The 2026 Bourbon Classic was one for the record books.
From unforgettable bourbon experiences and culinary creativity to record attendance and growing national recognition, this year’s event showcased just how much Bourbon Classic continues to grow year after year.
2026 marked a record year for brand participation, with more brands joining Bourbon Classic than ever before. Since its debut in 2013, Bourbon Classic has experienced a remarkable 507% increase in ticket sales, continuing to establish itself as one of the premier bourbon and culinary event in the country.
This year’s event also reached an all-time high, with 1,920 tickets issued and guests traveling from across the country. From our debut in 2013 to our most recent gathering, bourbon lovers from all 50 states have attended Bourbon Classic to experience Kentucky bourbon, culinary artistry, and hospitality at its finest.
The 2026 Cocktail and Culinary Challenge winners were a highlight of the weekend. Billy Kunkel of Bardstown Bourbon Co. earned Judges’ Choice Best Cocktail for Oolong State of Mind, while Chef Ming Pu of TANA earned Judges’ Choice Best Small Plate for Beef Noodle Soup “Soup Dumpling”. Together, the cocktail and small plate also earned Judges’ Choice Best Pairing.
Lee Caldwell of The Kitchen Table earned Judges’ Choice Most Creative Cocktail for On Glenwood Hill, while Chef Steve Atkins of Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. received Judges’ Choice Most Creative Small Plate for his inventive Seared Venison and Weisenberger Grits creation.
Judges’ Choice Best Cocktail
Oolong State of Mind
Featuring Bardstown Bourbon Co. Bourbon
Created by:
Bartender Billy Kunkel, Bardstown Bourbon Co.
Distillery Partner:
Bardstown Bourbon Co.
Judges’ Choice Best Small Plate
Beef Noodle Soup “Soup Dumpling” with Pickled Mustard Greens, Tana Chili Sauce and Scallions
Featuring: Fisher Farms Beef and Bourbon Barrel Foods Soy Sauce
Created by:
Chef Ming Pu, TANA
Distillery Partner:
Bardstown Bourbon Co.
Judges’ Choice Best Pairing
Oolong State of Mind
Featuring Bardstown Bourbon Co. Bourbon
Created by:
Billy Kunkel, Bardstown Bourbon Co.
Beef Noodle Soup “Soup Dumpling”
Created By:
Chef Ming Pu, TANA
Distillery Partner:
Bardstown Bourbon Co.
Judges’ Choice Most Creative Cocktail
On Glenwood Hill
Featuring Bourbon from James B. Beam Distilling Co.
Created by:
Bartender Lee Caldwell, The Kitchen Table
Distillery Partner:
James B. Beam Distilling Co.
Judges’ Choice Most Creative Small Plate
Seared Venison and Weisenberger Grits with Newton Truffiere Perigourd and KY Rose Cheese, Beet Capellini and Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. Bourbon-Brown Butter Gastrique
Featuring: Weisenberger Grits, Newton Truffiere Perigourd, Black Truffle and KY Rose Cheese
Created by:
Chef Steve Atkins, Whiskey Thief Distilling Co.
Distillery Partner:
Whiskey Thief Distilling Co.
People’s Choice Best Cocktail
Dove of Two Valleys
Featuring Maker's Mark Cask Strength Bourbon
Created by:
Bartender Tom Wilburn, Watch Hill Proper
Distillery Partner:
Maker's Mark
People’s Choice Best Small Plate
Porch Bourbon Butter Cake
Featuring Stonestreet Bourbon
Created by:
Chef Shawn Broadway, Porch Kitchen & Bar
Distillery Partner:
Stonestreet Bourbon
Guests also cast their votes throughout the event, with Dove of Two Valleys by Tom Wilburn of Watch Hill Proper winning People’s Choice Best Cocktail and Chef Shawn Broadway’s Porch Bourbon Butter Cake from Porch Kitchen & Bar taking home People’s Choice Best Small Plate.
A huge thank you goes out to the incredible chefs, bartenders, restaurants, and hospitality partners who brought the Cocktail and Culinary Challenge to life this year:
Bob’s Steak and Chophouse, Bourré Bonne Steakhouse, Charr’d Bourbon Kitchen and Lounge, Grandam at the Manchester Hotel, Guacamole Modern Mexican, The Kitchen Table, Lou Lou on Market, M. Peppers, Meat Church, Porch Kitchen and Bar, Proof on Main, Red Yeti, Repeal, Swizzle, TANA, Tartan House, Trail Hotel, Watch Hill Proper, and Whiskey Thief Distilling Co.
Also a big thank you to our sponsors:
Diamond Barrel Sponsors: Angel’s Envy & Buffalo Trace Distillery
Platinum Barrel Sponsors: Bulleit Frontier Whiskey, Horse Soldier Whiskey, Jackson Purchase Distillery, James B. Beam Distilling Co., Michter's Distillery, LLC & Preservation Distillery
Gold Barrel Sponsors: Bardstown Bourbon Company, Castle & Key Distillery, Chicken Cock Whiskey, Four Roses Bourbon, Green River Whiskey, Heaven Hill Distillery, Maker’s Mark, Stonestreet Whiskey, True Story Whiskeys & Whiskey Thief Distilling Co.
Silver Barrel Sponsors: August Distillery, Barrell Craft Spirits, Bluegrass Distillers, Brothers of the Leaf, Burnt Tavern Bourbon, Coal Pick Distillery, Alliance Highway Safety, Bourbon Genesis, Glencairn Crystal, Hartfield & Co., Jefferson’s Bourbon, Kentucky Senator Bourbon, Lux Row Distillers, New Chef Fashion Inc., Pursuit Spirits, Row 94 Whiskey, Silk Velvet Whiskey & Wenzel Distillery
Specialty Sponsors:
- Hospitality Sponsor: Jeptha Creed
- Official Wine Sponsor: Kendall-Jackson
- Official Watch Sponsor: Oris
- Official Hydration Sponsor: PepsiCo.
- Official Transportation Sponsor: Pegasus
- Official Ice of Bourbon Classic: Kentucky Straight Ice
- Moving Sponsor: Cardinal Moving
- Roaming Photo Booth Sponsor: Pose 502
- Planning & Logistics Sponsor: FSA Management Group
Media Sponsors: The Bourbon Review, Imbibe Magazine, & Outfront.
And finally a special thank you to our incredible media influencers who helped capture and celebrate the spirit of Bourbon Classic throughout the weekend: Bourbon.and.Smoke, CoffeeBlackWhiskeyNeat, Datelistlou, DistrrictOfBourbon, LouisvilleBourbonBuzz, MyKYBucketList, RobertJacobLerma, and WhiskeySheSips.
As Bourbon Classic continues to grow, one thing remains the same: bringing together the best of bourbon, food, and hospitality to create unforgettable experiences and celebrate the rich culture and craftsmanship behind Kentucky bourbon.
Bourbon Classic returns February 24–27, 2027. TICKETS NOW ON SALE!! We look forward to raising a glass with you in Louisville!