Table of Contents

The 12 Major Bourbon Distilleries

(Course #301) - Jim Beam Brands {Basic}

(Course #302) - Heaven Hill Brands {Basic}

(Course #303)- Buffalo Trace Brands {Basic}

(Course #304) - Brown-Forman Brands {Basic}

(Course #305) - Wild Turkey Brands {Basic}

(Course #306) - Maker’s Mark Brands

(Course #307) - Four Roses Brands

(Course #308) - Diageo/Bulleit Brands

(Course #309) - Barton/1792 Brands

(Course #310) - M.G.P./LuxCo Brands

(Course #312) - Bardstown Bourbon Company Brands

(Course #311) - Willett Brands

13 Advanced Distillery Classes

(Course #401) - Jim Beam {Advanced Part 1} “The Jim Beam Family Line”

(Course #402) - Jim Beam {Advanced Part 2} ”The Olds” & High Ryes”

(Course #403) - Jim Beam {Advanced Part 3} ”The Small Batch Collection”

. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

(Course #411) - Heaven Hill {Advanced Part 1} Two Families & Imitation Brands;

(Course #412) - Heaven Hill {Advanced Part 2} ”All about the E’s,” Evan & Elijah;

(Course #413) - Heaven Hill {Advanced Part 3} Parker’s Herit., Wheats & Ryes;

. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

(Course #421) - Buffalo Trace {Adv. Part 1} The Four Cornerstones

(Course #422) - Buffalo Trace {Adv. Part 2} ”B.T. Antique Collection”

(Course #422) - Buffalo Trace {Adv. Part 3} Wheated Mash Bill, Ryes, Misc.

. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

(Course #431) - Brown-Forman {Advanced} ”Super Premiums & Limited Editions”;

(Course #432) - Wild Turkey {Advanced} ”Super Premiums & Limited Editions”;

(Course #443) - Four Roses 10 Single Barrel Recipes

(Course #451) - Jack Daniel’s {Advanced} ”Super Premiums & Limited Editions”

Course (#301)

Jim Beam (Basic)

Jim Beam (Basic) Tasting Class

Course (#301)

Jim Beam is the largest Bourbon Distiller in the World. You will taste 12 (1/3 shots) of Jim Beam's diversified selection of 94 different Bourbons and North American Whiskies.

This class is taught by Major Christopher Hart and/or Colonel Craig Duncan

Jim Beam is the best-selling brand of bourbon in the world.  Started in 1795, seven direct line descendants of Jacob Beam have been the Master Distillers in their family's whiskey production. The Flagship brand was given the name "Jim Beam" in 1933 in honor of James Beauregard Beam, who rebuilt the business in 120 days after Prohibition ended. The Jim Beam Distilleries are located in Clermont, Kentucky and Boston, Kentucky. Jim Beam is a wholly owned subsidiary of Beam Suntory Brands of Osaka, Japan.

This is a great Overview and a basic look into the distillery. Some of the bourbons you will try to include; Jim Beam Black Double Aged, Jim Beam White, Jim Beam's Devil's Cut, Jim Beam Rye, Knob Creek Small Batch, Old Grand Dad, Jim Beam Single Barrel, Old Crow, Jim Beam Single Barrel and Top Shelf Booker's at 128.8 proof. You will also try some flavored whiskies that include; Jim Beam Apple, Beam's Red Stag (Black Cherry) and Jim Beam Maple.

Course #304

Brown-Forman (Basic)

Brown-Forman (Basic) Tasting Class

Course #304

Brown-Forman is the fourth largest Bourbon Distiller in the World, but they are the Largest Whiskey Distiller in the world when including Jack Daniel's.  You will taste 12 (1/3 shots) of the 80 different variations, brands and labels of bourbon or North American whiskey.

This class is taught by Major Troy Rubert and/or Colonel Craig Duncan

The Brown-Forman Corporation is the largest distilled spirit and wine company in North America. They are headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky but their holdings span the entire world. Their popular bourbon brands include Woodford Reserve, Old Forester and Early Times. Their other whiskey labels include the world's most popular whiskey but it is a Tennessee Whiskey in Jack Daniel's, they also produce Canadian Mist. This tasting will focus specifically on the bourbon.

Some of the bourbons that you will experience at this tasting include; Old Forester, Woodford Reserve, Early Times Whiskey, Old Forester Whiskey Row Series 1870 Original Batch, Early Times 354 Bourbon, Old Forester Whiskey Row Series 1897 Bottled-in-Bond, Early Times Bottled-in-Bond, Woodford Reserve Double Oak, Old Forester Mint Julep, Old Forester Single Barrel, Old Forester Birthday,  Old Forester Whiskey Row Series 1920 Prohibition Style,  Reserve Master’s Collection Maplewood Finish.

Course (#305)

Wild Turkey (Basic)

Wild Turkey (Basic) Tasting Class

Course (#305)

Come learn about Wild Turkey Brands, the Distillery is the fifth largest Bourbon Distiller in the World. Wild Turkey 101 is the sixth most popular Bourbon brand in the world. Come and try 10 samples of Wild Turkey's incredible 58 brands of Bourbon and North American whiskies..

The Wild Turkey Distillery, under the direction of Master Distiller Jimmy Russell, is a subsidiary of the Campari Group and is located in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. In 1891, Thomas Ripy the founder of Wild Turkey built his Old Hickory Distillery near its present site on the former location of the Old Moore Distillery. In 1933 after Prohibition ended, the Ripy family repaired the distillery and began to again produce bourbon. The Ripys sold the bourbon produced at this distillery to various wholesalers including Austin Nichol who bottled bourbon under their own brands including Wild Turkey.

During this tasting class you will experience J. T. S. Brown, Wild Turkey 101, Wild Turkey American Honey, Wild Turkey Rye, Wild Turkey Sting, Wild Turkey Rare Breed, Russell's Reserve 10 Year, Russell's Reserve Single Barrel, Wild Turkey Longbranch and Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit.

Course (#306)

Maker’s Mark

Maker’s Mark Tasting Class

Course (#306)

Maker's Mark Distillery is the six largest Bourbon Distiller in the World. The Maker’s Mark brand is the fifth most popular brand in the world. It makes 10 different variations, brands and labels of bourbon or whiskey.

The Maker's Mark Distillery is located in Loretto, Kentucky, it specializes in several small batch bourbons all with the name Maker's Mark. It is subsidiary of Beam Suntory Brands. Maker's Mark is the most popular wheated bourbon in the world which means it has no rye in its mash bill and uses a soft wheat as its second ingredient. It is sold in distinctively square bottles sealed with dripping red wax and is produced at 90 proof.

When founder T. W. Samuels was developing the blueprint for Maker's Mark he made seven different mash bill recipes. But Samuels did not have the luxury of being able to wait five years to distill and age all seven variations so he baked each recipe in a loaf of bread and had his family help him taste the loaves for the best to make his bourbon.

The Maker's Mark tasting will be combined with the bourbons of Four Roses to fill up the twelve spots. In this tasting you will try; Four Roses Yellow Label, Maker's Mark, Four Roses Black Label (available only in Japan), Maker's Mark Mint Julep, Four Roses Small Batch, Maker's Mark 46, Cabin Fever, Four Roses Single Batch, Maker's Mark Cask Strength, T. W. Samuels, Maker's Mark Private Select, Four Roses Single Barrel, Maker's Mark Ambassador Black Seal.

Course (#307)

Four Roses

Four Roses Tasting Class

Course (#307)

Four Roses is the seventh-largest Bourbon Distiller in the World.  Come and try 12 (1/3 shots) including the 10 different variations of Four Roses bourbon.

Four Roses is a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey brand currently owned by the Kirin Brewery Company of Japan. Brent Elliott is the master distiller of Four Roses.  The brand was founded by Rufus Mathewson Rose and was named in honor of him, his brother Origen, and their two sons (making them the Four Roses). Early proprietor Paul Jones, Jr, trademarked the name and brand in 1888 claiming it had been produced and sold as early as the 1860's. The Lawrenceburg, Kentucky distillery was built in 1910 in Spanish Mission-style architecture and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Four Roses tasting will be combined with the bourbons of Maker's Mark to fill up the twelve spots. In this tasting you will try; Four Roses Yellow Label, Maker's Mark, Four Roses Black Label (available only in Japan), Maker's Mark Mint Julep, Four Roses Small Batch, Maker's Mark 46, Cabin Fever, Four Roses Single Barrel, Maker's Mark Cask Strength, T. W. Samuels, Maker's Mark Private Select, Four Roses Single Barrel, Maker's Mark Ambassador Black Seal and Four Roses Limited Edition 120th Anniversary Single Barrel.

Course (#308)

Bulleit/ Diageo

Bulleit/Diageo Tasting Class

Course (#308)

Bulleit/Diageo is the eighth-largest Bourbon Distiller in the World. Come and try 12 (1/3 shots) of the 46 different variations, brands and labels of bourbon or North American whiskey.

This class is taught by Colonel Craig Duncan

Bulleit Bourbon is a brand bourbon that is presently distilled by Four Roses in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky.  It is a very high rye content bourbon that is marketed as a rough and tumble "Frontier Whiskey that is aged six years.  Bulleit is wholly owned by international spirit giant Diageo who has just invested $400 million building a huge distillery in the Louisville suburbs of Shively, Kentucky.  Diageo also owns other famous North American whiskies such as Crown Royal, George Dickel, Seagram's 7 and Blade and Bow.

The founder of the current brand Tom Bulleit, a great-great-grandson of the author of the original recipe, Augustus Bulleit states that the original brand was first made in the 1830's. Augustus distilled up until the time of his death in 1860. The original creation was, in fact, a rye whiskey with almost seventy percent rye grain.

During this tasting you will try the following bourbons and whiskies; Bulleit Frontier Whiskey, Crown Royal Deluxe Canadian Whisky, George Dickel No. 12 Beige, Seagram's 7 American Blended Whiskey, Bulleit Rye, Crown Royal Regal Apple Whisky, Bulleit Barrel Proof Bourbon, Blade and Bow, Bulleit 10 year-old Bourbon, Crown Royal Maple Whisky, and Rhetoric 23 year-old Orphan Barrel Bourbon.

Course (#309)

Barton/ 1792

“Barton/1792” Tasting Class

Course (#309)

The Barton/1792 Brands are the ninth largest Bourbon Distiller in the World. Come and try 12 (1/3 shots) of their 51 different variations, brands and labels of bourbon or whiskey.

Prior to 2002 Barton/1792 Brands, could have been classified as a regional distiller due to the fact that most of their brands were only available in five or six states in the mid-west. It is a company that produced many, many other wines, distilled spirits and liquors in addition to whiskey. The distillery is located in the "Bourbon Capital of the World, Bardstown, Kentucky. Its former names include the Mattingly & Moore Distillery, Morton Spring's Distillery and Tom Moore Distillery.

In 2002, Barton/1792 Brands launched its first brand that was marketed and later popular nationwide in "1792 Ridgemont Reserve." Later that label spun off into a seven variation line for the company. After several mergers and acquisitions, the company was sold to the Sazerac Company, a family-owned spirit conglomerate based in New Orleans, Louisiana in 2009.

Some of the bourbons that you will experience at this tasting include; Very Old Barton, Barton Premium Whiskey, Eleven Jones American Whiskey, Mr. Boston's Rock & Rye, Tom Moore Bourbon, Mattingly & Moore Bourbon, Black Velvet Canadian Whisky, Kentucky Gentleman, Black Velvet Cinnamon Rush Whisky, 1792 Small Batch, Kentucky Tavern, Ten High Bourbon and 1792 Ridgemont Reserve.

Course (#310)

MGP’s/LuxCo Bourbons Class

LuxCo Tasting Class

Course (#310)

Luxco is the tenth-largest Bourbon Distiller in the World.  Lox Row Distillery opened in 2018 making the four most popular of LuxCo's 63 brands of bourbon or whiskey. Come and try 12 (1/3 shots) of these brands.

Lux Row Distillery located in Bardstown, Kentucky is a wholly owned subsidiary of Luxco, Inc., headquartered at their huge bottling plant in St. Louis, Missouri. Founded in 1958 as the David Sherman Corporation, the company was purchased by a minority shareholder and renamed in 2006 to LuxCo after the new C.E.O. Paul A. Lux. The company produces and sells many different spirits and beverages nationwide and internationally. In 2013 Jim Beam sold the following brands to LuxCo; Bellows, Calvert Whiskey, Lord Calvert Canadian Whisky, Dark Eyes, Canada House, Tempo and Wolfschmidt for $65 million.

During this tasting you will try the following bourbons and whiskies; Rebel Yell Bourbon, Rebel Yell Honey, Ezra Brooks Bourbon, Rebel Reserve, Yellowstone Bourbon, Bellows Bourbon, Calvert Extra American Blended Whiskey, Old Ezra 101, Rebel Yell Ginger, David Nicholson 1843 Wheated, Rebel Yell 10-year-old Single Barrel, Ezra B. 12-year-old Single Barrel and Blood Oath, Pact #2.

Course (#311)

Willett Class

Willett Tasting Class

Course (#311)

Willett is the eleventh-largest Bourbon Distiller in the World. Come and try 16 (1/4 ounce pours) of the 26 different variations, brands, and labels of bourbon or whiskey.

This class is taught by Major Christopher Yow and/or Colonel Craig Duncan

Willett Distillery is a family-owned and operated distillery that produces various brands several different bourbons and rye whiskies that range in age from 2 years to 23-year-old.  It is located in the Bourbon Capital of the World, Bardstown, Kentucky. The company used to be called Kentucky Bourbon Distillers (KBD) in the mid-1980s. Although the company has been renamed back to its original name Willett, it is under the same family ownership and operation in the same family farm location since its inception in 1936.

Some of the bourbons that you will experience at this tasting include; Willett Pot Still Reserve, Johnny Drum, Old Bardstown Black Label, Old Bardstown Estate, John Drum Private Stock, Corner Creek Reserve, Pure Kentucky XO, Kentucky Vintage, Noah's Mill, Willett Family Estate Bottled 8 year-old, Willett Family Estate Bottled Single Barrel, 12 year-old 123 proof and Vintage 17 year-old Bourbon.

Course (#322)

Medium Distillers

Bourbon Capital Region

Medium & Craft Distillers Class

{Bourbon Capital Region}

Course (#322)

There are approximately 40 Medium Independent Bourbon Distillers across America make up about 3% of the world's bourbon production but have a profound effect on the industry. This class will focus on the Medium & Craft Distillers within the Bourbon Capital Region in and around Bardstown, Kentucky.

Some of the Top Distilleries are the Willett Distillery; Bardstown Bourbon Company which makes Western Spirits’ products. LuxCo {Lux Row Distillery}; Limestone Branch Distillery; Log Still Distillery; Old Samuels Distillery; and Preservation distillery.

This tasting will focus on Medium Distillers that are larger than Craft or Boutique Distillers but smaller than the 11 Major Distilleries. There are over 700 hundred Craft Distiller across the country as well. The Medium distillers produce between 500,000 and 1,800,000 proof gallons annually. Craft Distiller produce less than 500,000 proof gallons a year while Major distillers produces more than 1,800,000 proof gallons annually.

The distillers that will be featured in this tasting are; We will try Western Spirits; Calumet Bourbon, Sam Houston American Whiskey, Lexington Bourbon and some of the over 20 variations of Bird Dog. We will also sample the Medley Distillery's Wathen's; Old Pogue.

Course (#323)

Medium Distillers

Bluegrass Region

Medium & Craft Distillers Class

{Bluegrass Region}

Course (#323)

There are approximately 40 Medium Independent Bourbon Distillers across America make up about 3% of the world's bourbon production but have a profound effect on the industry. This class will focus on the Medium & Craft Distillers within the Bluegrass Region in and around Lexington, Kentucky.

Some of the Medium and Craft Distilleries in the Bluegrass Region are: Woodford Reserve Distillery; Castle & Key Distillery, AllTech Distillery which makes Town Branch, Wilderness Trail Distillery; James E. Pepper Distillery, Glenns Creek Distillery; Bluegrass Distillery, Three Boys Farm Distillery; Hartfield & Co.; Kentucky Mist Distillery and Barrel House Distillery.

This tasting will focus on Medium Distillers that are larger than Craft or Boutique Distillers but smaller than the 11 Major Distilleries. There are over 700 hundred Craft Distiller across the country as well. The Medium distillers produce between 500,000 and 1,800,000 proof gallons annually. Craft Distiller produce less than 500,000 proof gallons a year while Major distillers produces more than 1,800,000 proof gallons annually.

Course (#324)

Medium Distillers

Whiskey Row Region

Medium & Craft Distillers Class

{Whiskey Row Region}

Course (#324)

There are approximately 40 Medium Independent Bourbon Distillers across America make up about 3% of the world's bourbon production but have a profound effect on the industry. This class will focus on the Medium & Craft Distillers within the Whiskey Row Region in and around Louisville, Kentucky.

Some of the Top Distilleries are: Michter’s Distilleries; Angel’s Envy Distillery; Kentucky Artisan Distillery which makes Jefferson’s; Peerless Distillery, Stitzel-Weller Distillery; Rabbit Hole Distillery; Boundry Oak Distillery; Prohibition Craft Distillery and Ballotin Whiskeys.

This tasting will focus on Medium Distillers that are larger than Craft or Boutique Distillers but smaller than the 11 Major Distilleries. There are over 700 hundred Craft Distiller across the country as well. The Medium distillers produce between 500,000 and 1,800,000 proof gallons annually. Craft Distiller produce less than 500,000 proof gallons a year while Major distillers produces more than 1,800,000 proof gallons annually.

The distillers that will be featured in this tasting are; Michter’s Distilleries; Angel’s Envy Distillery; Kentucky Artisan Distillery which makes Jefferson’s; Peerless Distillery, Stitzel-Weller Distillery and Rabbit Hole Distillery.

Course (#325)

Medium Distillers

Eastern States

Medium Independent Distillers Class

{Eastern States}

Course (#325)

The are approximately 40 Medium Independent Bourbon Distillers make up about 3% of the world's bourbon production but have a profound effect on the industry. This class will focus on 9 Medium Independent Distillers and 2 craft distillers east of the Appalachian Mountains in Eastern U. S. States.

Some of the Top Distilleries outside of Kentucky are: Sagamore Spirits Distillery in Maryland; Smooth Ambler Distillery in West Virginia; A. Smith Bowman Distillery in Virginia; WhistlePig in Vermont; Tuthilltown Spirits Distillery making Hudson Whiskeys in New York; As well as both Black Dirt and Iron Smoke Distillery in New York State. Dad’s Hat Distillery in Pennsylvania; Litchfield Distillery in Connecticut; St. Augustine Distillery in Florida; Clyde Mays Distillery win Alabama and more.

This tasting will focus on distillers the Medium Distillers that are larger than Craft or Boutique Distillers. There are hundreds of Craft Distiller that make up less than one percent of the world' bourbon. The Medium distillers produce between 500,000 and 1,800,000 proof gallons annual. The large distiller produces more than 1,800,000 proof gallons annually. 

The distillers that will be featured in this tasting are;

Sagamore Spirits Distillery in Maryland; Smooth Ambler Distillery in West Virginia; A. Smith Bowman Distillery in Virginia; WhistlePig Distillery in Vermont; Tuthilltown Spirits Distillery making Hudson Whiskeys as well as craft the distilleries of Black Dirt and Iron Smoke in New York; Dad’s Hat Distillery in Pennsylvania; Litchfield Distillery in Connecticut; St. Augustine Distillery in Floridas; Clyde Mays Distillery win Alabama.

Course (#326)

Medium Distillers

Western States

Medium Independent Distillers Class

{Western States}

Course (#326)

The are approximately 40 Medium Independent Bourbon Distillers make up about 3% of the world's bourbon production but have a profound effect on the industry. This class will focus on the Medium Independent Distillers west of the Mississippi River in Western U. S. States.

Some of the Top Distilleries west of the Mississippi River in Western U. S. States are: High West Distillery in Utah; Wyoming Whiskey Distillery in Wyoming; Breckinridge Distillery Old Elk Distillery, Stranahan’s Distillery and Laws Whiskey House in Colorado; Garrison Brothers and Balcones Distilleries in Texas; Burnside Oregon Oaked Bourbon in Oregon; Redwood Empire Whiskey and Hirsch Selected Whiskies in Calfornia; Woodinville Whiskey Company and Dry Fly Distilley in Washington state.

This tasting will focus on distillers the Medium Distillers that are larger than Craft or Boutique Distillers. There are hundreds of Craft Distiller that make up less than one percent of the world' bourbon. The Medium distillers produce between 500,000 and 1,800,000 proof gallons annual. The large distiller produces more than 1,800,000 proof gallons annually. 

The distillers that will be featured in this tasting are;

High West Distillery in Utah; Garrison Brothers Distillery in Texas; Burnside Distillery win Oregon; Wyoming Whiskey Distillery in Wyoming.

Course (#401)

Jim Beam {Advanced - Part 1} Jim Beam line, name on Label

Jim Beam (Advanced - Part 1)

The Jim Beam Line (say Jim Beam name on the Label)

Course (#401)

Jim Beam is the largest Bourbon Distiller in the World. You will taste 12 (1/4 shots) but learn about all of Jim Beam's diversified selection of 89 different Bourbons and North American Whiskies.

This is the first part of the Jim Beam Advanced or (Part I):  This tasting will focus on the 49 brands of Jim Beam that actually have the name "Jim Beam" clearly printed on the front label. It will also go into great depth about the Beam Family history and their family legacy.

Some of the bourbons you will try to include; Jim Beam White, Jim Beam Black Double Aged, Jim Beam Rye, Jim Beam Bottled-in-Bond (Gold Label), Jim Beam Choice (Green Label), Jim Beam's Devil's Cut, Jim Beam 7 year-old (Red Label), Jim Beam Double Oak, Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse Select, Jim Beam Jacob's Ghost, Jim Beam Single Barrel, Jim Beam Signature Craft Spanish Brandy, Jim Beam Signature Craft 12 year old, Jim Beam Distiller's Cut Clear Label and Jim Beam Distiller's Masterpiece. 

Signature Series Harvest Collection

You will also try some of the six Harvest Series: Jim Beam Harvest Soft Red Wheat, Jim Beam Harvest Six Row Barley, Jim Beam Harvest Whole Rolled Oat, Jim Beam Harvest High Rye, Jim Beam Harvest Brown Rice, and Jim Beam Harvest Triticale.

Flavored Whiskies

You will also try some flavored whiskies that include; Jim Beam Apple, Jim Beam Vanilla, Jim Beam's Red Stag (Black Cherry), Jim Beam Honey, Jim Beam Maple and Jim Beam Fire.

Course (#402)

Jim Beam (Advanced - Part 2) “The Olds" & High Ryes

Jim Beam (Advanced - Part 2)

“The Olds” & High Rye Bourbons

Course (#402)

Jim Beam is the largest Bourbon Distiller in the World. You will taste 12 (1/4 shots) of Jim Beam's diversified selection of 89 different Bourbons and North American Whiskies.

The first part of the Jim Beam Advanced (Part 2):  This tasting will focus on three different Branches of Jim Beam; "The Olds", the High Rye recipe Brands and other Jim Beam Whiskies.

"The Olds"

The eight varieties of "The Olds" bourbons and whiskies that you will try include; Old Grand Dad, Old Overholt, Old Overholt Bottled-in-Bond Rye, Old Crow, Old Crow Reserve and Jim Beam's original Bourbon brand; Old Tub.

High Rye Recipe Brands

This portion of Tasting 2 will focus around Basil Hayden and his Old Grand Dad. We will try the several versions of Basil Hayden all at 80 proof; they are: Basil Hayden Small Batch, Basil Hayden Dark Rye, Basil Hayden Limited Edition Rye, and Basil Hayden Two by Two. In addition to those will will sample some of the three brands that have Basil Hayen's picture on the label all at different proof levels; Old Grand Dad, Old Grand Dad Small Batch 114, Old Grand Dad Bottled-in-Bond,

Rye Whiskies

Your will also hear about or try; Jim Beam Rye (Premium); Canadian Club 100% Rye, Ri1, Old Overholt and Old Overholt Bottled-in-Bond.

Course (#403)

Jim Beam (Advanced - Part 3) "The Small Batch Collection"

Jim Beam (Advanced - Part 3)

“The Small Batch Collection”

Course (#403)

Jim Beam is the largest Bourbon Distiller in the World. You will taste 12 (1/4 shots) of Jim Beam's diversified selection of 89 different Bourbons and North American Whiskies.

The Jim Beam Advanced Tasting (Part 3):  This tasting will focus on the four different members of the "Small Batch Collection," Booker's, Knob Creek, Basil Hayden and Baker's. In this tasting we will sample six different Small Batch releases (Big Man Small Batch, Bluegill Creek, Front Porch Batch, Bluegrass Batch, and Barbecue Batch) coming from different parts of different warehouses and blended together. We will also try the Original "Booker's Barrel Proof Bourbon" and the 2016 Limited Edition Booker's Rye.

Then the attention will turn to World's Most Popular Super Premium Bourbon in Knob Creek. We will sample; Knob Creek Small Batch, Knob Creek Rye, Know Creek Single Barrel, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve, Knob Creek Rye Cask Strength, Knob Creek Smoked Maple and the 25th Anniversary Knob Creek.  You will also try the original Basil Hayden and the original Baker's Small Batch.

Course (#411)

Heaven Hill (Advanced - Part 1) "Tradition of Two Families" & "Imitation is Flattery"

Heaven Hill (Advanced - Part 1)

“Tale of Two Families” & Imitation Brands

Course (#411)

Heaven Hill is the second-largest Bourbon Distiller in the World. Come and try 12 (1/4 shots)  of Heaven Hill's storied masterpieces of the 67 brands of Bourbons and North American Whiskies that they make.

Heaven Hill Distilleries is an American family-owned and operated distillery company headquartered in the Bourbon Capital of the world, Bardstown, Kentucky.  It is the second-largest bourbon distiller with the second-largest inventory in the world.

This is an Advanced look into Heaven Hill's two most influential families in Shapiras and the Beams. At this tasting you will sample some of Heaven Hill namesake line with 6 different varieties including Heaven Hill Green Label, Heaven Hill Blended Whiskey and Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond Gold Label.

We will also learn about some of the brands that made Heaven Hill a solid force in the industry by imitating some other very popular brand such as Evan Williams Black Label, Colonel's Pride, Fighting Cock and Whiskey River9Two

Course (#412)

Heaven Hill (Advanced -Part 2) All about the “E’s” “Evan & Elijah"

Heaven Hill (Advanced - Part 2 )

All about the “E’s” - Evan & Elijah

Course (#412)

Heaven Hill is the second largest Bourbon Distiller in the World. Come and try 12 (1/4 shots)  of Heaven Hill's storied masterpieces of the 87 brands of Bourbons and North American Whiskies that they make.

Heaven Hill Distilleries is an American family-owned and operated distillery company headquartered in the Bourbon Capital of the world, Bardstown, Kentucky.  It is the second-largest bourbon distiller with the second largest inventory in the world.

This is an Advanced look into three different Legends that brands were named after at Heaven Hill. You will taste both Heaven Hill's Flagship brand in Evan Williams and its Super Premium brand in Elijah Craig. We will also cover Henry McKenna and Echo Springs. At this tasting you will sample; some of Evan Williams 20 different varieties including Evan Williams Black Label, Evan Williams Green Label, Evan Williams 1843, some of Evan Williams 7 flavors including Evan Williams Cherry Whiskey, Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond White Label, Evan Williams Peach Whiskey, Evan Williams Vintage Single Barrel, Evan Williams Master's Blend, Evan Williams 12 year-old, Evan Williams Mule Town Single Barrel and Evan Williams 23 year-old.

We will also experience the Bourbon named after the "Father of Bourbon" Elijah Craig Small Batch, Elijah Craig 12 year-old,  Elijah Craig Single Barrel 18 year-old, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof and Craig Single Barrel 23 year-old.

Course (#413)

Heaven Hill (Advanced - Part 3) “Parker Beam” Wheaters & Ryes & Misc. Brands

Heaven Hill (Advanced - Part 3 )

“Parker’s Heritage Collection” - Wheaters & Ryes

Course (#413)

Heaven Hill is the second-largest Bourbon Distiller in the World. Come and try 12 (1/4 shots)  of Heaven Hill's storied masterpieces of the 67 brands of Bourbons and North American Whiskies that they make.

Heaven Hill Distilleries is an American family-owned and operated distillery company headquartered in the Bourbon Capital of the world, Bardstown, Kentucky.  It is the second-largest bourbon distiller with the second-largest inventory in the world.

This is an Advanced look into Heaven Hill's other Top Shelf line in the "Parker's Heritage Collection" and we will sample 4 of its 12 iterations in our first flight.

In our second flight we will discuss and sample four of Heaven Hill’s wheated bourbon brands like their “Old Fitzgerald, Larceny and Cabin Still. Then we will sample the world’s #1 Wheat Whiskey in Bernheim.

You will then try a flight of their Ryes and Misc. Brands like "Pikesville Supreme Rye," and Rittenhouse Rye. You will also sample a few Misc. brands like J. W. Dant, Whiskey River, J. T. S. Brown.

Course (#421)

Buffalo Trace (Advanced-Part 1) "The Founders"

Buffalo Trace (Advanced - Part 1 )

“The Four Cornerstones”

Course (#421)

Buffalo Trace is the third-largest Bourbon Distiller in the World. You will taste 12 (1/4 shots) of Buffalo Trace's diversified selection of 94 different Bourbons and North American Whiskies.

Buffalo Trace is considered one of the "Big 3" Bourbon Distillers in the World and because of its size and sheer number of brands Buffalo Trace has a Basic Tasting and three different Advanced Tastings.

In this the "Buffalo Trace Advanced - Part 1," tasting we  will focus on the Founders and Pillars of the Buffalo Trace Empire and the lines of Bourbon that are named after each.

We will examine the life and many, many contributions of the original founder of the old "O. F. C. Distillery" in Colonel Edmund Haines Taylor, Jr. we will sample 6 of 9 variations of the impressive line named after him. We will also discuss in detail the "Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897." 

George T. Stagg was the next founder and proprietor of the distillery and we discuss his life and sample the two brands named after him. Colonel Albert Bacon Blanton was an employee of the distillery for over 50 years, we will look into his life and contributions to the Buffalo Trace legacy. Then we will sample all 4 brands that are named after him (only 1 is available in the United States).  Finally we will look at one of the more recent Master Distillers in Elmer T. Lee who is a man that has been credited with re-invigorating the Bourbon industry in 1984. We will try both brands that were named after him.

Course (#422)

Buffalo Trace Tasting (Advanced - Part 2) “Buffalo Trace Antique Collection”

Buffalo Trace (Advanced - Part 2 )

“Buffalo Trace Antique Collection” (B.T.A.C.)

Course (#422)

Buffalo Trace is the third-largest Bourbon Distiller in the World. You will taste 12 (1/4 shots) of Buffalo Trace's diversified selection of 94 different Bourbons and North American Whiskies.

Buffalo Trace is considered one of the "Big 3" Bourbon Distillers in the World and because of its size and sheer number of brands Buffalo Trace has a Basic Tasting and three different Advanced Tastings.

In this the "Buffalo Trace Advanced - Part 2," tasting we will discuss the "Buffalo Trace Antique Collection," why it is so expensive and why it is very difficult to find. We will try the 5 "B.T.A.C. brands" and explore other versions of those same lines.

We will not only taste the B.T.A.C. Brands but other made within the same brand line for instance, in first flight we will try both "George T. Stagg Barrel Proof," and Stagg, Jr and “Sazerac 18 year-old” as well as the standard Sazerac Rye brand.

In the second flight we will taste BTAC’s “Thomas Handy 18 year-old Rye” and "Eagle Rare 17 year-old," as well as Eagle Rare Small Batch and Eagle Rare 101.

In the third and final flight we will try BTAC’s "William Larue Weller 17 year-old," as well as three of the other six Weller iterations.

Course (#423)

Buffalo Trace Tasting (Advanced - Part 3) “Wheated Mashbill,” Trace Ryes & Misc Brands

Buffalo Trace (Advanced - Part 3 )

“Wheated Mashbill,” Ryes and Misc. Brands

Course (#423)

Buffalo Trace is the third-largest Bourbon Distiller in the World. You will taste 12 (1/4 shots) of Buffalo Trace's diversified selection of 94 different Bourbons and North American Whiskies.

Buffalo Trace is considered one of the "Big 3" Bourbon Distillers in the World and because of its size and sheer number of brands Buffalo Trace has a Basic Tasting and three different Advanced Tastings.

In this "Buffalo Trace Advanced - Part 3," tasting we will take a hard look at the two main "Wheated Mash Bill" lines that are made by Buffalo Trace in the W. L. Weller line and Pappy Van Winkle line. We will look at the man William Larue Weller and why he became a trendsetter by dedicating his entire life to espousing the virtues of wheated bourbon over regular bourbon. We will sample 5 of the Weller line bourbons.

Then will examine the life of Mr. Julian Pappy Van Winkle, why he became a legend and what makes his bourbons the most expensive and sought after bourbon on earth. We will sample 4 of the 5 Van Winkle Bourbons.

Finally we will look at the "Rye Whiskey" that is made by Buffalo Trace and sample one of their oldest brands in Sazerac, we will also try Colonel E. H. Taylor Straight Rye the Rich & Rare line of Canadian Ryes, and the renowned Thomas Handy 18 year-old Rye.

Finally, we will also look at a number of miscellaneous lines and brands including the Southern Comfort line, Virginia Gentleman and the Bowman line, Hancock's President's Reserve and the "Old Charter" line.

Course (#431)

Buffalo Trace (Advanced) “Super Premiums”

Brown-Forman (Advanced ) “Super Premiums”

Course (#431)

Brown-Forman is the fourth-largest Bourbon Distiller in the World, but is the largest Whiskey Distiller in the world. You will taste 12 (1/4 shots) of Brown-Forman's diversified selection of 64 different Bourbons and North American Whiskies.

Brown-Forman is considered one of the "Royal Families" of the Bourbon World and because of its size and sheer number of brands Brown-Forman has a Basic Tasting and a different Advanced Tastings.

Course (#432)

Wild Turkey (Advanced) “Super Premiums”

Wild Turkey (Advanced ) “Super Premiums”

Course (#432)

Wild Turkey is the fifth-largest Bourbon Distiller in the World. You will taste 12 (1/4 shots) of WildTurkey's diversified selection of 49 different Bourbons and North American Whiskies.

#1.) Whiskey 101

Course (#101)

1.) “Whiskey 101”

The "Whiskey 101 Tasting Class" is the first and most basic of all the classes that we teach at Whiskey University. (NOTE: classes do not need to be taken in order)

There are seven basic classes that make up the General University Requirements (G.U.R.’s). They are Whiskey 101 (Course #101); Bourbon 201 (Course #201); Tennessee Whiskey 202 (Course #202); “The Big 3” (Course #252); The Bourbon Capital Region (Course #253); The Bluegrass Region (Course #254); and The Whiskey Row Region (#255). In order to qualify for the first level of recognition the student must take 3 classes and then they earn a ”Certificate of Completion” in Basic Whiskey Studies and title ”Apprentice Bourbon Taster.”

In Whiskey 101, you will learn the difference between Distilled Spirits & Fermented Beverages (or hard liquor vs. soft liquor, like beer and wine).  You will then learn about and taste some of the seven main Distilled Spirits including; Whiskey, Vodka, Gin, Rum, Tequila, Brandy and Liqueur. You will be able to differentiate between those liquors.

Next you will learn about and taste some of the eight most popular types of Whiskey; Bourbon, Scotch, Tennessee, Canadian, Rye, American Blended, Irish, and Corn Whiskey (Moonshine) and find out what makes them different.

Then be able to know what is Super Premium Bourbon or Top Shelf Bourbon and how did they save the the industry. Then you will learn and taste some of the first Super Premium brands made; Blanton’s Single Barrel in 1984, Elijah Craig Small Batch in 1987 or Booker's Barrel Strength Bourbon in 1988.

#2.) Tennessee Whiskey 202

Course (#202)

2.) Tennessee Whiskey 202

Tennessee Whiskey 202 is the third of three of the most basic Classes offered at Whiskey University and is summary Capsule of all things Tennessee Whiskey. (note: classes do not need to be taken in order) The three classes that make up the General University Requirements (G.U.R.’s) are Whiskey 101, Bourbon 201 and Tennessee Whiskey 202. Once all three classes are taken the student earns a Certificate of Completion in Whiskey Tasting and title Apprentice Bourbon Taster.

Tennessee Whiskey 202 is concentrated around the only two major Distilleries in the state of Tennessee that make up almost 98% of all whiskey in Jack Daniel’s and George Dickel. It explains the difference between Whiskey, Bourbon and Tennessee Whiskey. It examines the history

During the Tennessee Whiskey Tasting, you will try both familiar and rare whiskies from throughout the State of Tennessee. These include; Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 (Black Label), George Dickel No. 12 (Beige Label), Pritchard’s Double Barrelled Bourbon, Chattanooga 1816 Whiskey, Gentleman Jack, Collier & McKeel 10 year-old, George Dickel Rye, Uncle Nearest, Jack Daniel Single Barrel, Corsair and George Dickel Puckett's Select Barrel.

#7.) The Main Event; Jack -vs-Jim {Tenn.}

Course #357

#1.) Crown Royal Tasting {Can}

Course #361

Crown Royal is the largest Canadian Whisky distiller in the World. 

The legend of Crown Royal began in 1939 when the British Royalty made headlines and visited their distant colony of Canada for the first time ever.  It was King George VI and Queen Elizabeth who arrived on the east coast at Quebec City and spent the next 32 days touring the entire country including a cross-country trip by rail.

At that time the president of Seagram's was Samuel Bronfman and he made up his mind to have his company spare no expense and go to all lengths to come up with the best whiskey ever made.  They experimented with of 600 recipes and finally came up with a mix of fifty different whiskies from all over Canada. After the final version was ready they loaded up the train that the King and Queen were taking with 10 cases of the royal blend. Rumors spread throughout Canada and the U. S. that the royal couple had a whisky that was only fit for a King.

In this tasting, you will try 12 of Crown Royals whiskies. You will begin by sampling their flagship brand: Crown Royal Deluxe then try some Crown Royal Regal Apple, Crown Royal Black, Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye, Crown Royal Reserve, Crown Royal Vanilla,  Crown Royal Noble Collection Wine Barrel Finished, Crown Royal XO, Crown Royal Maple, Crown Royal Hand Selected Single Barrel, Crown Royal  Monarch 75th Anniversary, Crown Royal Noble Collection “Cornerstone Blend” and Crown Royal “XR Red” Waterloo.   

#2.) Canadian Club Tasting{Can}

Course #362

Canadian Club is the second largest Canadian Whisky distiller in the World. 

Canadian Club is the oldest Canadian Whisky that is still being produced today dating back to 1858 when Hiram Walker erected his distillery in Walkersville, Ontario as close to the finest grain as possible. Prior to the turn of the century this whisky could be found in Eastern and Central Canada but in the U. S. it was scarce and could only be found in the finest "Clubs." After a short time it began to be called "Club Whisky." When this club whisky became so popular and even hurt the sales of Bourbon in the U. S., the federal government stepped in a required that the country of origin be stated clearly on the label, hence the name Canadian Club.

In 1920 Prohibition was passed in the U. S. and Canadian Club moved its operations to Windsor, Ontario (where it sits today) right across the river from Detroit. Prohibition made celebrities out of smugglers like Al Capone and made Canadian Club the number one whisky and spirit in the United States. Canadian Club has received "Royal Warrants" from six British Monarchs including Queen Elizabeth II due to its high quality. Canadian Club has now been purchased by Beam Suntory brands.

During this tasting you will sample all of Canadian Club's Whiskies and all of Jim Beam's other Canadian brands, you will start with the Flagship Label of Canadian Club. Your tasting will then include; Windsor Blended Canadian Whisky, Canadian Club Reserve, Fireball, Canadian Club Dock No. 57 Blackberry Whisky, Lord Calvert Canadian Whisky, Canadian Club 100% Rye, Alberta Premium Canadian Whisky, Canadian Club Small Batch 10 year-old, Canadian Club Dock No. 57 Spiced Whisky,  Tangle Ridge, and Canadian Club Classic Reserve 12 year-old.

#3.) Other Canadian Brands Tasting {Can}

Course #363

Canadian Whisky is the best selling spirit in Canada and the third best selling whisky in both the World and the United States.

All Canadian Whisky has to be distilled in Canada but believe it or not over 80% of all Canadian Whisky produced is made by one of 7 Bourbon Producers in the U. S. or their parent company. Since we have a special separate tasting for both Crown Royal (Diageo/Bulleit) and Canadian Club (Jim Beam/Beam Suntory) we will focus on Canadian Whiskies that are made by the other five U. S. Bourbon producers; Buffalo Trace (Sazerac), Brown-Forman, Wild Turkey (Campari America), Barton/1792 Brands (Sazerac) and LuxCo.

We will start our tasting with Rich & Rare Canadian, Canadian Hunter, Canadian Mist, Fireball, Collingwood, Black Velvet Canadian, Fourty Creek Canadian, Black Velvet Toasted Caramel, Lord Calvert Canadian, Northern Lights, Seagram's VO, Seagram's VO Gold Reserve, Royal Canadian Small Batch, and Caribou Crossing Single Barrel.

#7.) Rye Whiskey Tasting

Course #371

Rye Whiskey is growing in popularity in the United States at a rate of more than 20% annually.

Rye Whiskey is a type of whiskey that is usually made with 51-55% Rye grain it is supplemented with corn and barley malt as secondary grains and must be aged at least two years. Rye Whiskey was the most popular beverage of choice in the united states between 1750 and 1830 as colonists were looking for an alternative to British Rum. Maryland and the Allegheny Region of Western Pennsylvania were the hotbeds of Rye production making over 80% of the nation's spirit. Rye whiskey almost entirely went away after prohibition with only a few brands like Old Overholt surviving.

Rye has seen a resurrection in popularity in the 2000's in part due to shows like Mad Men and young millennials adopting the spirit. After 2015 many Bourbon distillers in Kentucky began to produce their own versions of Rye like; Jim Beam, Heaven Hill, Buffalo Trace, Wild Turkey/Campari America, Diageo. Another independent distiller MPG of (Southern) Indiana makes a large portion of the nation's rye.

Some of the Rye Whiskies that you will experience in this tasting include; Old Overholt, Jim Beam Rye, Basil Hayden Dark Rye, Wild Turkey 101 Rye, Rittenhouse Bottled-in-Bond Rye, Jack Daniel's Tennessee Rye, Pikesville Supreme Rye, Woodford Reserve Rye, Russell's Reserve Single Barrel Rye, Sazerac Rye, Colonel E. H. Taylor, Jr. Straight Rye and Booker's Limited Edition Rye.

#8.) Flavored Whiskey Tasting

Course #372

Flavored Whiskey is the fastest growing segment of the distilled spirit industry.

Flavored whiskies are is a great entry point for non-bourbon drinkers to try whiskey for the first time. It also has a much higher demand among women than traditional bourbons.  Flavored whiskies were first introduced in the mid-1980's after the deregulation of the bourbon industry began. At that time there were few brands and traditional bourbon drinkers ignored these ventures. Some of the first include Wild Turkey American Honey, Dr. McGillicuddy's Cinnamon Whisky (which became Fireball), Red Stag (blackberry flavored whiskey by Jim Beam) and Cabin Fever (maple flavored whiskey).

After enlisting several high profile celebrities (Kid Rock, Mila Kunis and Matthew McConaughey) and spending high dollars on some print and TV marketing campaigns, the demand for Flavored Whiskies have skyrocketed. Each year the industry is seeing 40-50% year over year growth in this segment.  The most popular flavors in order are Cinnamon, Honey, Apple and Peach having spawned off about 10-12 brands each by different distillers. Other flavors also include; Maple, Mint, Cherry, Spiced, Bourbon Creme, Caramel, Vanilla, Blackberry Black Cherry, Tabasco, other Pepper flavor, Chocolate, Sweet Tea, Ginger or Gingerbread, Brown Sugar, Lime, Rock Candy, Root Beer, Strawberry, Red Grapefruit, Pineapple, Tootsie Roll, Bacon and Toasted Pecan. 

The Flavored Whiskies included in this tasting are; Cabin Fever (Maple), Fireball (Cinnamon), Beam's Reg Stag (Black Cherry), Jim Beam Apple, Jim Beam Vanilla, Wild Turkey American Honey, Evan Williams Cherry, Evan Williams Peach, Firefly Sweet Tea, Southern Comfort Lime, Southern Comfort Pepper, Maker's Mark Mint, Black Velvet Toasted Caramel, WinterJack Apple Cider, Rebel Yell Root Beer and Super Premium Knob Creek Smoked Maple.

# 9.) American Blended Whiskey Tasting

Course #373

American Blended Whiskey is a popular drink in the United States and considered the best whiskey for including into mixed drinks.

American Blended Whiskey is made with 20-30% Bourbon and 70-80% Neutral Grain Spirits. The fact that the neutral grain spirits are almost odorless and tasteless, cocktails made with American Whiskey tastes far more like the mixer that you are adding, but because of the bourbon portion still taste almost like light bourbon when straight or on the rocks. Bourbon snobs refer to this type of whiskey as "brown water." 

Some of the American Blended Whiskies that you will try in this tasting include the two most popular brands in Seagram's 7 American Whiskey and Kessler's Fine Whiskey. Others include; Early Times Kentucky Whiskey, Mello Corn Bottled-in-Bond; Beam’s Eight Star Kentucky Whiskey a Blend, Heaven Hill Kentucky Blended Whiskey, Seagram’s  7 Orchard Apple, Ancient Age Preferred Blended Whiskey,  Seagram’s 7 Dark Honey, Southern Comfort Whiskey Liqueur 100 proof, Barton Premium Whiskey a Blend, Eleven Jones Premium Blended Whiskey, Seagram’s 7 American Spiced and Calvert Extra Blended American Whiskey.

# 2.) “The Big 3” Tasting

Course (#252)

2.) “The Big Three”

“The Big Three” Tasting Class features history and samples from the three largest Bourbon Distilleries on earth. These three companies; Jim Beam, Heaven Hill and Buffalo Trace make up almost 75% of the world’s bourbon production and barrels in storage.

This class will feature each of the Big 3’s main lines of Bourbon or Whiskey.

The review of the Jim Beam Distillery will feature the World’s Most Popular Bourbon in Jim Beam White Label. We will also discuss and sample Jim Beam Devil’s Cut, Beam’s Red Stag Black Cherry, Booker’s and Old Grand Dad 114 Small Batch.

The review of the Heaven Hill Distillery will feature Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond, Elijah Craig Small Batch, Henry McKenna 10 Year-old Single Barrel, B-in-B and Pikesville Supreme Rye.

The review of the Buffalo Trace Distillery will feature Buffalo Trace, Old Charter, Eagle Rare, Weller’s Special Reserve and Colonel E. H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch.

#4.) The 3 Bourbon Making Regions of Kentucky

Course #252

# 5.) The Bourbon Capital Region Tasting

Course #253

Bourbon Making Regions

In this Tasting Course you will learn about the three Bourbon Producing Regions in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. You will learn and taste the most popular Bourbons by brand name or line in each of the three regions; the “Bourbon Capital Region,” the “Bluegrass Region,” and the newly reconstituted “Whiskey Row Region.”

The “Bourbon Capital Region” is generally located in and around the City of Bardstown, Kentucky. This area is the largest Bourbon making region and incorporates the the cities and towns of Clermont, Boston and Loretto in addition to Bardstown. This area includes the Jim Beam Distillery, the Heaven Hill’s Bourbon Heritage Center, the Barton/1792 Distillery; the Willett Distillery; the Bardstown Bourbon Company Distillery, LuxRow Distillery.

The “Bluegrass Region” is generally located in and around the City of Lexington, Kentucky. This region formerly known as “Bourbon County” is thhe oldest Bourbon making region and incorporates the cities and towns of Frankfort, Lawrenceburg and Versailles in addition to Lexington. The “Bluegrass Region” includes four major and one medium distilleries within its radius. In and around Lexington are the is the Woodford Reserve Distillery, the Buffalo Trace Distillery, the Wild Turkey Distillery, the Four Roses Distillery and the AllTech Distilling Company.

The “Whiskey Row Region” is generally located in and around the City of Louisville, Kentucky. This region was of huge historic significance before prohibition and then virtually disappeared until September 2013 when Heaven Hill opened the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience. The Resurgence of bourbon distillery openings has re-established the third bourbon making region and re-christened itself again as the “Whiskey Row Region.” Others include the Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse, the Angel Envy Distillery, the Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Experience, the Old Forester Distillery, the Rabbit Hole Distillery the Michter’s Distillery, and the Kentucky Artisan Distillery.

The “Bourbon Capital Region” is generally located in and around the City of Bardstown, Kentucky. This area is the largest Bourbon making region and incorporates the the cities and towns of Clermont, Boston and Loretto in addition to Bardstown.

The “Bourbon Capital Region” includes eight major and medium distilleries and two other important facilities within its radius. In Bardstown itself you have Heaven Hill’s Bourbon Heritage Center, bottling facility and warehouses; the Barton/1792 Distillery; the Willett Distillery; the Bardstown Bourbon Company Distillery (which makes several brand names including Western Spirit’s Bird Dog, Calumet, Lexington and Sam Houston) and the newly opened LuxRow Distillery. The Jim Beam Distillery in Clermont is located 14 miles northwest and the Booker Noe Distillery in Boston is located 10 miles due west of Bardstown. The Maker’s Mark Distillery is located 14 miles due south of Bardstown in Loretto and the bottling plant for Four Roses in Cox’s Creek, Kentucky is located just 5 miles due north of Bardstown. A little further away is the Limestone Branch Distillery (that makes Yellowstone Bourbon and Minor Case Rye) located 23 miles

# 6.) The Bluegrass Region Tasting

Course #254

# 7.) The Whiskey Row Region Tasting

Course #255

The “Bluegrass Region” is generally located in and around the City of Lexington, Kentucky. This region is known for being the oldest Bourbon making region and incorporates the cities and towns of Frankfort, Lawrenceburg and Versailles in addition to Lexington. This region encompasses the area formerly known as “Bourbon County” before it was chopped up into 15 other counties in the Commonwealth.

The “Bluegrass Region” includes four major, one medium and five craft distilleries within its radius. In Lexington itself is AllTech Distilling Company that makes Town Branch and 11 miles due east in Versailles, Kentucky is the Woodford Reserve Distillery owned by beverage giant Brown-Forman. The Buffalo Trace Distillery is located in Frankfort some 24 miles northwest of Lexington while both the Wild Turkey Distillery and the Four Roses Distillery are located in Lawrenceburg located 21 miles due west of Lexington.

There are also five small craft distilleries in Lexington that include Barrel House, Bluegrass, Town Branch, James E. Pepper and Kentucky Mist distilleries.

The “Whiskey Row Region” is generally located in and around the City of Louisville, Kentucky. This region was of huge historic significance before prohibition and then virtually disappeared until September 2013 when Heaven Hill opened the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience. The Resurgence of bourbon distillery openings has re-established the third bourbon making region and re-christened itself again as the “Whiskey Row Region.”

Since then the Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse opened in September 2016, the Angel Envy Distillery opened in December 2016, the Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Experience opened at the old Stitzel-Weller Distillery location in March 2017, the Old Forester Distillery in June 2018 and the Rabbit Hole Distillery in May 2018. The Michter’s Distillery opened in August 2015 and the M1 Visitors’ Center on Whiskey Row itself opened in November 2018. The Kentucky Artisan Distillery (the onsite distillery that makes some of Jefferson’s Bourbons and whiskies) opened in December 2012 and its visitors’ center opened in May 2015 is some 21 miles northeast of Louisville in Crestwood is also considered to be part of the “Whiskey Row Region.” The Bulleit Distillery opened in Shelbyville, 21 miles due east in May 2018 with the visitors’ center opening in March 2019. A few other craft distilleries such as Peerless Distilling Company opened in June 2015 while the Ballotin Chocolate Whiskey Distillery and the Boundry Oak Distillery also opened.

#9.) Bottled-in- Bond Bourbon Tasting

Course #452

The "Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon Tasting" is a class specifically designed to explain what makes bonded bourbons special and how and why this became a prominent category of bourbon.

You will learn what the bourbon industry was like before and after the "Bottled Bond Act of 1897" and before and after deregulation in 1984.  Find out what requirements exist in order for a whiskey to be classified as "Bottled-in-Bond." 

You will learn about and taste the following B-in-B brands; Jim Beam, Old Grand Dad, Heaven Hill, Rittenhouse Rye, Early Times, J. T. S. Brown, Old Bardstown, Henry McKenna Single Barrel 10 year-old, Mello Corn, Old Forester Bottled-in-Bond, Very Old Barton, Colonel E. H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch and William Heavenhill.

#10.) Bourbon Founders I & II Tasting

Course #461 & Course #462

The "Bourbon Founders Tasting" is an experience that is designed to discuss the men who's names are actually on the bourbon bottles.

In this class, you will learn how Bourbon was discovered by Elijah Craig and how William Larue Weller spent a lifetime espousing the qualities of wheated bourbon and its soft finish.  You hear how Colonel E. H. Taylor, Jr fought to purify the bourbon industry by pushing for the adoption of the "Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897." It helped push out the scoundrels and rogues giving the business a bad name. You will learn about the Royal family of Bourbons in the Beams and about the seven and six Master Distillers at the Jim Beam and Heaven Hill distilleries respectively. 

You will try a number of variations based on famous founders in the industry including; Julian Van Winkle founder of Pappy's, Evan Williams, Brown-Forman Co-Founder J. T. S. Brown maker of Old Forester and Woodford Reserve, Booker Noe's creation in Booker's Barrel Strength Bourbon, Maker's Mark's founder T. W. Samuels, 55-year employee and C.E.O. of Buffalo Trace and namesake of Blanton's Single Barrel Albert Bacon Blanton, Pharmacist Dr. William Forester and Wild Turkey's longtime Master Distiller Jimmy Russell.  

#11.) Barrel Proof Bourbon Tasting

Course #453

The "Barrel Proof Bourbon Tasting" is a class specifically designed to explain the what makes a bourbon "Barrel Proof". These bourbons are UnCut and UnFiltered and usually has a potency above 100 proof up to 145 proof.

Many of the eleven major distillers make a Barrel Proof bourbon. Jim Beam Brands makes "Booker's Barrel Proof Bourbon" at 128.8 proof and "Old Grand Dad 114 Small Batch." Heaven Hill Distilleries makes "Elijah Craig Barrel Proof" at 128 proof and "Fighting Cock 103" proof.  Buffalo Trace makes the most potent bourbon on earth in "George T. Stagg" at 144.8 proof and "Colonel E. H. Taylor, Jr. Barrel Proof" at 134.5 proof.

Brown-Forman Corporation makes "Old Forester Whisky Row Series, 1920 Prohibition Style" at 115 Proof and "Jack Daniel's Single Barrel, Barrel Proof" at 132.8 proof. Maker's Mark makes "Maker's Mark Cask Strength" at 111.4 proof while Wild Turkey makes "Rare Breed Barrel Proof" at 112.8 proof. Barton Brands makes "1792 Full Proof" at 125 proof and Four Roses make "Four Roses Single Barrel, Barrel Proof" at 109.4 proof. We will finish with Willett Distillery's, "Willett Family Estate Bottled Single Barrel 12 year-old" at 123 proof.

#12.) Bourbon Extremes Tasting

Course #463

The "Bourbon Extremes Tasting"  will take you on a wild ride through bourbon and whiskey's infant years and taste the oldest, most potent, most popular, highest rated and most expensive.

During this experience you will begin by tasting the current world's most popular bourbon and most popular whiskey in Jim Beam White and Jack Daniel's Black Old No. 7. You will also try the most popular bourbon between 1830-1870, the bourbon that helped win the U. S. Civil War in Old Crow. Then move on and try the world's first Bourbon sealed in a bottle in Old Forester and the world's oldest continually made whiskey in Old Overholt. You will experience the world's most potent bourbon in George T. Stag and the most expensive (commercially available) bourbon in Pappy Van Winkle. Then you will try the three first three Super Premium and Top Shelf bourbons that literally transformed the bourbon industry from 1984 to 1988 in Blanton's Single Barrel, Elijah Craig Small Batch and Booker's Barrel Proof Bourbon.

14.) Bourbons of the-Year Tasting

Course #475

#15.) Top Shelf Tasting

Capstone- Course #501

In the "Bourbons of the-Year Tasting"  you taste and learn about the World’s Best Bourbons and Whiskies over the last three years as judged by the four of the most prominent Spirit Competitions or Authorities.

You will learn the difference between 16 of the major Spirit judging competitions and what makes some of them more of an Authority than others.

You will taste the last three “Best in Class Winners” from the San Francisco International Spirit Competition and the last three “Double Gold Winners” at the New York International Spirit Competition and the World Tasting Alliance. Then you will dive into the last three winners of Whisky Advocate Magazine’s Bourbon of the-Year as well as the last three Top Bourbons in the “World Whiskey of the Year” as judged by the Jim Murray Whisky Bible.

The "Top Shelf Bourbon Experience Tasting"  is the most expensive and most extravagant of all 30 tasting. You will experience the best made handcrafted bourbons by each of top distilleries.

In this tasting, you will feel like you're with Robin Leach of the "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous." You will have the opportunity to taste a bottle of 23 year-old Pappy Van Winkle,   Blood Oath, Pact #2, Willett Family Estate Bottled Single Barrel 12 year-old “123 proof,”   1792 Ridgemont Reserve Barrel Select, Wild Turkey Master’s Keep  17 year-old, Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection Maplewood Finish,  Elijah Craig Single Barrel  23 year-old, Maker’s Mark Private Select, George T. Stagg  144.8 Proof,  Van Winkle Special Reserve "Lot b” 12 year-old,  Booker’s Rye Limited Edition 13 year-old, Jim Beam’s Distiller’s Masterpiece, Booker’s Rye Limited Edition 13 year-old, Parker’s Heritage Collection 24 year-old.        

#14.) Best Bourbons Under $40

Course #272

Sample Bourbons from the World’s Top 11 Bourbon Distilleries that were compared side by side against each other. A panel of experts from Whiskey University’s Bourbon Brigade ranked each sample and graded it for others to see. These comparisons are from a live event and have a consensus opinion listed next to each.