*No more updates this year. I’m sad too.*

UPDATE 3/24 : The FInal update of 2025-

Congratulations, you defeated the boss level and made it to the end of the Festival alive! Keanu Reeves would be impressed. This will be the final update for 2025. After this update this page will be discontinued. I will have a new updates page for 2026 starting probably next month when the dates for next years festival are available. We know you like to plan so do we and clearly I’m a glutton for punishment.

With that, we hope you had the very best of times in the city I’m proud to call my home.

I’m so glad that I got to meet so many of you that checked out my little corner of the internet. You came from all over, and you weren’t shy and said hello. Many of you said thank you, and while I appreciate your sentiments, I cannot thank you all enough for YOUR hospitality while visiting New Orleans. Your warmth, friendliness, and just kick assed awesomeness really made the last several months of updates and this week, entirely worth it.

Please check out this website (but not this particular page) on 4/1 for the recap of the event from my point of view, which will be titled Nightcap: March.

I hope to see you all again, you’ve really made this incredibly rewarding and I cannot thank you enough for making this festival so special. See you next year! This officially ends the updates for the New Orleans Bourbon Festival 2025.

= Mickey

Silverback’s streak of winning best in festival was broken today, but they still showed up. Dark Arts dominated, but local Seven Three won best small batch! Also, Dickel wow.

UPDATE 3/22-

Well here we are, it’s Saturday Night. Hopefully you all hydrated according to your training and are prepared for the final boss battle- SATURDAY GRAND TASTING. Last night was quietly insane. There was empty space and the absence of some brands was notable. I will do more on this in my Nightcap: March roundup in a few days, but know this- large brand marketing budget cuts were felt, but it really gave some great oxygen to the small to mid brands. I encourage you all to visit the up and comers tonight. Since tonight is the last big night of the festival, make sure you get your pictures with your favorite people. Make sure you tag the festival in your social media posts.

The awards will be announced tonight. If you ask me who won I won’t tell you, but it’s….
The oysters were insane, and they sold out fast. I encourage you to try them EARLY, and to not dress them. Just go straight out the gulf like I did. Nothing like them anywhere in the world.
There are some single barrel picks left for sale at the seminars, and the grand tasting tonight. 7yr Dark Arts picks $99, 8yr dark arts pick $109, 10yr Dark Arts pick $159, and both Four Roses picks are $109 each.
Food Drunk is not at the festival this year. No word on why, but got damn were they missed by all who know the pure joy of meat cones.
I will have to ask like Sara did, please, NO SPOILERS on Severance.
The afterparty tonight is at The Rusty Nail. Be prepared for pleasant nonsense. Find me early for some mystery bag rye.

*Welcome to the New Orleans Bourbon Festival 2025. Make sure you say hello to internet strangers.*

UPDATE 3/21-

The party is raging now. Remember your training- HYDRATE. You know the seminar schedules by now, don’t make me type them all out again. It was great seeing so freaking many familiar faces and dammit if that party at Barrel Proof wasn’t something incredible. Still Austin, Pinhook, and Old Carter sure put on a really fun event, and then they called in Yellowstone to close it out. Fantastic and this was only the beginning. Now, you’re about to enter the Seminar Zone, and this is where the spitting comes into play. Almost every seminar has pours. You can’t go 10am-10pm drinking. So pace yourselves, and drink water, and eat a meal or you’ll be sad that you don’t make it to the Grand Tasting.

Steven Beam will not be at the Limestone Branch seminar on Saturday.
Art Eatables Chocolate & Bourbon Pariing with Kelly Ramsey seminar has changed to “Taste of Bourbon City.” No idea if the seminar is still the same format or not.
Calendars are current.

See you all around throughout the day/night.

UPDATE 3/20-

Good thing I got a laptop with me to do these updates. Seeing the continued insane web traffic I’ll need to continue to update this page during the festival. That’s fine. This is also my nerdy favorite time of the festival when the web traffic locations all shift from whatever city you live in, to New Orleans because you’re all here!

Family Lunch today changed locations, it was originally planned for Backyard BBQ, and we moved it to Blue Oak BBQ. Family meals are optional drop in things, so if you had your heart set on Backyard, and you should, then go ahead and go. Do your own thing if you already have a spot picked out.
Barrel Proof has a lot going on tonight. First they have Movie Night hosted by Still Austin, Pinhook, and Old Carter! 4pm-7pm. This should be super fun. Smokey and the Bandit on the screen (I swear that Pedro Pascal is somehow related to Burt Reynolds), darts, drink specials, and raffles!
Just as the Movie Night is coming to an end, some of you will be going off to dinners, and some of us will be staying at Barrel Proof for the Yellowstone party from 7-9pm.
During the events at Barrel Proof, there will be food available for purchase from Lumbre Cocina. Tacos anyone? Yes tacos.
The VIP reception is tonight, and after that’s over, take the short walk to the Rusty Nail for a nightcap or two.

UPDATE 3/19-

Well folks, here we are at long last. Festival starts NOW. On behalf of the New Orleans Bourbon Festival, we’d like to welcome you all to New Orleans! Before we get to the update, I want to personally thank each and every one of you who’ve been checking this page seeking out information for months. It’s always fun and frustrating to run this page each year, and I will be back doing it again next year because I’m a glutton for punishment. I’d love to hear any feedback you have, so please drop them in the comments section at the bottom of the page.

The Pinhook/Old Carter party at Barrel Proof is blending with the Still Austin Movie Night. A trifecta of freaking awesome! Yeah, there was some scheduling overlap there ooops BP did a booboo, but everyone is so freaking cool they came together to make it even more cool.
Four Roses dinner at Toups is SOLD OUT.
Brothers Bond will not be at the Grand Tasting. That sucks. See what I did there?
The Four Roses barrel pick purchases will be limited to one per ticket holder. When you purchase your bottle, your wristband will be marked. Bottles will be sold on a first come, first served basis, with preference given to Ultimate VIPs and VIPs. Please note these popular barrel picks may sell out before the Grand Tasting. Your best bet is to buy at the Marriott (Friday and Saturday, 10:00am to 4:30pm).
Women’s Panel speakers are confirmed- Jane Bowie from Potter Jane, Lauren Patz from Redwood Empire, Marianne Eaves from Forbidden, and Melinda Maddox of Old Elk.
Dark Arts dinner at Brasa is SOLD OUT.
Dark Arts Ghost Tour SOLD OUT.
Adding “Today’s Events” at the top of the page. Will be updated daily.
I’ll be doing live updates the rest of the week on Instagram stories, which is faster than updating this page as we get underway. Here’s the link to follow along.
Calendars updated. Links- Google Apple (these have listings for every single event including the parties)
Weather updated (since you’re here now, you’re on your own with your own phone). Notice that the on and off again rain is off again? Just give it a minute could be back. Welcome to New Orleans.
Ticket tracker removed to save space.

UPDATE 3/18-

Quick one and then a good nights sleep.

Fred Minnick dinner is canceled.
Bourbon and Bubbles event at Dooky Chase hosted by Angel’s Envy. SOLD OUT
Ghost Tour SOLD OUT.

*What you thought you were coming to a Bourbon Festival and you were gonna have some down time?*

UPDATE 3/17- EVENING EDITION

First of all, a lot happened the last two days, so make sure you scroll down to catchup if you aren’t checking daily. Lots of stuff happening, I swear every time I think I’m done with an update, something new pops! I feel like I’m trying to get a room full of cats to sit still.

The Tuesday morning update probably will not include much (and now that I’ve said that, something big will happen, just watch). I’ll update the Ticket/Sold out tracker, and the weather forecast, but I’m working my actual job most of the day, so the probability of updates after the morning one is 0% until I do an evening one (if it’s needed).
I’ll be shifting to Instagram stories going into the festival with the most timely of updates. If you found me via Google or Duck Duck Go, here’s the link to follow me. This isn’t an influencer ploy to gain followers, you’re welcome to unfollow after the festival.
During the festival I will be maintaining the calendars so expect that they’ll be as current as can be. The calendar links are near the top of the page.
Wednesday morning I will be doing a very big housekeeping to bring the most pertinent information to the top of the page.
There is another NEW Happy Hour added to the calendar, this one hosted by Yellowstone on Thursday 3/20 from 7pm-9pm at Barrel Proof. Poster is above. Free event, but you own your tab, and there are some obvious drink specials listed.
The menu for the Dark Arts dinner at Brasa is posted below and was a mid-day update addition. As of tonight, there are only 7 tickets left.
Bourbon and Bubbles dinner at Dooky Chase is SOLD OUT.
Calendars are updated. I swear.

*At long last, here’s the menu for the Dark Arts dinner at* *Brasa*.

UPDATE 3/17-

Last night was a pretty big update. All the food vendors for the Grand Tasting are listed below, as are the presenting brands, so I’ll just encourage you to look those over, and note some interesting things that could be directly related to reduced marketing budgets with a lot of brands as they tighten their belts and lay off employees. Or they could be last minute game decisions?

Grand Tasting Map posted above. (Posted as an all-day event in all Calendars for easy access to the full resolution PDF).
New Happy Hour event on Tuesday 3/18 featuring Dark Arts at Barrel Proof from 4-6pm. Free event. Own your own tab. Added to all calendars.
Jack Daniel’s is not listed, but who knows? They could be sharing a booth with Old Forester?
Beam Suntory, sorry, say it with me people, Suntory Global Spirits isn’t on the docket, however their presence has been reduced over the last few years as it is. They contracted with a marketing company the last two I think who manned the booth with their standard lineup and some swag.
No Wild Turkey.
No Castle and Key.
Note that there are several distributors with booths, so some of your favorite brands may make an appearance just not with their own booths.
If you’re looking for Redwood Empire, booth 47 under Purple Brands.
Bubbles and Bourbon seminar was moved to Friday at 11:15am (this was erroneously reported as cancelled by this dumb-dumb last night).

UPDATE 3/16- EVENING UPDATE

We’re getting ever closer…. here’s some stuff that includes seminar changes so PAY ATTENTION. Also, there just might be all of the vendors/brands at the festival grand tasting listed below…..

Smokewagon has joined the chat. NEW SEMINAR ADDED. Saturday 2:15pm. Calendar updated.
The Bourbon & Bubbles - Andrea Meriwether seminar has been moved to Friday at 11:15am in the New Levee room.
The Heaven Hill with Connor O’Driscoll seminar has been removed.
Heaven Hill dinner at Jewel of the South is SOLD OUT.
The Dark Arts Dinner at Brasa has 7 tickets left. SEVEN. LINK Note- this is the New Orleans, not the Metairie location.

GRAND TASTING BRANDS-

Kings County
Big Easy Whiskey
Heaven Hill
Michters
Angel’s Envy
Green River
Bardstown Bourbon Company
JT Meleck
Hotaling and Company (Old Potrero)
Whistle Pig
Sazerac Company (remember, gonna be a sick set up with 5’s raw bar pairing)
Silverback Distilling
Limestone Branch
Barrell Craft Spirits
Penelope
RY3
Hidden Barn
Brothers Bond
Dark Arts
Chicken Cock (there will be a chicken cock photo opportunity and it’s awesome!)
Four Roses
Still Austin
O.H. Ingram
Kentucky Peerless
Redwood Empire
Left Bank
Old Forester
Proof and Wood
Pernod Ricard (Rabbit Hole, perhaps Lot 40)
Smokewagon
Old Elk
K.LUKE
Crittenden
Bulleit
Crown Royal
George Dickel
IronRoot
Blade and Bow
Backyard
Atelier Vie
Preservation Distillery
Forbidden
Seven-Three Distilling
Pinhook
Spirits of French Lick
RD-1
Jackson Family Wines
Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits
Wines Unlimited
Kentucky Senator

GRAND TASTING FOOD VENDORS-

Lucky Dogs
Martin Wine Cellar
Piazza Seafood
Deanie’s Seafood
5’s Raw Bar Wild Isle Oysters
Hoo Doo Ice Cream
Squeal Team Six
Food Drunk
Mister Apple
Triple Nickel
Peppers with Pie
Coops
Jambalaya Girl
Backyard (yes, it’s a whiskey maker, and an awesome food maker!)
Salted Pearl and Salty Girl

UPDATE 3/16- MORNING UPDATE

We’re all pretty much waiting for the brand/food vendor master list to be finalized and compiled as well as the map of the grand tasting events. I’ll likely do a small update this evening if something pops. It’s getting close folks, we’re about to have a damn good time.

Added links to the all the ticketed events above.
Cleaned up earlier updates that were “TBA” listings with actual dates/times.
Glassware for the Grand Tasting events will be mini-glen cairn’s. So if you prefer a bigger glass like I do, then bring one with ya.

*Free tasting at* *Dorignacs! Buy a bottle, get it signed!*

UPDATE 3/15-

As I’m sitting here with a pint of chicory cold brew with a splash of coconut milk (You can take the boy out of California, but you can’t take the California out of the boy) I’m realizing that there are only a few more updates to be done before the festival. I’m not sad, you’re sad! As the wait is nearly over we are about to shift into the memory making portion of the festival. I’m excited to see some old pals from around the world again, and to meet new visitors as well. As you can see above, there’s a new free event and some other things to discuss today. I’ve had a few questions asked that I’ll drop answers to in tomorrows update and if you have some of your own, here’s my email link. Let’s GEAUX!

Let’s Meet at Dorignacs! Is a free tasting at Dorignacs. A full on grocery store that has a very significant liquor and wine selection. I’m not kidding. It would be pretty impressive if it was just a stand alone liquor store.
Their prices compete favorably with Total Wine on most things, but then it’s also where Woodford Watch continues to this day. If you know, you know. Anyway, this is a chance to do some tastings on Wednesday from 4pm-7pm where the people behind the brands will be present.
Sean Josephs of Pinhook, Dave Schmier of Proof and Wood, Jonathan Maisano of K.LUKE, Matt Crittenden of Cut Above, and the ubiquitous Macaulay Minton of Dark Arts will all be there to sign any bottles you purchase.
Even if you skip this event, it’s worth a visit. For those of you that subscribed to the updates calendar, this event is already in there.
Food information for Barrel Proof on Thursday-Sunday. They have pop-ups (more like residencies really) in their kitchen and you’ll want to have some, trust me.
During the Still Austin Movie Night on Thursday- Lumbre Cocina Nortena. Lumbre does really amazing flame grilled tacos and quesadillas which will pair perfectly with Still Austin’s Righteous Gemstone Old Fashioned!
Friday is Lord of the Wings by Matchbook Kitchen, and then Saturday and Sunday night will be Matchbook Kitchen’s regular menu (not Lord of the Wings).

*Lord of the Wings by Matchbook Kitchen. These are the Nazgul wings, and if they’re on menu, you GET THESE.*

UPDATE 3/14- EVENING EDITION-

Evening edition update here we go. Yeah I was early, sorry. I gotta eat sometime. We have the fliers for the Still Austin Movie Night and the Menu for the Fred Minnick Dinner. Here they are. Scroll down to see this mornings updates too.

If you’re here Wednesday during the day and have nothing to do, keep the slot of 4-7pm open. This is what we call a teaser. I’ll include what this is and update the calendars in tomorrow’s update.

*You don’t have to be there, but you should be there.*

*This event is sexy (said in Mark Wahlberg voice).*

UPDATE 3/14-

I hope you’re all about ready to kick off an insane week. Some of you coming in from outside of New Orleans are hopefully starting to pack and get extra hydrated before arrival. We can’t wait to see you!. This mornings update is really about some housekeeping that desperately needed doing. I plan on an evening update, let’s say around 9pm Central Time. Here’s your coffee or spicy chicken sandwich update-

Added updates on the availability of the ticketed events/dinners simply to scare the hell out of those of you that haven’t made plans yet honestly what are you waiting for? Just an FYI- There are only 7 tickets left for the Heaven Hill / KOBBE dinner at Jewel of the South. Ticket link here.
Discount Code- CARLA10 for Grand Tasting Tickets only.
Calendars have all been updated and are currently current. Until they aren’t and need updating which I will continue to get to as soon as possible.
Calendar link for Google have been added to the top of the page so you can subscribe to the living breathing calendar with all the events taking place. Calendar Links Google / Apple . All calendar events have locations on them so you won’t get lost.
Seminar schedules have been moved up the page to reduce scrolling fatigue. Thursday night they will be moved to the top for easy reference.
Should have a menu for the Fred Minnick dinner in tonights update at 9pm central time.
Here are some details of the Still Austin Movie Night at Barrel Proof-
Tanager will be there which is reason alone to show up.
There will be raffles for some Single-Barrel Cask Strength Still Austin bottles.
Raffle tickets will be given out with the purchase of a Still Austin Cocktail or pour, and there will be 3 drawings after the film is over.
You must be present to win. If you’re not, more chances for me, so make sure you show up and ensure I don’t win anything.
There will be discounted pricing on Single Barrel Old Fashioned, Musician Whiskey Sours, and a Still Austin shot and High Life pony special.
Of course we have the menu so here it is-
Righteous Gemstone Old Fashioned
Still Austin Cask Strength Single Barrel - Bitters - Sugar
Musicians Whiskey Sour
Still Austin Bourbon - Lemon - Sugar
Eastbound And Down
Still Austin Red Corn Bonded & High Life Pony

*The after parties, and the events at Barrel Proof are some of my favorites. They attract all kinds of characters. Be one! Say hello!*

FRIDAY SEMINAR SCHEDULE-

10:00 - 11:00 am:

• Potter Jane Distillery - Denny Potter & Jane Bowie

• Seven-Three Distillery - Adman Fayard & Luka Cutura

• The Whiskey Trip - Mike Hiatt

• Glencairn - Martin Duffy FULL

• The Art of Paring Bourbon & Cigars - Maggie Kimberl

11:15 - 12:15 pm:

• Bourbon thru Bluegrass/Heaven Hill Distillery - Bernie Lubbers and Connor O'Driscoll

• Bourbon 101: A Class for Forgetters and Beginners - Matt Ray (Sazerac House)

• Jefferson's Bourbon - Trey Zoeller

• Pinhook - Sean Josephs FULL

• 20th Century Distilling History - Michael Veach

Trey Zoeller Jeffersons Bourbon

12:15 - 1:00 pm:

• Lunch Break (feed your mouth hole, and make sure you eat, you’re just getting started)

1:00 - 2:00 pm:

• Angel's Envy FULL

• Buffalo Trace - Drew Mayville FULL

• Bourbon & Benevolence - Jamar Mack

• The Art of Paring Bourbon & Cigars - Maggie Kimberl

2:15 - 3:15 pm:

• Four Roses Cocktails - FULL

• Penelope Bourbon - FULL

• Chicken Cock Whiskey

• Michael Veach & Matthew Kohorst taste Hard Truth

• Greatest Stories Every Told - Matt Ray (this was a highlight seminar last year!)

3:30 - 4:30 pm:

Blind Flight Fight (It's Bourbon Night) - Chad & Sara

Old Elk - Melinda Maddox
Picking Peerless - John Wadell
Neeley Family Distillery - Royce Neeley & Jackie Zykan
Old Carter - Mark Carter FULL

SATURDAY SEMINAR SCHEDULE-

*Seminars & Times are Subject to Change

10:00 - 11:00 am:

Mike and Matt Get Toasted (Michael Veach & Matthew Kohorst) FULL
Pedigreed Grains: Biodiversity in Whiskey Grains -Maggie Kimberl
Women's Panel
Kings County and the Maturation of the Craft Bourbon Boom 15 years in - Colin Spoelman

11:15 - 12:15 pm:

Four Roses - Brent Elliot
O.H. Ingram River Aged Whiskey - Steven Nicodemo
New/Used Barrels - Zach & Jessica Ann Zimlich
K.LUKE with Jonathan Maisano

12:15 - 1:00 pm:

• Lunch Break (you eat NOW!)

1:00 - 2:00 pm:

Bardstown Bourbon Company/Green River
Spice Cabinet - Hood Sommelier (Jack Beguedou)
Ry3 Whiskey - Karthik Sudhir
Redwood Empire Whiskey - Lauren Patz
The Art of Pairing Bourbon & Cigars - Maggie Kimberl

2:15 - 3:15 pm:

Blending Panel
Blind Flight Fight (It's Bourbon Night) - Chad & Sara
Heaven Hill Distillery - Conor O'Driscoll FULL
Marianne Eaves
Art Eatables Chocolate & Bourbon Pairing - Kelly Ramsey

3:30 - 4:30 pm:

Dark Arts Whiskey House - Macaulay Minton FULL
Limestone Branch Distillery - Steve Beam & Stephen Fonte'
Still Austin - Chris Seals FULL
Bourbon thru Bluegrass/Heaven Hill Distillery - Bernie Lubbers and Connor O'Driscoll

*The things you get to experience at the Grand Tasting will often blow your mind.*

UPDATE 3/13-

Well, a lot happened yesterday so if you didn’t get here yesterday, you got some scrolling to do as today is a big freaking update. Several new events with links. Here’s the latest hotness.

The Map of the vendors was erroneously posted. It was the map from 2024. Fear not, those responsible have been tarred and feathered.
Heaven Hill is sponsoring a separate ticketed event that is presented by KOBBE at the legendary Jewel of the South on Thursday 3/20 from 5-8pm. Tickets are $200 but the poster says $250. Who knows anything anymore man. SOLD OUT!
“Experience an unforgettable evening of culinary artistry and exceptional bourbon at Jewel of the South. KOBBE invites you to "The Jewel & The Still," a meticulously crafted 3-course dinner where each course is thoughtfully paired with premium Heaven Hill products. A Heaven Hill representative will be on hand to guide you through the tasting experience.” SOLD OUT.
Still Austin is doing a separate ticketed event that is the same night as their free Movie Night at Barrel Proof. Tickets are $35 and the event is being held at Public Belt. LINK HERE. It says 5:30-6:30pm but that seems short. Thursday 3/20.
“Embark on a flavorful journey at Public Belt with an exclusive bourbon tasting hosted by the acclaimed Still Austin Whiskey Co. Experience three exceptional selections: the robust Cask Strength Bourbon, the spicy yet smooth Cask Strength Rye, and a unique rotating Bottle in Bond—renowned for its award-winning expressions. As you savor these rich flavors, enjoy our complimentary charcuterie board, perfectly paired to enhance your tasting experience.
Ideal for both bourbon enthusiasts and newcomers, this curated tasting showcases the artistry, passion, and accolades behind every pour.
Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of refined sips and rich stories.”
Marianne Eaves is doing a meet & greet in Baton Rouge (an hour drive roughly each way). Thursday 3/20. 6-830pm. Tickets are $175. LINK HERE. “Come join us for a special evening with the talented Marianne Eaves the first female master distiller and creator of Forbidden Bourbon ! This in-person gathering will take place at the Tiger's Trail RV Resort. Get ready to sip on some amazing bourbon, chat with Marianne, and enjoy a night filled with great company. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to meet a bourbon expert in person!
Special bourbon pricing available. (Presale orders offered)

Load in information for vendors is posted below. Vendors, check the vendors section on the website for awards submission information.
Yeah, you know, calendars need to be updated, AGAIN. I’ll have the new events added tomorrow morning. If you want to have access to the calendars, please send me an email to get added.

*Listen up you maniacs, DO NOT bother Adam unless you are a brand or food vendor. I mean it.*

*And here we have it. Four Roses dinner at Toups’.*

UPDATE 3/12- Evening edition

Four Roses dinner with Brent Eliot is on sale NOW. LINK HERE. Dinner is at Toup’s Meatery, and we have the menu below. Tickets are $139.
Bourbon and Bubbles party presented by Angel’s Envy is at Dooky Chase and is on sale via Eventbrite. LINK HERE. Tickets are $60.
A new seminar was just added. Jonathan Maisano of K*LUKE will be on Saturday 3/22 at 11:15am in New Levee.
Chicken Cock seminar is now on FRIDAY at 2:15pm. This was changed from Saturday.
O.H. Ingram seminar is now on SATURDAY at 11:15am. This was changed from Friday
Calendars updated again. I will reformat the schedule on the 3/13 update so please refer to the calendars, or your links on Sched.
Updated the Sold Out Events Tracker at the top of the page.
Family Dinner on Friday is me-canceled. You’re welcome to go to Cochon Butcher, it’s fantastic, I just can’t make it.
Scroll down for the morning edition updates.

UPDATE 3/12-

Fast and furious is the theme these next few days. So buckle up for safety and put on your good shoes. With these live updates you get to see some of the insane amounts of logistical work that’s happening in real time. Events changing locations, times changing, all the things you normally don’t get to. So, you’re either welcome, or I’m sorry.

Scroll down a bit for details on the currently on sale ticketed events.

Four Roses Dinner at Toups Meatery is now on sale. LINK
VENDOR LOAD-IN information- Load in for the grand tasting is 10am-4pm Thursday, and 9am-3pm Friday.
Grand Tasting map with brand/food locations coming end of the week.
Chicken Cock will be serving their astonishing Mizunara finished whiskey as their VIP pour at the grand tasting they have very limited quantities, so if you want to try something very different, hit them up early. They will also be bringing their new Small Batch (ask them how small is small) with them, so you’ll get a chance to try something that’s not even available in most markets, including Louisiana. Their seminar will feature a flight that includes Bourbon, Rye, Small Batch, and Double Oak, as well as a small taste of last years exceptional NOBF Single Barrel Pick.
Sazerac is going to have a pretty sick set up. The Sazerac booth will be situated next to and partnered with 5’s Raw Bar where there will be a Brown Derby inspired cocktail paired with fresh, chilled Wild Isle Oysters from Grand Isle, Louisiana, accompanied by a 1792-infused mignonette sauce and garnished with lemon and parsley. Nick and Sarah Waguespack, a power couple in the world of specialty Louisiana bivalves and proprietors of Wild Isle Oysters, will be at the adjacent booth shucking oysters on the spot, and pouring cocktails made with 1792 Bourbon. Wild Isle Oysters are known for providing the very best in specialty oysters, and the combination of their briny/salty flavors with the rich notes of the 1792 small batch cocktail (Made by James O’Donnell bar manager at 5’s) is sure to create a delightful tasting experience celebrating Louisiana’s culinary and cocktail heritage.
In other food booth pairing news La Petite Boucanière and the twice awarded BEST IN SHOW Silverback Distillery are bringing you fresh grilled Shrimp with a Blackback Honey Rye Glaze! Experience the vibrant spirit of New Orleans during the Lenten Season with shrimp, expertly grilled and finished with a sumptuous glaze made with Silverback's Blackback Honey Rye liqueur. This dish presents an exquisite harmony of flavors, inviting you to indulge in this luxurious culinary delight.
All calendars updated and cleaned up.
Added Sold out events tracker at the top of the page.
Added weather preview at the top of the page. Will update daily to help you plan your packing.
If you have questions feel free to use the comments section at the bottom of this page and I’ll answer if I can.

UPDATE 3/11-

Things are moving quickly obviously. I’m posting as fast as I find things out, and they’re always subject to change (which of course I’ll update as I find out). Here are some things-

FRED MINNICK DINNER ON SALE NOW! Click here for tickets. $119 plus fees. SoFAB stands for Southern Food and Beverage Museum. Click here to see.
The Blenders Panel Seminar panelists are- Melinda Maddox, Master Blender Old Elk, Sean Josephs, Founder/Master Blender Pinhook, Macaulay Minton President/Chief Alchemist Dark Arts, and Drew Mayville, Master Blender Buffalo Trace.
Updated the calendars with room locations, and descriptions of the seminar as available. If you wish to be added to the calendar send me an email.
Updated the seminar listings below to reflect what is full and what is still available. There is still a lot of availability, so if you’ve got a VIP ticket or a seminar ticket, make sure you sign up!
Dark Arts Haunted Ghost Tour now begins at 815pm on Wednesday and not at midnight as originally posted. City rules prevent starting so late and being in the cemeteries at 2am. So, good news for non-night owls. Still a kick ass event, and this should be super fun. Get tickets here. $56 plus fees.
Dark Arts dinner with Macaulay Minton is also currently on sale. Get tickets here. $119 plus fees.
Expect that the Four Roses dinner with Brent Eliot to go on sale any minute. Location change. Will not be at Jack Rose.
Same with the Angel’s Envy party which is pictured below. NOTE- The time on the image is incorrect. It’s from 5-7pm.

*I already have plans, but this is a great spot to have this event! The image is also wrong…. it’s from 5-7pm.*

UPDATE 3/10-

ON SALE NOW!

Here’s the link!

Haunted ghost/cemetery tour hosted by Dark Arts Whiskey. $56 plus fees.
Dinner with Macaulay Minton of Dark Arts Whiskey. Dinner at Brasa Churrasqueria with Macaulay MInton, Master Blender of Dark Arts Whiskey House. $119 plus fees. This will be at the New Orleans location.
Angel’s Envy is hosting a ticketed event on Thursday from 5-7pm at Dooky Chase’s Restaurant.

UPDATE 3/9-

Anyone see where my hour of sleep went? Here’s your sleep deprived update for today.

In Penelope News-

Here’s the synopsis of the Penelope seminar which is now titled “The Estate Collection - A journey of the founders principals” - The session will discover how the team’s journey led to the release of the founders series of 11 years .. and what the future holds at Penelope.” Please note “founders series of 11 years.” Why take note? Must I explain everything?
I’m forbidden to share the pictures, but the Penelope “booth” at the grand tasting is going to be very very cool. Booth is hardly an apt description. The brand wants you to experience it yourself when you approach it, and I respect wishing to preserve the “wow” experience for attendees. The images don’t do it justice anyway.
I asked if the 17yr American light whiskey would be making its way down here. Maybe, maybe not. Penelope is becoming the biggest tease…

In other news-

Isaac Toups will not be slinging food this year. He’s got a wedding to do, but he’s very likely to be at next years festival. You can still eat at his place though.
Tomorrow, the seminar schedules (including what room they’re in) will be updated in the calendars.
For those of you who are more visually inclined, I’m including the seminar schedules in grid format below.
The day before the festival begins, I’ll be reformatting this page so that the pertinent information is at the top to reduce scrolling. I know they’re posted now, but the rooms can change and I’ll update that as fast as I can. Expect that some changes are better found out at the seminar check in desk rather than my updates.

UPDATE 3/8-

Hoping to have some cool stuff to share before Monday, in the meantime…

There is some pretty cool news on the free event front. Mark Carter of Old Carter is joining up with Sean Josephs of Pinhook for the Meet and Greet on Thursday. I updated the listings of Free events below as well as the calendars. Expect Pinhook and Old Carter cocktails, as well as the opportunity to talk to these two legends in a way more intimate setting. No candles needed, Barrel Proof has their own.
Google Calendar sharing has been a struggle bus for some. Here’s the link.

*This is all of us waiting for the ticketed events to go on sale….. and I do mean ALL of us.*

UPDATE 3/7-

As we breathlessly await the Fred Minnick, Four Roses dinners and Ghost Tour ticketing information…… Let’s talk about After Parties, and Family Meals. The after parties are unofficial gatherings after the official events on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday have concluded. While some folks head home, back to their hotels, or scatter to the wind off to their favorite watering hole in the French Quarter, large amounts of people wander over to the two closest whiskey bars, namely Barrel Proof and The Rusty Nail.

Family Meal is another unofficial optional event where you can find some of us locals eating at some of our favorite places. With the after parties, and family meals, there is no fee, other than you owning your own tabs. So here’s a breakdown of the non-ticketed events and their locations/times. All of this is on our constantly updated calendars, so if you want to subscribe to them, send me an email with your request for Google or Apple calendar.

THURSDAY-

Family Lunch Noon-2pm at Backyard. Get a preview of the whiskey and brisket that will be served at the Grand Tastings. Incredible whiskey selection, and locals pricing (no REALLY).
Pinhook and Old Carter Happy Hour. 4-6pm at Barrel Proof. Free event, there will be 1 complimentary Pinhook cocktail, and 1 complimentary Old Carter cocktail.. There will be discounted Pinhook and Old Carter cocktails and pours, and a raffle. Come meet Sean Josephs, founder and master blender of Pinhook and Mark Carter of Old Carter fame. You own your own tab after this.
Still Austin Movie Night 5-7pm at Barrel Proof. This is a free event, own your own tab. There will be discounted Still Austin cocktails and pours, a raffle, and the classic movie Smokey and the Bandit!
After the VIP party, so midnight or so, it’s off to the Rusty Nail, unless you’re tired boo. Free event open to anyone regardless of ticket tier, own your own tab.

FRIDAY-

Family Breakfast 8-930am at Willa Jean or find your own breakfast, plenty of choices- Bearcat, Ruby Slipper, etc.. Own your own tab get a biscuit.
Family Dinner 430ish-530ish Cochon Butcher Free, own your own tab. While you don’t want to be FULL before the Grand Tasting (which is a 7 minute walk from here) because there’s killer food at the event, you do want SOMETHING in your belly before the madness. The Le Pig Mac is unreal. Highly recommend.
After Party 1030pm-1am at Barrel Proof. Free event, own your own tab blah blah blah. 8 minute walk from the Grand Tasting.

SATURDAY-

Family Breakfast 8-930am Molly’s Rise and Shine. Don’t make me remind you AGAIN that the seminars have whiskey to taste and you need sustenance. Free event, own your own tab.
Family Dinner TBA (check back for this….)
After Party 11pm-1am Rusty Nail. You know the drill, free event, own your own tab 6 minute walk from the Grand Tasting.

SUNDAY-

Family Lunch, or Breakfast, or Brunch whatever, we know you’re hungry, so join us at Blue Oak BBQ. 12-230pm. Come hang out, have some killer food, have a Coors.
If you like Frozen Irish Coffee or if you’re never had one, join us at Erin Rose in the French Quarter for a frozen around 230-330pm. Own your tab. Pro tip- If you get the Jameson floater, get it on the side so your kick ass Frozen Irish Coffee doesn’t become cold soup.
Unofficial closing party. 4-9pm at Barrel Proof. Free event, own your own tab. Come swap war stories, have a frozen marg, a pony or two, some whiskey if you still have the taste for it, and some terrific food from Matchbook Kitchen, our favorite remaining restaurant residency (aka pop-up).

UPDATE 3/6-

I know this page has got to be frustrating to check. It’s an updates page with not a lot of updates. It’s all chips, no dip. It’s peanut butter, no jelly. I’m doing what I can, best I can, as often as I can so thank you for your understanding. Just remember, it’ll all be worth it during the event. The party is one hell of a party. Got some stuff today, yes, more chips and peanut butter. Dip and Jelly coming soon.

Pinhook is likely to have a meet and greet Thursday, before the Still Austin movie night at Barrel Proof. This will be a free event, pretty low key, and a terrific opportunity to meet Sean Josephs and he might just have the Tiz Rye Time 9 year vertical blend to share. Who knows? Mark Carter might be there as well. CONFIRMED.
Speaking of Mark Carter, he will be a part of the Blender’s Panel seminar at 2:15pm on Saturday. So will Sean Josephs, so will Macauley Minton of Dark Arts. Ok, this was some dip, and jelly.
One of the best things about New Orleans Bourbon Festival is how big and intimate it is at the same time. It’s a lot, but it offers many opportunities to bump into whiskey people and chat with them. You might run into Dave from Proof and Wood at Erin Rose in the French Quarter just having a Champagne of Beers. You might see Bernie Lubbers at Barrel Proof having some Fighting Cock (or you might not now that it’s age stated 36 months). The point is, if you put yourself out there, you’ll meet some folks from all over like Millersville, MD, Joliet, IL, Pawley’s Island, SC, Brooklyn, NY. Just talk to the strangers next to you. I’m an introvert, and by the end of the event I’m utterly exhausted, but it’s great memories every single year, and so worth the time, effort, and energy.
The after parties are an absolute must-do, so pace yourselves during the grand tastings because you’ll meet all kinds of folks from all kinds of brands from all over the country. As of right now, the after parties on Friday and Saturday night will be evenly split between a mini-crawl of the Rusty Nail, and Barrel Proof.
Plan on being at Barrel Proof for a farewell gathering on Sunday at some point. It’s a free event, pay your own tab. But I’ll be there all afternoon outside making a mess. (mess pictured below).

*Yeah, there’s a Ricola in the picture, I tend to lose my voice every year talking so damn much.*

UPDATE 3/5-

We are now officially 2 weeks away from the festival and it’s “AFTER MARDI GRAS” so here’s some stuff-

Calendars are now updated. If you want me to share it with you, please send me an email with your preference for either Google or Apple calendars.
Seminar signups are now available for Seminar Ticket holders as well as VIP’s.
I should have the room assignments for the seminars shortly, keep in mind they could change day of.

UPDATE 3/4-

Happy Mardi Gras! I’ll be adding the seminars to the calendar shortly, AFTER MARDI GRAS, so hang in there. Friday and Saturday seminar individual tickets are SOLD OUT! As of this writing there are only TWO seminar combined day tickets available. Check your emails feverishly the next few days as the dinner and secondary ticketed events should be going live soon. My guess is that they go on sale really soon, so then you can finish up your last minute scramble to make plans for the rest of the time you’re here. Reminder- Non-VIP seminar tickets get to book on 3/5 at 9am. Also, if you’re not a VIP holder, expect to see some of the seminars full when you go to book. A bonus of being a VIP ticket holder, you get dibs.

UPDATE 3/3-

Today’s update is mostly a formatting cleanup day (I feverishly posted the seminar schedule as a sloppy copy and paste due to me getting the information last minute and rushing to have it out ASAP), as well as some updates to previous updates which will also be cleaned up. Some notable things-

Steve Beam and Yellowstone will be presenting at the festival, it had been previously reported that due to the cutbacks in marketing budgets at MGPI/Luxco that he would not be in attendance. We are happy to hear that there is some sanity left in this world.
While I will be dipping into almost every seminar throughout Friday/Saturday, the ones I’ve bolded and italicized are the seminars that I’ll be taking a seat for and spending time in.

UPDATE 2/28-

Check your email. Picture above has some info.

Got an update for you today, but it’s as usual, lite on what you want. In the blogging industry this is called “filler” but some of you may be interested because we have some suggestions for people with dietary restrictions (vegan, GF, dairy free, vegetarian). We also have the awards categories for the festival in image format below. There are an astounding number of places to eat in New Orleans that are either fully vegan or extremely vegan friendly. Rather than list them all out, I’ll link a few really great articles that talk about them, and below I’ll list the places I enjoy and I’m hardly vegan/vegetarian..

List of Vegan, or Vegan friendly places click here or here.
Personal places I love- Saba, 1000 Figs, Addis, Banana Blossom. Gianna, Bearcat Cafe is extremely popular because it has both a vegan/vegetarian menu, and a no regrets regular menu (Bearcat is also a Whiskey Spectre favorite).
My favorite pizza place in New Orleans is Pizza Delicious, and they have a wildly good vegan pizza on menu. Yes, even Commander’s Palace has great vegan options. One of the best bakeries in the city is Breads on Oak and they have vegan food too!
I’ve yet to visit Sweet Soulfood, but people I know rave about it and it usually places high on the “best of” listicles.
Nearly every restaurant in the city has vegetarian options, but watch out, there’s usually lots of butter if you’re not at some form of Mediterranean place. When in doubt, ask about butter. They can usually accommodate with olive oil.
Sneaky Pickle is amazing. I highly recommend it.
It’s quite easy to get gluten free and non-dairy options at most places here. Just ask. There’s hardly a restaurant that won’t find a way to make you something delicious. I’ve spent the last month just looking at menus and I have yet to find one that didn’t accommodate somehow. Last note on this, many of the “best of” searches you can do on the internet show Carmo as being a terrific spot. It was. It’s gone now. I still cry about it.

There are still 27 available volunteer spots left but they’re filling up fast. If you’re local you can click here to signup. You get one grand tasting ticket for each day you volunteer.

*These are the categories for the New Orleans Bourbon Festival Awards.*

UPDATE 2/26-

Quick hits today with some bummer news and some brief information for those of you thinking about dinner plans for Thursday night 3/20.

Fred Minnick will be hosting a dinner at SoFAB. Tickets are $119. This event won’t conflict with the Still Austin movie party at Barrel Proof earlier in the eventing or the VIP event later on. This will compete with other dinners though.
The bummer news is the Chicken Cock Single Barrel that we picked, and has a custom label, will not be coming in time for the festival, so instead of just releasing it after the festival, the barrel is being repurposed for another market. The timing just didn’t work out. Super bummed because it was spectacular. You can still pick up some of last years release at Dorignacs for $125. Yes, it’s a grocery store. And yes, it’s got a HUGE liquor section.
Smokewagon is hosting an event at the Triple Nickel on Wednesday 3/19. It will be at the Maddisonville location, about an hour drive each way. Aaron of Smokewagon will be in attendance. .

UPDATE 2/25-

There’s a common saying here in New Orleans- “After Mardi Gras.” Mardi Gras puts everything on hold here. The entire city barely holds it together as a functioning entity during the month of parades and parties (throw in a Super Bowl week, and a terrorist attack) and you end up here, hoping for an update to a festival that’s barely three weeks from now.

Stay tuned, the updates are going to come fast and furious when they happen, not when we want them to happen. This week I should have a preliminary schedule (subject to changes of course), and you need to keep an eye on your email for seminar sign ups.

UPDATE 2/20-

Not a lot of information for this update other than what’s below and the assurances that the planners are working at a frenetic pace.

Barrell single barrel pick for the festival has been selected by the festival organizers. It should be available at the Marriott during the seminar events (recommend you buy here so you can leave it in your hotel and not have to lug it around during the grand tasting). Check at the information desk for the festival on Friday / Saturday and pick one up. All picks including some hidden bottles from last year (Still Austin/Old Soul) will be available at the check in desk at the seminars.
If you’d like to volunteer to work (you do get a grand tasting ticket for each day you work) here’s the link to the signup page.

*Barrell single barrel pick for the festival. (I wasn't part of this pick). Could be available at the Marriott during the seminars.*

*This my friends, is the spicy chicken sandich at* *Blue Oak BBQ. It is the Ali/Sugar Ray/Marciano/Tyson combined, greatest of the greatest chicken sanciches, and it will ruin your life if you don’t live here.*

UPDATE 2/10-

The web traffic to this page has been something to behold. I appreciate you all for visiting and revisiting to get your updates. I’m sorry the information comes so slow, but like I promised before, when I have it, you’ll have it. So we kick it off with some amazing Still Austin plans for that week. I’ve added them to the calendars. If you want a calendar invitation please send me an email and tell me whether you want Apple or Google Calendar access..

Still Austin is hosting a movie night at Barrel Proof on Thursday the 20th from 5pm-7pm. The feature will be the Burt Reynolds classic Smokey and the Bandit. Admission is free, but you own your own tab. There will be a raffle for something fun. Last years Road House double-feature was a smash hit!
Still Austin will have the same booth space as previous years, so you won’t have to go find them. They don’t have a listing of what’s going to be poured at the grand tasting event, but we can hope for some Order of Nancy pick, or perhaps something out of the library?
They have an untitled seminar planned, will update when we know if it’s Friday or Saturday that will feature Christian and Jason (“a wonderful nerd who loves whiskey”).
RY3, Penelope, JT Meleck, KLUKE, Forbidden (Marianne Eaves), Chicken Cock are all confirmed to have booths during the grand tasting events. This is not the comprehensive list. There will be BOAT LOADS more that will be there, this is just what I’ve confirmed thus far. Note- if you are a brand, feel free to contact me with details of your plans.

*This is all of you revisiting this page to get your updates. I cannot appreciate you all enough.*

UPDATE 2/9-

While we wait for information to come through this week, I have some answers to some questions I’ve been receiving regarding recommendations for things to do while here that aren’t necessarily Bourbon Festival Related.

So here are some things that I enjoy and recommend, that aren’t official Bourbon Festival events.

If you can’t do the Dark Arts Ghost Tour on Wednesday night, go do a ghost tour anyway. They’re cheesy yes, but they’re very fun. You learn about some historical buildings and events that took place in them (yeah, some of them are embellished, but with flair) and they make stops at some bars to get a drink along the way, which you can take with you in a go cup. Yes, it’s legal to walk the French Quarter, drink in hand. USNews and World Report has a pretty good breakdown on the tours, so I’ll just link it here rather than recap it.
Visit the brand new Storyville Museum. It’s a lot of reading, but it’s a really cool history of a part of the city that no longer exists outside of legend, lore, entertainment, and two remaining buildings..
Take the streetcar. It’s less than $4 round trip, the St. Charles line is the prettiest ride, you can learn more here.
Visit the Sazerac House. It’s a free tour (they do have paid ones too), you get 3 mini cocktails for free, and it’s a self guided museum. Sure it glosses over what the meaning of “exchange” was at the “coffee” houses of the time (it was slave exchange), but it gives a really in-depth history of how Sazerac Company came about, and it tells you where all your favorite brands came from (Handy, Blanton, Elmer, Stagg, were all real people). The free tour is awesome, and I cannot recommend this enough. Best to make reservations, but you can drop in.
Visit New Orleans own Seven Three Distilling. They have paid tours, a bar, and a terrific gift shop if you just want to get some swag. If you want to take something that’s made locally, home with you, this is your spot. They have Whiskey, Gin, Vodka, and my personal house staple Black Pearl Rum.
If you want the craftiest of craft distilling, in fact everything is a one man show here, connect with Jedd of Atelier Vie. It doesn’t get any more DIY than this. Whiskey, Rum, Gin, and some incredible Absinthe. Jedd will be at the grand tasting, recommend you check him out.
Liquor stores to visit. No you won’t find pappy at retail, or even Blantons, but you should hit some of these spots if you’re looking for some fun things. Rickey’s Discount Liquor near the airport (make it your last stop on the way to your flight, but leave room in your suitcase). Elio’s near Tulane. Martin’s wine. Yes we also have a Total Wine in Metairie.
If you’re in the mood for cocktail, might I recommend a few of my favorite spots? Jewel of the South is one of the best cocktail bars on EARTH. Make reservations. Will and the Way for a La Louisiane. Erin Rose or Molly’s on Decatur for frozen irish whiskeys (adult milkshakes) pro tip- get the floater on the side. If you’re feeling super spendy, Cure is your place. You can get an old fashioned made with old carter for $55. A swanky place with great drinks is Jolie. Pro tip if you like savory drinks, get the Italian Job martini. It’s soprasetta washed and comes with meat and cheese… phenomenal.
Whiskey bars, yeah you hear me talk about them a lot, but that’s because they’re the best at what they do. Barrel Proof has the best selection in the city, including a wide range of Japanese and Scotch. They have shiddy beerz, and frozen margaritas. It’s a terrific neighborhood bar with neighborhood pricing, unless it’s allocated, then you pay like everyone else. Rusty Nail has a nice whiskey selection that won’t break your wallet, and they have actually very good beers. Backyard is a killer spot, but requires and Uber. Locals pricing, even on allocated, great food and a curated beer selection. If you want a break from whiskey for a bit, then hit the Avenue Pub which has a really great beer selection.
The National World War Two Museum is the number one attraction in the city for a reason. I’ve been dozens of times and haven’t seen it all. They say it takes about 2-3 hours to do the museum, they is incorrect. You could do it that quickly, but you would miss so very much. I still cannot recommend it enough.

There are plenty of other things to do, Audubon Park, Civil War Museum (pro tip- just go look at it from the outside, the museum itself isn’t as great as the building itself), Beignets (pro tip- Cafe Dumonde at the French Market is the spot, skip all other pretenders). Feel free to ignore every suggestion I made and build your own itinerary. Bottom line is your entire visit doesn’t have to be Bourbon Festival exclusive. Wander around. Take pictures. Do what you like to do.

*The burger at* *Backyard, with freakin’ tots man!*

UPDATE 2/7-

This update will feature some logistical things and tips for folks coming in for the festival complete with a few maps to show where things are. Let’s start with some tips.

TIPS-

Hydrate- Don’t “OK DAD” me here. Whatever water you drink in your daily life, DOUBLE IT during the festival You will be presented with an obscene amount of whiskey on Friday and Saturday. Most seminars feature a tasting, which means you’re drinking at 10am!!! The grand tasting runs until 10pm! That alone is almost 12 hours of drinks! I tend to drink a bottle of water during each seminar. Yes, I use the bathroom a lot during the festival, that’s also none of your business. Your goal here is to make it to the after party, and wake up the next day. I also recommend some form of liquid IV packets one in the morning, one before bed (i’ve also done one midday Saturday). It helps really.
Dump/Spit. Remember, you are NOT obligated to try or finish everything you’re poured. It is not considered disrespectful to dump after tasting, in fact, it’s expected unless you’re choosing that limited edition pour to spend time with. There’s plenty of time, 3-4 hours depending on your ticket, you don’t have to chug to get to the next booth. If you aren’t dumping, and you’re not hydrating enough then you’re gonna feel it the next morning, or maybe before that because our sidewalks are not what one would normally consider quality.
Don’t try to do it all. It’s not possible. Many have tried, all have failed. Do NOT take this as a challenge, I know you won’t make it and you will end up hurting the next day. Try to preplan some distillery booths you really must do in advance, and spread those out over the two nights. Leave room for discovery. DUMP frequently.
Clean your glass. The festival gives you a glencaiirn for the tasting each night. Bring a towel or cloth and wipe your glass after rinsing at each booth you visit. You want a clean glass for the next experience. Also, when you pour water into the glass, use that as an opportunity to HYDRATE MORE! I personally drink the rinsing water, and if you think that’s gross, wait until you step into street gravy in crocs.
Reservations. Book reservations for dinner! Even if you don’t plan to attend any of the soon to be announced whiskey dinners, you need some of the good good that New Orleans has to offer. There are lots of great spots between the hotel where the seminars are held, and the grand tasting location. Peche, Maypop, Cochon, Cochon Butcher if you don’t mind an uber/lyft ride for some great stuff outside of downtown, I highly recommend Backyard (who will have a food/whiskey booth at the grand tasting) where not only can you get killer food (best tots on earth) you can also drink from a terrific whiskey selection at locals prices, click this link to see the pricing!. The other is Blue Oak BBQ. Best chicken sandich on this here earth.
Let the good times roll. (it’s actually fun to replace the lyrics in the Cars classic song with “Laissez les bons temps rouler” go on try it.) Make certain you have enough gas left in the Chrysler to go to the unofficial after parties. Lots of the brand folks end up at these, and it’s a nice opportunity to talk to them over a pony without the formality of a seminar. Usually these end up being at the Rusty Nail, or Barrel Proof. Both are super close to the Grand Tasting event (see below for maps!).I’ll keep you updated.
EAT! During the grand tasting events there are food stations every 3-5 booths. Stop and get a bite as you go through. You will need this and it’s included in your ticket price. TRY IT ALL. (pro tip- Backyard Brisket). Also, eat breakfast. On Friday/Saturday the seminars have snacks and small bites, but personally I prefer a full meal at some of the terrific spots nearby so I don’t get tipsy before lunch. I personally recommend Willa Jean (pro tip- get a biscuit to go, you’ll thank me later).

*This is from Willa Jean. That’s the chicken biscuit. Careful, highly addictive. (Pro tip- add Crystal. Not that crystal, the hot sauce crystal, jeez Heisenberg!)*

LOGISTICS-

Alright, now for you visual folks that want to SEE where things are. I got you covered. If you’re staying at the official hotel where the seminars are held, then you’ll see how short a walk it is to the grand tasting events on Friday/Saturday night. It’s close. You’ll also walk by lots of places to eat. I recommended some above, but feel free to ignore my recommends and just stop in wherever you want. Just please don’t eat at chains if you can. Support our local places which keep New Orleans special.

*This is the 10 minute walk from the Marriott to the Contemporary Arts Center, where the grand tastings will be taking place. It’s really 7.5 minutes and it’s not a strenuous journey.*

*The walk to the Rusty Nail, aka* *The Nail. About 5.5 minutes walking from the Contemporary Arts Center. This will likely be the spot for one of the unofficial grand tasting after parties.*

*The walk to* *Barrel Proof. We will call it 8 minutes walking time because of the traffic lights under the freeway. Another location for the unofficial after party.*

If you head back to the hotel after the grand tasting event to drop off swag or reload, or just want to go to the Nail, 10 minute walk, let’s call it 12 because you didn’t hydrate like I told you to.

*15 minutes to Barrel Proof from the hotel. Walking. Not bad.*

Ok, that wraps up this kind of update? Hopefully it’s answered some questions for ya. As you can see on the maps, there are lots of places to eat in that narrow vicinity, but you of course don’t have to stick to any of those. Plenty of places to eat here, but like I said, please avoid the chains and support local. If you have any questions you’d like to see answered or recommendations, feel free to drop something in the comments below, or send me an email. I hope to have another update Monday, so stay tuned.

UPDATE 2/5-

If you’re interested in the Ultimate Judging VIP ticket, there are only 14 left. Keep in mind the judging is an all day affair on Thursday. This ticket gets you the same access as the VIP, but also gives you the opportunity to blind taste all the submissions for the Bourbon Festival Awards. There are only 50 of these judges, will you be one of them? Below is the list of winners for 2024.

*My favorite is the Still Austin CASH (sic) strength.*

UPDATE 2/3-

Got a little update for you today. We should have some more information coming fast and furious as we get closer to the festival. Some of you may be getting a little bit antsy as to why we don’t have the seminar schedules or a list of the brand parties/dinners etc.. yet. The planning that the festival goes through to put these things together is extraordinary. So many agreements, and logistical things for so many different brands takes a dumb amount of work. Some brands don’t really get serious until the last minute, so it keeps everything on hold. The festival has learned not to say something is happening unless it is. They’ve been burned a few times, so please stay tuned.

If you’ve purchased tickets already, keep an eye out for the email with a link to sign up for the seminars. By the time I get the seminar listings posted, and put on the calendar, signups will already have been underway.
I’m running a live calendar again this year, with the addition of Google calendar access for the first time. If you’d like to have access to the calendar, please send me an email and let me know if you want Apple iCal or Google calendar access. You don’t need to sign up for both, they will have the same information.
Before the VIP Grand Tasting begins on Friday, I will be doing an Instagram Live showcasing what limited edition bottles that are available at the booths. This will help you get a good idea of what your plan is upon entry. Make sure you have your booth map at the ready (I will post this when it’s available).

FOOD NEWS!

The Salted Pearl is a locals place here in New Orleans. It’s located at the St. Roch Market which has been around since 1875. I’ll give you some quick hits about Salted Pearl. Chef Micah Martello partners with Salty Girl Oysters (a multi generational family owned business) and will be serving at the festival. If you love oysters, or are oyster curious, this is your booth right here. Click this link to read more about the Salted Pearl.

UPDATE 1/31-

We have some updates for you today that anyone attending should find fairly interesting.

HUGE NEWS!! Drew Mayville, the Master Blender and Director of Quality from Buffalo Trace will be at the festival! He will be hosting a “Blenders Panel” seminar that will feature Sean Josephs of Pinhook, Jonathan Maisano of K-Luke, and Macaulay Minton of Dark Arts. A great deal of attention has been placed on Master Distillers over the years, but those in the know, understand that the true magic happens in the hands of expert craftspeople that can take a commodity and turn it into the bottles that we all love. You can click the link to learn more about Drew Mayville, but just know that he was the last Master Distiller under the Seagram’s empire. Also, all of the Buffalo Trace things that you love and can’t get, were touched by Drew. Yeah, a little SazCo zinger here, do you know me at all? When signups begin, you know this one will fill up quickly.
I hinted at it in an earlier update but now I’ve got the juicy details to share.
Dark Arts will be hosting a midnight Ghost Tour event that will end up at a cemetery on Wednesday night. It’s a separate ticket event, pricing will be in the $50 range plus fees. It will be a tasting event in one of New Orleans legendary cemeteries and you cannot freaking miss this!!! There will potentially be 4 tours running simultaneously through the French Quarter (max 28 people per tour). If you haven’t done a Ghost Tour in New Orleans before, know that they are delightfully cheesy, provide some actual historical tidbits, and feature stops at bars that are famously haunted where you can get a cocktail featuring Dark Arts. The tour will conclude with a tasting hosted by Macaulay Minton. LISTEN CLOSELY! This is a CAN’T MISS event.
Trey Zoeller of Jefferson’s will be returning to the festival for the first time in three years! Trey has a fascinating story and is a very engaging personality. You cannot miss the opportunity to meet him.
Marianne Eaves will be back with Forbidden. They will have a booth at the grand tasting.

Backyard BBQ returns with their beloved brisket and their Bourbon. There are a million terrific places to eat here in New Orleans, but, none of them have a world class whiskey selection at neighborhood prices. What is neighborhood pricing? Check this out! This is a locals place that you should definitely get into an Uber/Lyft for. Plus, they have their own label, which is terrific on its own. If you’re lucky, he might pull a dram straight out the barrel for you.

Penelope will have an expanded presence at the festival, but there will not many Luxco brands in attendance. No Rebel, no Remus (dammit I wanted to try this years Gatsby), Minor Case, Ezra Brooks. This is likely the casualty of the ongoing reduced marketing budgets from brands, and that really sucks. Great for Penelope who is so freaking hot right now, but for those that wanted to engage with some of the lesser known labels in that portfolio, kick rocks.
Aaron Chepenik of Smoke Wagon will be doing an event at the Triple Nickel which is across the lake. Wednesday 3/19 630pm.
Food Drunk is back as a food vendor this year. If you don’t know, DRUNKEN MEAT CONES! Ice cream cones but with MEAT and no ice cream.

For those of you not using iCal, here is a google calendar link that will have all of the schedules.

We will have more updates in the coming days. So check back often (not daily, I’m not that fast). There is so much more to share, and we will do that as soon as we know about it.

UPDATE 1/26-

A couple of updates today and a reminder that if you wish to have all the events listed on iCal, you can email me here and I’ll add you to the calendar. This will have a comprehensive schedule for the entire festival (seminars, dinners, ticketed event information, brand activations, and after parties).

A big change from previous years, as the festival tries to tighten things up, and make the event more friendly to brands who were having to work extremely long days, and also cramming everything up against itself.

There will be 5 seminar choices per hour instead of 4 (some hours still have 4). While this will mean having to make harder choices, it also means that the festival can create a bigger gap between the seminar programming, and the Grand Tasting events. There will be 47 seminars to choose from. Seminars are being smushed into a tighter time frame (10-4:30).

Why are they doing this?

The Grand Tasting events will be starting one hour earlier than in previous years. The VIP entry will be from 6-7pm, and the General Admission will begin at 7pm. The grand tastings run until 10pm, which will allow for the people working the booths to get some sleep, and allow attendees to go have fun post tasting at their favorite local. May I suggest the Rusty Nail, or Barrel Proof?

There is talk of doing a “Louisiana Row” for the grand tasting events. All the local distillery booths side by side. We will update with more information as it comes available.

Other scheduling information-

The VIP welcome party is on Thursday, March 20th 2025. It will be held at the New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District (859 Convention
Center Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70130). This will be a VIP ticket only mixer event with food, drinks, and music. There will be all kinds of folks from the whiskey industry to rub elbows with. Do people still rub elbows? The visual on this is so odd to me, but I’ll be there anyway, keeping my elbows to myself.

Hotel booking information for the festival-

New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District Hotel (Bourbon Festival rate link)

UPDATE 1/24-

A quick update for today, and while the water sponsor may not feel like a big deal to you, if you know, you know.

Niagara will be the water sponsor this year.
HooDoo ice cream is back!
The Sunday closing party returns. Location Barrel Proof 4-9pm.

UPDATE 1/23-

Some quick updates about the single barrel selections for the New Orleans Bourbon Festival.

Kentucky Peerless will have a pick for the festival. No word yet as to whether this will be a rye or bourbon. I may or may not get the chance to help select with my pals Matt and Bryan. UPDATE= NOT. Wahhhhhhhhh.
There will be TWO single barrels from Four Roses this year that will be selected by Brent Eliot. I don’t have the details on the mash bills yet, but hope to soon.
There will be one single barrel from Dark Arts.

UPDATE 1/20-

Ok, let’s kick off the first update with some quick hits,

Tickets for the festival are available now at this link. Special event tickets are NOT yet available. I will update when they are. Dates are 3/19-3/23.

You will notice that the dates this year are 5 days, not 4 as in previous years. That’s because there will be a midnight event on Wednesday the 19th, and I encourage you to plan for it. I’ll be sharing details on it shortly. It will be a separate, ticketed event, that I’m already salivating over.
Kentucky Peerless is putting together a whiskey dinner. More details to come soon.
Four Roses will be back again with another dinner, likely with Brent Eliot. This is always a popular event. More details to come.
There will be less festival exclusive single barrels this year, as the festival is narrowing it down to focus heavily on what works for the festival. I’ll have some details on what’s coming shortly.

Make sure to bookmark this page and check back soon for updates.

New Orleans Bourbon Festival 2025 LIVE UPDATES