Bourbon Company and Green River at Jewel of the South. (free)
6pm O.H. Ingram party by the pool. Still some tickets left here.
630pm Four Roses dinner with Brent Elliot. SOLD OUT.
630pm- Introduction to Dark Arts party. Very few tickets left. Can’t recommend this party enough. You get a bottle of Dark Arts!
10pm VIP Welcome reception.
The official hashtag of the Festival is #Nolabourbonfest. Use that one so the fest can see you and share it.

*Saturday schedule with room locations.*

*Grand tasting vendor/brand list by booth number.*

UPDATE 3/20-

Ok gang, it’s ON! We’re doing this! You got your hydromate/liquid IV/coffee/water ready? Here’s a quick breakdown of todays schedule and some brief updates after the break so scroll down.

12pm Family Meal at Blue Oak BBQ (Free, but you own your tab).
2pm Sazerac House tour. (FREE! but get some tickets).
4pm Pinhook Tiz Rye Time Whiskey Social at Barrel Proof (FREE!).
7pm Penelope Event (ticketed and sold out).
9pm Family Dinner at The Will and the Way (Free, but you own your tab).
11pm Nightcap at the Rusty Nail (Free, but you own your own tab).

*Sean Josephs is ready for us! Meet him at Barrel Proof at 4pm Wednesday 3/20.*

Couple of things to add….

Yes, I’m still waiting on the list of women’s panelists like the rest of you. Hell, at this point we will probably know the day after the event.
Also still waiting on the list of Single Barrels available at the festival. So far all I know for sure is the Chicken Cock NOBF, and three Dark Arts single barrels.
During the Grand Tastings, make sure you stop by the Iron Root booth, they have something very fun planned for attendees. They’ll be right by the entrance to the Grand Tastings, so you cannot miss them.
Yes, Penelope has RIO so quit asking. Also, their seminar that’s hosted by Wendy is going to be something super special. Listen to her for 4 1/2 minutes and you’ve learned more than you did the last ten years. She’s incredible.
If you are a chronic allergy sufferer like I am, make sure you have your nose spray, it’s tough in Louisiana right now, pollen everywhere.
You pretty much have until midnight tonight to get dinner/party tickets. There will not be more added and they’re almost all sold out. If you find yourself without a dinner/party ticket, there are a few free events to console you. Kidding, the Still Austin Roadhouse event should be a real hoot.
I’ll be adding the daily events Thursday morning for ease of reference.
See ya all out there!

*Another fabulous event for Sunday 3/24 at Jewel of the South to benefit* *Turning Tables. This is a ticketed event, so* *click this link* *for more info.*

UPDATE 3/19-

We have a few things for you today that we need to go over so I’m not gonna waste your time attempting to be cute or witty (a person has got to know their limitations after all). Here we go with the scrolling.

Updated available ticket watch.
Added Vendor Map.
Added Restaurant vendors for the Grand Tastings.
Added assorted Merch/Info vendors for the Grand Tastings.
Added Do’s and Don’ts.
Added New ticketed event for Sunday (above) and a time change for the Sazerac Recovery Party (all schedules below are currently correct).

*I really wish there was a way to sort them by number, but hey, that’s me.*

As you look at the vendor map please note that there are over 200 different whiskies to taste, you CANNOT do them all. A lot of the brands don’t just present one to try, they often have their entire portfolio with them! I highly recommend that you do not finish what’s in your glass and use the dump buckets or you will be stoooooopid really fast and you won’t make any new friends. I tend to pre-plan the brands I really want to explore ahead of time so that I avoid going booth to booth trying every damn thing because you know, stooooooopid isn’t a great look on me.

*Pro tip- EAT during the festival. There are PLENTY of great options here, and these vendors offer a nice sampling of local cuisine.*

You likely will not make a bad choice when it comes to food. Hell, the food selection is so good even if you don’t drink this is a good festival to attend. A couple of recommendations if I may. The Backyard is bringing their brisket. THEY RUN OUT FAST, so I’d honestly start there (I will be), or you’ll get the sad-face-emo-cry-cry emoji sold out sign on the table. You don’t want sad face emo cry cry emoji. Pyre BBQ is a treasure, they’re truly a favorite of mine that cannot be missed. Squeal Team Six is an award winning force of nature, they are huge supporters of Hogs For the Cause and if there’s a need somewhere, you’ll see that team cookin’.

You can learn more about Turning Tables here. Great to see that Tales of the Cocktail will have an info booth at the festival. Tales is the PREMIER cocktail event in New Orleans that brings people from all over the world. You should consider doing Tales one year, it’s something.

*We cannot wait to see some old pals and make new ones during the festival. Don’t be shy, say hello!*

Some DO’s and Don’ts….

If you’re walking around the city at night, and yes, you will be, make sure that you have the security features on your phone turned on (Face or Touch ID). Crime is a part of any city, New Orleans is no different. We do have a rather large problem with pickpockets which has been going on for a couple of centuries. Keep your phone and wallet in your front pockets, and keep your hands out of them. Don’t walk around staring at your phone, this makes you a target. Be aware of what is going on around you. New Orleans is a hospitality city, but bar patrons aren’t friendly enough to buy you a drink without having ill intentions. Don’t use your passcode for your phone in public. Use your touch ID or Face ID. Just assume someone is watching you and are capturing your passcode for later, when they’ve lifted your phone from you. I don’t say this to cause you worry, I say this to keep you from having to go to the store to buy a new phone before you leave.
Make sure you tip really well, the minimum wage for most service industry folks in Louisiana is less than $3 per hour. Yes, you read that correctly, most employees at bars/restaurants/adult clubs make below the minimum wage of the 1980’s and rely on your tips to pay their bills. We can argue all day long about why some places take advantage of people with the wages they pay, but for the people working, this isn’t an argument. It’s a need. Tip please and thank you.
If you must walk up Bourbon Street, do it before the sun is down and don’t wear open toe shoes. After sunset, it’s overly crowded, noisy, and stoooooopid. Do not step in the Bourbon Street Gravy. If you ignored the “don’t wear open toe shoes” advice and you step in the gravy, just go ahead and amputate your foot so that you don’t actually die. There are many folks on Bourbon willing to perform said amputation for a fee.
If you have time, visit local distilleries Atelier Vie, and Seven Three Distilling. They’re local, they make fine spirits, and we’re quite fond of them.
Also, Sazerac House is a working distillery and museum, tour tickets are free, and they have a lot of merch in their shop (no, they don’t have any Blanton’s in the back).
Yes, the World War Two museum is incredible. Yes, you should go. No, you will not have enough time to see everything. You could spend a week in there and still need to go back.
When in the French Quarters avoid the monks offering bracelets. They aren’t monks. It’s a hustle. Also avoid the folks betting you money that they can tell you where you got your shoes. Another hustle. You got your shoes on your feet!
There are some good local liquor stores if you feel like visiting them. Elios, Martins, Keife and Co, Vieux Carre, Brady’s Wine Warehouse, Grand Krewe, and Ricky’s near the airport.
DO drink an awful lot of water. Better still if you add a Liquid IV/Hydromate electrolyte powder to a water before bedtime. You will need this.
Lastly, please support local while you’re here. Starbucks and Chipotle will be waiting for you when you get home. The fabric of this city and culture is built and sustained by local places, so please explore and support them. If you recognize the chain, avoid the chain. Try something new. Try something local, expand your horizons and keep New Orleans unique and worth visiting.

UPDATE 3/18-

Well folks, we made it to New Orleans Bourbon Festival week. This will be the last ginormous update so make sure you scroll down beyond the weather forecast image. The next few days will be tiny-hands updates as needed, and Friday we switch over to Twitter, and IG/Threads for info changes (like room numbers for seminars). Let’s get right after it.

Updated Sunday 3/24 Recovery party time to the correct 1-3pm time slot at Barrel Proof sponsored by Sazerac Co.
There are 5 now 4 volunteer spots left. This is a great way to get a free grand tasting ticket so click the link if you want to volunteer!
Ticket sales are picking up. There are less than 90 VIP tickets available now. Pro tip- use discount code CARLA10 for 10% off.
Dinner/Party tickets are almost sold out. Any of the events will be a real blast, so even if your preferred event sells out, go to one of them. You cannot miss.
Still waiting on the list of single barrels available at the fest, yeah, I know….. For sure I know that Dark Arts, RY3, and Chicken Cock will have singles available at the festival.
Still waiting for the list of the women panelists for the Women’s panel seminar, but I am going to put on my Peaky Farging Blinders Prognosication hat and wager that that we will see Lauren Patz of Redwood Empire, one or both of the Riggleman’s of Silverback, Jackie Zykan of Hidden Barn, Sherrie Moore (legend!), and Jane Bowie (formerly of Makers). We shall see if I am correct here, and no, I have literally zero information on this seminar at all, and trust me, I’ve asked, and asked, and asked, and yes, asked again.
Participating Brand list has been updated.
Daily schedules are updated and listed below.
Do’s and Don’t even think about it (link coming tomorrow aka this is mostly a placeholder to remind to get off my ass and type it up).
We should have some extremely nice weather for the festival. I’d bring a jacket or hoodie for the evenings, and we can expect some rain on Thursday. Don’t bring a coat, this ain’t Buffalo.

*Other than Friday, we may just have damn near perfect farging weather.*

All the schedules are set so here they are with an easy to look at day by day. I did update the older calendar images too. For those of you that have VIP tickets you can see the official events schedules here, but that link will not show you all of the events going on around town so check out the schedules posted below. Please note that the Family Meals, and Nightcaps are not official NOBF events, but you’re welcome to join us for these events as they’re places my pals and I like to frequent. Bonus- they don’t require any tickets, but you’re on the hook for your own tab.

*Wednesday schedule. Book your Sazerac House free tour tickets in advance* *here*

*Wednesday schedule for you visual people.*

*Thursday schedule for you visual people. The event at the top that is cut off is the Spirits Competition judging event for the Ultimate Judge VIP tickets only.*

*Sunday schedule. Note- the Recovery Party will feature the new Buffalo Trace release of the Traveller.*

Here’s the updated list of the participating brands for the festival. The brand map for the grand tasting is coming soon. I would expect this in the next day or so.

The local New Orleans gang is a very friendly group. If you see one of us ghouls walking around or at an event, feel free to introduce yourselves, we love to meet people from other places. If we’ve interacted via DM on IG, please reference your IG handle during your introduction, as I’m absolutely terrible with names, but for some reason I remember social media handles very well. Also, if you’re thirsty, I’ll likely be carrying some of the Old Overholt cask strength rye if you want to try it. Just say hello!

*From left to right- Matt (Whiskey Spectre), Bryan (of* *Bryan and Melissa* *fame), Mickey Pinstripe (me, the* *Bourbonandryeclub) and Garreth, who cannot make it this year. Come say HELLO!*

*Jewel of the South, a national treasure.*

UPDATE 3/16-

Ok folks, home stretch. The times are all locked in, and I’m posting the Thursday schedule below. Note that the evening is very crowded with events, some ticketed, some not. No way you can do them all, so choose quickly if you have a preference. Tickets are almost gone for the Four Roses dinner, but do not fret, all of the ticketed parties are pretty cool and offer something different. There will be more food announcements prior to the fest, and I’ll keep the updates coming. Friday morning will be my last update here, and will then shift over to IG, Threads, and Twitter for the duration of the festival. You can click the links on the top right of this page to follow along. Let’s get to it.

The Bardstown Bourbon Company and Green River FREE event at Jewel of the South has been finalized. You can see the graphic above, it’s Thursday night 3/21 from 530-830pm. I know there’s a lot to do this evening, but if you find yourself sold out of an event you wanted to attend, this is a good option. The location is on the North side of the French Quarters (yes there is an S why do you keep telling me I got it wrong?) and bartending legend Chris Hannah and his Krewe is likely going to blow all of our minds.
If you have an iCloud account and wish to be added to the calendar, please send me an email and I’ll add you to it. I will be updating it frequently as more info comes available (seminar time changes, room numbers etc..).
The Dark Arts party (get tickets here) is going to be held on the 3rd floor above the Saint John restaurant in the French Quarters (say it with me folks, there IS an S). The 3rd floor balcony is a once in a lifetime experience as you get to look out over the hustle and bustle of the beautiful area. There is a welcome cocktail, and food included in the $99 ticket price. You also get a preview tasting of the Dark Arts single barrel that is for the Bourbon festival. You ALSO ALSO get to meet master blender McCauley Minton (formerly of Wilderness Trail) the alchemist in chief of Dark Arts. You ALSO ALSO ALSO get a bottle of Dark Arts bourbon, and get it signed if you wish. Frankly this is probably the biggest bang for your buck of all the ticketed parties. Gawd the food too. Mercy.
Thursday night is an unsanctioned nightcap at Pepp’s Pub in the Marigny following the VIP welcome party. The nightcaps are places that my pals and I like to hang out at and have a drink or two and converse. Feel free to join us, or do whatever else you want, there’s 479 things to do late night here in New Orleans, don’t feel obligated.

*So much to do, so little time. The early morning event that you cannot see titled is the Ultimate Judging VIP ticket spirits judging event.*

UPDATE 3/15-

As we wait for the Thursday event times to be confirmed we will have a very brief update for today. The Wednesday schedule is below.

The Pinhook event is a debut of their new 8 year old vertical series Tiz Rye Time. A great opportunity to meet Sean Josephs (hashtag.bourbon) and try this new release! The event as noted is at Barrel Proof on Magazine.

Daddy Hot Bird is the pop-up kitchen serving food (prices vary) during the Pinhook happy hour event. They start serving at 5:30pm so order early, they get in the weeds FAST. I warn you, if you order the “cluck me up fam” heat level, prepare to die. Carolina Reapers BRUH! Don’t worry, they have milder heat, and it’s best to not destroy your palate so early into the festival week. The food is fantastic, and I urge you to purchase a couple of the “break up” cookies to stash in your bag for quick snacks throughout the week. You best get there before me, because I’m buying a bunch of them cookies, and some delicious chicken fingers.
The Penelope event was a sign up event that’s already full, sorry I didn’t have the public details prior to this but that’s the life of a blogger sometimes. It’s a very intimate event and will be their kickoff to a touring series of events, so keep an eye out for an event like this in a city near you (just not this one).
The Family Dinner is not a sanctioned event, but a group of us will be dining and cocktailing (is that even a word?) at the French Quarters (yes, there’s an S) local favorite The Will and the Way. They have some really good food, and it’s in a semi-upscale pub setting with an expansive backyard patio (it’s quieter, but very likely WARMER). Their cocktail menu is fabulous (change your life with a La Louisiane), and their bulgogi fries (we call them kimchee fries) are a local treasure. You’re welcome to hang out, or do something on your own, it’s not like you don’t have 437 great choices of places to eat in this city.
The Nightcap is also not a sanctioned event, but they are places we like to hang out for drinks and conversations, so again, you’re welcome to come hang out or go it alone. The Rusty Nail is an upscale dive bar again, with a nice outside seating area, a GREAT whiskey selection, and some very good beers. Wednesday night is 25% off all 2oz. whiskey pours! Also if you’re like me and you like bad beer, they have $3 PBR. It’s also not very far from Barrel Proof.

*Wednesday schedule updated and finalized.*

UPDATE 3/14-

A week to go folks! I included the “ticket watch” that will sit at the top at all times so you won’t have to look deep into this page to find the tickets available. I should have the Wednesday and Thursday schedules posted tomorrow. I have the Saturday schedule listed below. There are less than 100 VIP tickets left, so don’t wait…. We’ve got some new info to get to so let’s do it.

Some of you have partners or friends who aren’t drinkers, or are designated to not drink so you can get home safely. Can they have fun at the Bourbon festival? ABSOLUTELY! Sign them up for the FOOD ONLY tickets and they get access to all of the food vendors at the grand tasting, AND WAIT THERE’S MOAR!!! Lyre’s Spirit Company will be providing non-alcoholic cocktails at their booth so stop on by and try their non-alcoholic offerings!
New participating restaurants! Jack Rose is where the Four Roses dinner will be held, and the Parlor at the Pontchartrain who will be serving up some goodness at the Grand Tastings.

The Thursday 3/21 Still Austin “happy hour” is actually going to be a “Roadhouse” party at Barrel Proof from 430-9pm. What does a “Roadhouse party” mean? Bruh, it’s ROADHOUSE. It’s going to be a double-feature watch party of the unbelievably popular Patrick Swayze movie Roadhouse paired with the new release of the rebooted Roadhouse. The event will feature Roadhouse playing on their projection screen during happy hour from 4:30-6:30pm. There will be a brief intermission and then the premiere of the New Roadhouse (Jake and Connor OMG!) from 7-9pm. There will be a small Still Austin focused menu with a raffle ticket handed out with each purchase. $1 from each Still Austin cocktail will be donated to the foundation. There will be two raffle pulls once at intermission, and at the end of the event. Prizes will include NEW Barrel Proof T-shirts, Still Austin Bottles, and other assorted stickers/swag. This event is free.

*Here it is, the Saturday schedule.* *The later events posted below.*

*SO much to do Saturday it required TWO pics.*

UPDATE 3/13-

The schedules are solidifying. I’m posting Friday’s today as it’s set. Look below. If anything changes, I will update.
There are now less than 100 VIP tickets available. Sales are picking up now that we’re in the home stretch. DON’T MISS OUT on special pours from select brands during the VIP only hour (7-8pm) during the grand tastings! There is no guarantee any of the special pours will be left for the grand tasting tickets when they get access at 8pm. I personally have found that the VIP ticket price is worth it just for the special pours and the early access to the brands you wish to explore and of course you get access to the seminars and VIP kickoff party.
The Introduction to Dark Arts party is probably the best paid ticket value event there is. It’ll have 3rd floor French Quarters (yes, there is an “S”) balcony access above the excellent St. John’s restaurant, food, a signed bottle of Dark Arts whiskey and you get to hang out with Master Blending Sorcerer (formerly of Wilderness Trail) McCauley Minton. All of this is included in the ticket price. There are only 10 tickets for this event, so if you want something fun to do, this is your thing.

*Here’s the Friday schedule. Keep in mind the seminars require a VIP or seminars only ticket. The rest of the Friday schedule is below…..*

*So much to do on Friday it required two pictures!*

UPDATE 3/12-

A few more things have popped. I’m going to put a picture up of the schedules in the next day or two that will include ALL of the events at the festival itself, as well as the offsite brand parties (yes even the free ones!) so you can start getting your itinerary together.

Sunday 3/24 there will be an event at Barrel Proof that is sponsored by Sazerac Co, and will be featuring their new whiskey the Traveller.
Food Drunk has been added to the presenting restaurants for the grand tastings on Friday and Saturday.
The Judging VIP tickets are SOLD OUT. VIP is still available.
The OH Ingram poolside party has 19 tickets left!!
The Four Roses dinner at Jack Rose has 14 tickets left!!!
The introduction to Dark Arts party has 10 tickets!!! The location of this event is worth the price of admission alone! It’s on the 3rd floor of Saint John restaurant. BUT WAIT! THERE’S MORE!!! Every ticket to this party gets you a bottle of Dark Arts whiskey! SIGNED by Alchemist/Sorcerer McCauley Minton!
There are only 7 volunteer spots left available. This is a great way to get yourself a grand tasting ticket free for doing the good work to help the festival. If you’re interested in volunteering, the signup page is here.

UPDATE 3/11-

Ok, things are finally beginning to crystalize and more and more info is coming out. We’re going to clean up this page on Friday so that you don’t have to scroll for everything you are looking for. It’ll be a set piece block of all the info including the finalized seminar schedule, and everything will be updated with the correct times and locations until Friday morning of the event. There will be one last update Thursday night, and then we will switch over to the socials for any pertinent day to day information so make sure you follow me on your preferred social (links are on the top right of this page). Ok, you ready? Here we go with some new information.

Bourbon Brawl has been cancelled and will be reimagined for the coming years. What the hell am I gonna do on Wednesday night you ask? I got just the thing for you. Pinhook is doing a free event at Barrel Proof (time will be finalized soon) and will be featuring the newest release in their vertical series of Tiz Rye Time. If you attend come say hi, I’ll be there.
There will be a Sunday recovery party at Barrel Proof at 3pm sponsored by Sazerac Co featuring The Traveler.
Still Austin is confirmed for their free party at Barrel Proof on Thursday (time coming soon). I’ll be here too, what can I say? I get around.
Dark Arts has just announced a ticketed party at St. John. Tickets are $99. The food at Saint John is really fun. Modern take on Creole style food. Here’s the marketing gobbledygook for the event-
The evening will be hosted on the 3rd floor above Saint John. The balcony overlooks the French Quarter down Decatur Street from the Mississippi River to Jackson Square. Our hosts for the evening will be Dark Arts featuring the Alchemist himself McCauley Minton, the Master Blender and creative inspiration for one of the most interesting new whiskeys to be introduced in some time. The menu, as designed to accompany the whiskey, by Chef Daren Porretto is as follows: - Welcome Cocktail with Dark Arts Whiskey: - Cheese, Fruit & Charcuterie Table - Pimento Cheese on butter toasted French bread - Crispy Gulf Oysters and Spicy Cajun Caviar with Creole Ravigote Sauce - Brown Butter Corn - Deviled Eggs - Hot Shrimp Remoulade Station with Fried Green Tomatoes, Pickled Okra and Corn Chow-Chow - Dark Arts Whiskey Tasting.
During the grand tasting make sure you stop by the Penelope booth, not just to taste some really fun whiskey, but to say hello to Brittany, super cool human being and knows a BOATLOAD about what’s good and why you should drink it.
More restaurants added- Dickie Brennan’s steak house, Gris-Gris, Saint John, Hoo Doo ice cream, Lucky Dogs, Mister Apple, Martin Wine Cellar, Squeal Team Six (award winning!), Stave and Bean coffee, Backyard, and the Will and the Way. I’ll be doing some socials around some of these this week, so you can get a bit of a preview.
There are now less than 14 tickets to the Four Roses dinner. If you are thinking about this, don’t sleep, or you’ll be eating at the Avenue Pub (not a bad thing to do honestly).

*I cannot wait to see what Turkey is pouring at the grand tasting.*

UPDATE 3/9-

Bardstown Bourbon Company hosting a free event at Jewel of the South (this is huge, Jewel is a national treasure!) on Thursday the 21st.
Dark Arts is having a party at St. John (ticketed event stay tuned for more info here) also on Thursday.
Sunday has a recovery party at Barrel Proof (stay tuned for more info).

UPDATE 3/8- Lots of info starting to roll in!

First, a clarification- The Grand Tastings will still be at the familiar Contemporary Arts Center. This was misreported below, and is now fixed.

VENDOR LOAD IN LINK is here.
Still Austin is hosting a happy hour at Barrel Proof at 5:30pm on Thursday, March 21st. NO TICKET REQUIRED.

Sponsoring Restaurant list with more to be announced, but so far-
Pyre BBQ (they are unbelievably great, and food was paired at the Peggy Noe event in 2023).
Briquette (please lawd let them have their grilled oysters this year!!).
Jambalaya Girl (they ship dontchaknow?).
The Bourbon House (on bourbon street no less, and a member of the Brennan’s family of restaurants)
The Triple Nickel

Four Roses dinner at Jack Rose tickets are available! Get your tickets $164. (Fabulously fun restaurant. I have personally been 3 times and it’s a gem.) Less than 19 tickets left!!
- A dinner with Brent Elliott of Four Roses at Jack Rose. Welcome Cocktail at 6:30pm and dinner starting at 7:00pm. Menu and pairings to come.
OH Ingram party by the pool tickets are available!! Get your tickets $79. Less than 21 tickets left!!!
- Located by the pool at the Hyatt Centric French Quarter, O.H. Ingram will host a two hour cocktail party with two featured cocktails, neat pours and heavy hors d'oeuvres. Menu: Food: -Finger sandwiches (Smoked Salmon, Pimento Cheese, Creme Cheese & Cucumber) - Mini Boudin Balls - Mini Beef Wellington - Caprese Skewers Cocktails: - Sazerac with O.H. Rye - Custom Craft Cocktail with O.H. Bourbon - Neat Pours of the O.H. Ingram Line-up.

*One of the best things about NOLA Bourbon Festival is you just never know who you’ll run into and photobomb.*

UPDATE 3/7-

Almost every event will be happening at the hotel location! The party, the seminars, the grand tastings! More info soon? The Grand Tastings will still be at the CAC.

UPDATE 3/4-

Nothing to update today. I know we said Friday or so, but that’s what we were told. Perhaps tomorrow we will have an info dump? We are eagerly awaiting info like the rest of you. Hang in there.

UPDATE 2/29-

There are only 2 ULTIMATE JUDGING VIP tickets left if that’s your thing. All tickets are available HERE.

*It’s blurry, I know. This is what I got to work with, but look how damn cool!*

UPDATE 2/29 (in best Keanu voice, “whoa, leap year.”) - had a lot of questions via IG DM about this release, so I figured I’d add some more info.

Chicken Cock Double Oak is 9yrs old, comes in the iconic apothecary style bottle, with custom label and is priced at $149.99 (Peerless double oak isn’t as old and is roughly the same price!). Best to buy 2 on the Friday night, that custom label has some really nice New Orleans touches to it.
Gregg Snyder will be autographing a limited amount of bottles at the Friday night grand tasting (yes, you need to buy one first don’t be cute).
They should be pouring some of this at the festival, so you can kick the tires and then buy the thing right?
There will be a meet and greet at Dorignac’s for the release (yeah, I’ll bet he signs there too if you’re nice.)

*Here it is folks, exclusive single barrel for the New Orleans Bourbon Festival. Read below to find out where you can get it.* *Photo Credit Will Woodington*

UPDATE 2/28-

Here it is folks, the exclusive single barrel for the New Orleans Bourbon Festival from Chicken Cock! A double oak 119.6 proof! TEN CASES are going exclusively to Dorignac’s. Dorignac’s is the exclusive pre-seller before the festival. If there are any bottles left over after the festival (ha no WAY!) they’ll get released to other retailers. Yes, this means you will be able to get one or two at the festival itself. Don’t miss out on this special release, as there is history to this, it’s not a gimmick label.

*Would you look at that sweet bastard of a label!* *Photo Credit Will Woodington*

UPDATE 2/27-

We will likely have a very big update on 3/2. In the meantime we have some tentative events and an updated Participating Brands list. Changes listed in this update, and image below is adjusted to the most current listings.

TENTATIVE-

Four Roses dinner at Jack Rose TBA
Bardstown Bourbon Company at Jewel of the South.

ADDED-

Atelier Vie (local treasure, support local even while visiting please).
Bernheim
Blade & Bow
Bulleit (boo)
Chicken Cock (yay!)
Cooper’s Craft
Crown Royal
Elijah Craig
Evan WIlliams
Green River
Henry McKenna
Hidden Barn
Jack Daniels
Jefferson
Knob Creek (please oh please have the RyeBou)
Larceny
Mellow Corn
Noble Oak
Old Forester
Old Louisville
Pikesville
Rabbit Hole
Red Line

REMOVED-

Old Elk (event dates conflict)

UPDATE 2/24-

Small update.

Tentative Pinhook RYE DROP for Tiz Rye Time 8yr social event on Wednesday 3/20. Location TBD but likely Barrel Proof on Magazine.

2/20-

So many questions so many things yet unknown but they’re coming.

Quick hits-

Keep an eye on your email if you’re a VIP for a signup link for seminars, should be happening shortly.
Dinners/Happy Hours info and or tickets should drop soon too.
Chicken Cock has a crazy cool Festival only single barrel that has a TTB approved New Orleans Bourbon Festival label on it. I’ve seen it, it’s gorgeous, and I can’t wait for the go ahead to share it with you. This one should sell out quickly and yes it’s in the art deco style bottle!
RY3 should have a few bottles available of their Louisiana only single barrel Naranja finish. Hopefully Karthik will have it available for tasting at the booth.
Reminder to send me an email if you want to follow the calendar for the Bourbon Festival official events it will update with any changes as they happen. iCal only, sorry gmail folks.

2/11-

A couple of quick things-

I’ve got a calendar put together for the festival that will be updated before and throughout the festival as things become known or change. If you’d like to get access to that calendar send me an email and I’ll send you the invite.
The seminar schedule as well as the brands attending have been added to the official New Orleans Bourbon Festival site but I’ll include it here anyway since you’re visiting.
As we get closer to the festival, make sure you follow me on Twitter/X as I’ll be live chatting updates for the event.
Here’s the brand list so far.

*This is the updated Brand list as of 2/27.24*

2/10-

Oh boy kids, the Saturday seminar schedule is here! This might be the best presenter lineup the festival has ever done! Please keep in mind this schedule is subject to change, and if it does, it’ll be changed here. Let’s get to it.

Saturday 3/23-

10-11am

Penelope Bourbon featuring the indomitable Wendy Peveich.
Buzzard’s Roost featuring Jason Brauner
Pinhook Bourbon (and rye got dammit) featuring first timer Sean Josephs.
TBA

11:15-12:15pm

Cocktails with Bobby Gleason
Heaven Hill Distillery featuring HH Master distiller Connor O’Driscoll
The Origin of Bourbon hosted by Michael Veach

12:15-12:45

Lunch (duh, you gotta eat, they pouring at these seminars after all)

12:45-1:45pm

Women’s Panel featuring TBA
The Whiskey Trip hosted by Michael Hiatt
Limestone Branch featuring long time friend of the festival Steve Beam and Stephen Fante’

2-3pm

Bourbon Thru Bluegrass/Heaven Hill Distillery featuring Bernie Lubbers
Proof and Wood featuring Dave Schmier
The Greatest stories ever told hosted by local treasure Matt Ray fro the Sazerac House
Maker’s Mark (ultimate VIP only) featuring Rebecca Bloom

3:15-4:15pm

Neely Family Distillery featuring Royce Neeley
It’s Bourbon Night hosted by Chad and Sara
Bourbon and Cigar Pairing 101 hosted by Maggie Kimberl

4:30-5:30pm

Buffalo Trace Distillery hosted by all time legend of all legends Freddie Johnson
Kings County Distillery featuring Colling Spoelman
Redwood Empire Whiskey featuring Lauren Patz
Garrison Brothers featuring Shane Merriam

There you have it folks, the seminar schedules. Scroll down below for the Friday listings. I will consolidate them just before the schedule goes live for signups so you can see it all in one place.

*Last year Barrell was pouring the exquisite Seagrass grey label (obvi not pictured here).*

2/9-

Buckle up folks, we got some fresh new information. Keep in mind this is subject to change (we will update as needed) but is mostly locked in. The Friday 3/22 SEMINAR SCHEDULE IS UP and there are some VERY fun names that you will likely recognize so let’s get right to it!

Friday 3/22-

10-11am

Potter Jane Distillery featuring Denny Potter and Jane Bowie.
Smokewagon Bourbon featuring the inimitable Aaron Chepenik.
Andrea Meriwether

11:15-12:15pm

Bourbon thru Bluegrass/Heaven Hill Distillery featuring Bernie Lubbers.
Bourbon 101: A class for forgetters and beginners featuring local treasure Matt Ray from the Sazerac House.
Cocktails by Four Roses (Presenter TBA)
Mike and Matt (no not us) taste Leipers Fork Whiskey featuring Michael Veach and Matt Korhorst.

12:15-12:45pm

Lunch

12:45-1:45pm

Four Roses featuring Brent Elliot
Pedigreed Grains: Biodiversity and other benefits featuring Maggie Kimberl.
Old Carter Whiskey (Ultimate and VIP only!) featuring Mark Carter.

2-3pm

Dad’s drinking bourbon featuring John Edwards (tentative).
It’s Bourbon night featuring Chad and Sara.
Chicken Cock Whiskey featuring Gregg Snyder.
Glencairn featuring Martin Duffy

3:15-4:15pm

Bardstown bourbon company with Dan Callaway
How to build relationships with brands with Jamar Mack.
Old Forester with Ian Sulkowski.
Bourbon and Cigar pairing 101 featuring Maggie Kimberl.

4:30-5:30pm

Still Austin Whiskey featuring Chris Seals.
Buffalo Trace distillery featuring Freddie Johnson.
Dark Arts Whiskey House featuring Macaulay Minton.

Saturday lineup is coming up so stay tuned.

*The best thing about the festival is meeting the people behind the labels. And tasting, definitely the tasting. And the food but definitely the tasting.*

1/12-

The location of the seminars and home base hotel will not be at the same hotel that it has been in the past. It will not be on Canal street. The hotel will still be the Marriott but it will be located in the arts district and the seminars will be in the hotel! For those of you that know the area, it’s very close to Cochon.
New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District Hotel
859 Convention Center Blvd
New Orleans, LA 70130
United States

In the next few days we should have a confirmed list of the single barrels that will be exclusive to this years festival. Stay tuned.

1/11-

If you want to stay at the Marriott where the seminars will be taking place, you can click here for the Festival Rate.

1/10-

Roughly 2 months and change before the festival begins. Dates are 3/20-3/24. (The festival dates are very full schedules, so if you want to do some of the pre-events and explore the city a bit, and you should, get here early).
Get your tickets here. Yes, the judging tickets are still available.
Remember to bookmark this page, it will update frequently.

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