In 2007, the Senate passed a resolution declaring September as National Bourbon Heritage Month. To celebrate, meetNKY is sharing a list of festivities and specials for bourbon enthusiasts at B-Line locations throughout Northern Kentucky this month.
According to the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, distilled spirits have a total estimated annual economic contribution of $8.94 billion, supporting nearly 22,540 jobs in Kentucky. The B-Line, short for the Bourbon Line, was introduced in 2018 to help capture the large percentage of that economic impact, specifically people driving along I-75 or flying into CVG International Airport.
The B-Line includes eight bourbon bars, six bourbon-centric restaurants and Northern Kentucky distilleries such as Boone County Distilling Company, New Riff Distilling and Old Pogue Distillery.
“Kentucky is the epicenter of bourbon culture and heritage and has helped set the high standards for distilling,” said meetNKY President and CEO Julie Kirkpatrick. “We invite bourbon fans from across the country to join us throughout the month in celebrating the rich history and unique stories of the distilleries, restaurants and bars along The B-Line, the edge and beginning of the ‘Bourbon State.’”
A full list of stops can be found on The B-Line’s website.
Some of the festivities for National Bourbon Heritage Month planned in Northern Kentucky include:
Tousey House Tavern: 5963 N. Jefferson St. #9596, Burlington
In addition to celebrating 200 years in business during the month of September, Tousey House will feature two limited edition cocktails: the Erastus Manhattan, featuring a Tousey Starlight Barrel Pick Bourbon, Carpano’s Antica Formula Sweet Vermouth, and Peychard’s Bitters, topped with a Bada Bing Cherry
The Union Square features Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Boone County Maple Syrup, fresh pomegranate and lemon juice, topped with a rosemary sprig.
The Burlington restaurant is also featuring two dessert specials to celebrate the month – the bourbon-infused salted caramel apple pie a la mode and the pecan bourbon crème brûlée.
Wiseguy Lounge: 603 Main St., Covington
Wiseguy Lounge will offer a weekly featured distiller and weekly specials to celebrate the month. Participating distillers include Pinhook, Boone County Distilling, Rabbit Hole Distillery, Makers Mark, Old Forrester, New Riff and Four Roses.
Weekly specials with the featured distillers include $5 Manhattans on Mondays, discounted bottles on Tuesdays and $5 Old Fashioned cocktails on Wednesdays. On Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m., the lounge will host educational events with various bourbon brand representatives.
Coppin’s: 638 Madison Ave, Covington
Located in Hotel Covington, Coppin’s will host a 25-person, ticketed Bourbon Heritage Tasting event at 5 and 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 7.
Featured bourbons include Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve 20 and 15 year, George T. Stagg 2019 and the latest of W.L. Weller C.Y.P.B. Complimentary small bites are also included.
Those interested in attending can purchase tickets on Eventbrite.
Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar: 629 Main St., Covington
Every Wednesday during the month, Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar will offer tastings from “dusty” and rare bottles of bourbon from the bar’s collection. Once these bourbons are gone, they are gone for good.
For more information about Dusty Bottle Wednesdays visit OKBB’s website.
Smoke Justis: 302 Court St., Covington
Every day in September, Smoke Justis will feature a B-Line flight and $6 Early Times BIB Old Fashioned cocktails.
One of the restaurant’s featured cocktails will be a Buzzard’s Roost Manhattan, which patrons can enjoy along with a printed recipe card and history on the featured spirit. A full list of monthly events can be found on the Smoke Justis website.
Prohibition Bourbon Bar: 530 Washington Ave., Newport
The Prohibition Bourbon Bar at Newberry Bros. Coffee in Newport is celebrating National Bourbon Heritage Month with a few extra flight and drink specials to commemorate the momentous occasion. For more information on specific specials, visit The Prohibition Bourbon Bar website. Reservations are strongly recommended.
“We love showing off the great stops along The B-Line and tying this region to the rich
bourbon heritage throughout the Commonwealth,” Kirkpatrick said. “This month is a
perfect time for visitors across the Tri-State, and nationally, to come experience our
Southern spirit – and spirits – right here in Northern Kentucky.”
Interested parties can click here for a full list of participating establishments, events and specials.
