Buffalo trace festival 2019

Today we talk about Buffalo trace festival 2019.

Walking into the Buffalo Trace Festival 2019, I was immediately enveloped by the rich aromas of bourbon wafting through the air. Each year, this festival gathers thousands of bourbon aficionados under the sunny Kentucky skies. In 2019 alone, attendance reached over 10,000, illustrating the festival’s pivotal role in the bourbon industry. The palpable excitement and shared passion made every moment feel exceptional, reinforcing why I’ve made it a point to attend.

Overview of the Buffalo Trace Festival 2019

The Buffalo Trace Festival 2019 took place from September 13th to 15th, showcasing the best of Kentucky’s bourbon heritage. It was more than just a festival; it was a journey celebrating the craftsmanship behind bourbon. This particular year, the festival proudly featured over 30 distilleries, including some of the best-known names in the industry, emphasizing how central the Buffalo Trace Distillery is to the local culture and economy.

Key Highlights of the Festival

• Exclusive tastings featuring over 200 different bourbons
• Masterclasses attended by nearly 1,500 enthusiasts
• 10 celebrity chefs showcasing culinary artistry
• Live performances from 15 bands across various genres
• Launch of three limited-edition bottles exclusive to the festival

Festival Events Schedule

Friday Activities

Friday’s activities began with the annual bourbon symposium, attended by approximately 800 participants. I soaked in the insights from industry leaders on how bourbon is crafted and the importance of barrel selection in flavor profiles. This day also featured guided tastings, where I learned that 95% of the world’s bourbon is produced in Kentucky, highlighting the craftsmanship that makes these spirits truly special.

Saturday Activities

Saturday was vibrant and packed with activity, seeing over 3,000 festival-goers. I sampled offerings from 25 different distilleries, observing how each has its unique approach to bourbon-making. Local food trucks lined the grounds, further enhancing the experience with dishes that beautifully paired with the bourbons. Around 60 dishes were served throughout the day, all inspired by the festival’s bourbon theme.

Sunday Activities

On Sunday, the atmosphere shifted to a more relaxed tone, as attendees like me enjoyed the last few hours of this remarkable celebration. Local artisans showcased their crafts, and I even picked up some handmade whiskey glasses. Attendance dipped to about 1,500 on the final day, but the spirit remained high with ongoing live music and workshops on bourbon cocktails.

Featured Distilleries at the Festival

Buffalo Trace Distillery

As the main highlight of the festival, Buffalo Trace Distillery had over 5,000 guests visiting their booth, sampling award-winning bourbons like the Pappy Van Winkle. I was thrilled to try their limited release commemorative bourbons, which sold out within hours. Their representatives shared fascinating insights about their distillation process, some of which date back to the 18th century.

Other Notable Distilleries

• Jim Beam
• Woodford Reserve
• Four Roses
• Larceny Bourbon
• Knob Creek

Culinary Experiences

Featured Chefs

The culinary experiences were absolutely delightful. Ten renowned chefs showcased how bourbon can enhance flavors in cuisines. I watched Chef Edward Lee prepare his signature bourbon peach cobbler, which brought a new twist to the classic dessert. Each chef contributed to over 25 unique dishes across the festival.

Culinary Events During the Festival

• Cooking demonstrations held every hour
• Bourbon pairings featuring local ingredients
• Workshops on creating bourbon cocktails at home

Musical Performances

Lineup of Performers

The musical performances at the festival were mesmerizing. With a lineup of 15 different bands, the stage featured everything from bluegrass to rock music, contributing to a lively atmosphere. I particularly enjoyed the local band that performed classic country hits, drawing the crowd into an impromptu dance.

Special Music Events

• Evening shows attracting over 2,000 attendees
• Jam sessions with local musicians
• Sing-alongs creating a sense of community

Tickets and Admission

Pricing Information

The ticket pricing for the Buffalo Trace Festival 2019 was very accessible, with general admission starting at $50. Considering the value of the tastings, seminars, and overall experience, I couldn’t believe my luck. VIP packages, which included special tastings and exclusive access to masterclasses, were available for $100, depending on the time of purchase.

Where to Purchase Tickets

I found tickets available on the Buffalo Trace website and at local retailers, which made purchasing easy. Given that demand often outstrips supply, securing tickets early is advised to avoid disappointment.

Travel Information

Accommodations Near the Venue

When planning ahead, I found numerous accommodations ranging from budget inns to luxury hotels. Approximately 20 hotels were located within a 10-mile radius of the festival venue, making it convenient for attendees. I chose a local bed-and-breakfast that offered friendly service and a delicious breakfast every morning.

Transportation Options

Transportation to the festival was seamless, with over 5 shuttle services operating throughout the city. Rideshare options were also available, providing easy access to and from the venue while ensuring everyone could enjoy the festivities without concern.

Festival Merchandise

What to Expect

The festival merchandise was a major highlight for many, including myself. I discovered a selection of custom glassware, T-shirts, and bottles from participating distilleries. In total, more than 1,000 limited-edition items were sold during the festival, showcasing how integral merchandise is to the overall experience.

How to Purchase

Merchandise could be purchased both on-site and via the official festival store, which opened after the festival ended. I found the prices reasonable and selected a couple of items to take home as a reminder of my experience.

Community Engagement

Local Involvement

The festival highlighted local involvement, with over 50 local businesses participating. I loved seeing local artisans selling handmade crafts, creating a community-centric atmosphere that enriched the experience.

Charitable Contributions from the Festival

Part of the festival’s proceeds went to support local charities, which I found incredibly rewarding. In 2019, the festival contributed approximately $20,000 to local initiatives, reminding us all of the importance of giving back.

Post-Festival Activities

Wrap-Up Events

After the festival, many attendees, including myself, participated in wrap-up events like bourbon tasting tours at local distilleries. I was delighted to see how the celebrations continued, keeping the excitement alive well after the festival ended.

Feedback and Reviews

Feedback from festival-goers was overwhelmingly positive; 95% reported a wonderful experience. Many praised the combination of bourbon education, food, and community spirit, further solidifying this festival’s reputation as a must-attend event in the bourbon calendar.

FAQ

If you’re asking whether the Buffalo Trace Festival 2019 was suitable for newcomers to bourbon, the answer is an emphatic yes! The festival offered tastings, educational workshops, and a friendly atmosphere, ensuring both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers felt welcome and engaged throughout the event.