The Cocktail and Culinary Challenge, a centerpiece of the Bourbon Classic, brilliantly showcases the artistry of eighteen teams, each consisting of chefs and master bartenders from various distilleries. These teams compete for top honors, as judged by a panel that awards accolades for the best cocktail, best small plate, and best pairing. Attendees also play an active role by sampling each creation and casting their votes for the People’s Choice Award.
The Bourbon Classic draws enthusiasts from all corners of the nation, with attendees from all 50 states gathering to celebrate this unique event. Notably, in 2025, 81% of attendees traveled from out of state to join the festivities. “There really is no other Bourbon & Culinary focus event like the Bourbon Classic”, shared Jason Ornellas, a regular attendee. “From the top chefs, the best brands, master distillers, blenders and bartenders coming together for two days of amazing food, drinks and good times.”
Judges’ Choice Best Cocktail
Guava Nice Day
Featuring Castle & Key Small Batch Bourbon
Created by:
Bartender Anthony Cox, Castle & Key Distillery
Distillery Partner:
Castle & Key Distillery
Judges’ Choice Best Small Plate
Tandoori Spice Rubbed Berry Beef Tenderloin with Bourbon Barrel Foods Aged Kentucky Sorghum Sweet Potato Cream, Zhug and Pomegranate Molasses
Featuring: Berry Beef Tenderloin
Created by:
Chef Dallas McGarity, The Fat Lamb
Distillery Partner:
Heaven Hill Brands
Judges’ Choice Best Pairing
Whiskey Waddle
Featuring Baker's Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Created by:
Bartender Lee Caldwell, The Kitchen Table
Duck Commander Ducketta with Turnip Puree and Barley Szechuan Sorghum Gastrique
Featuring: Bourbon Barrel Foods Sorghum and Soy Sauce
Created By:
Chef Deniz Burns, The Kitchen Table
Distillery Partner:
James B. Beam Distilling Company
Peoples’ Choice Best Cocktail
Whiskey Waddle
Featuring Baker's Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Created by:
Bartender Lee Caldwell, The Kitchen Table
Distillery Partner:
James B. Beam Distilling Company
Peoples’ Choice Best Small Plate
Pork Belly Kara Miso Yaki
Featuring: Marksbury Farm Pork
Created by:
Chef Kento Kobayashi, Shoku Club
Distillery Partner:
Angel’s Envy Distillery
Peoples’ Choice Best Pairing
Whiskey Waddle
Featuring Baker's Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Created by:
Bartender Lee Caldwell, The Kitchen Table
Duck Commander Ducketta with Turnip Puree and Barley Szechuan Sorghum Gastrique
Featuring: Bourbon Barrel Foods Sorghum and Soy Sauce
Created By:
Chef Deniz Burns, The Kitchen Table
Distillery Partner:
James B. Beam Distilling Company
At the 2025 Cocktail Challenge, Castle & Key Distillery claimed the Judges’ Choice award for Best Cocktail with their creation “Guava Nice Day,” crafted by Bartender Anthony Cox using Castle & Key Small Batch Bourbon.
Meanwhile, James B. Beam Distilling Company made an impressive impact, winning the People’s Choice award for Best Cocktail with their "Whiskey Waddle." This cocktail, created by Bartender Lee Caldwell from The Kitchen Table at Jim Beam and featuring Baker's Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, also triumphed in both the Judges’ Choice and People’s Choice categories for Best Pairings.
Alongside the innovative whiskey cocktails expertly crafted by the bartenders, guests enjoyed impeccably prepared small plates. Chef Dallas McGarity of The Fat Lamb, partnering with Heaven Hill Brand Distillery, earned the Judge’s Choice Best Small Plate award. His winning creation, a Tandoori Spice Rubbed Berry Beef Tenderloin paired with Bourbon Barrel Foods Aged Kentucky Sorghum Sweet Potato Cream, Zhug, and Pomegranate Molasses, truly exemplified culinary excellence.
Meanwhile, Chef Kento Kobayashi from Shoku Club, in collaboration with Angel’s Envy Distillery, captivated everyone with their Pork Belly Kara Miso Yaki, featuring Marksbury Farm Pork. This remarkable dish won the People’s Choice Best Small Plate award, highlighting their excellent culinary skills.
Since 2013, the Bourbon Classic has grown by an impressive 312%, continually evolving to deliver innovative cocktails and culinary delights to its enthusiastic audience. Tiffany Thorton, a devoted fan of the event, remarked on its uniqueness: “What makes Bourbon Classic unique is the opportunity to try an array of Kentucky Bourbon. In addition, you gain more of an understanding of how Bourbon is made, the different distilleries (how each one is unique). Also you get to mingle, and even pair the Bourbon with tasty dishes.”
The Bourbon Classic consistently delivers a remarkable experience that captivates both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers. The upcoming 2026 event, scheduled for February 25-28, offers an opportunity for bourbon lovers to fully immerse themselves in this rich cultural celebration. Visit https://www.bourbonclassic.com/plan-your-visit/ to start planning your 2026 Bourbon Classic visit.
