Lobby Libations Crafted by Jeptha Creed
Friday, February 27, 2026
Kentucky International Convention Center
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
New in 2026: Your experience begins the moment you arrive.
Sip and mingle at the Jeptha Creed bar with curated drink samples as a warm welcome to kick off the event.
Cocktail and Culinary Challenge
Friday, February 27, 2026
Kentucky International Convention Center
7:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Master bartenders will be matched with an acclaimed chef and Bourbon Classic sponsor distillery.
Each team will compete for the title of “best cocktail” and "best small plate."
Attendees will have the opportunity to sample each cocktail and small plate. A select panel of industry experts will evaluate the cocktails and small plates individually and as pairings and select winners.
We will also offer People’s Choice awards. Bourbon Classic attendees will vote for their favorite cocktail and small plate.
event details subject to change
2026 Participating Teams
Angel’s Envy Distillery
Bartender Michael Kirkland, Angel’s Envy Distillery
Chef Paula Endara, Granddam at The Manchester Hotel
Bardstown Bourbon Company
Bartender Billy Kunkel, Bardstown Bourbon Co
Chef Ming Pu, Tana
Buffalo Trace Distillery
Bartender Eron Plevan, Tartan House
Chef Matt Pittman, Meat Church
Bulleit Bourbon
Bartender Jacqueline Stoner, Red Yeti
Chef Michael Bowe, Red Yeti
Castle & Key Distillery
Bartender Colson Miller, M. Peppers
Chef Sean Guallilo, M. Peppers
Chicken Cock Whiskey
Bartender Barbie Mudd, Chicken Cock Whiskey
Chef Jon Pauly, Lou Lou on Market
Four Roses Bourbon
Bartender Trevon Stovall, Swizzle
Chef Tina Dyer, Swizzle
Green River Whiskey
Bartender Joe Harper, Charr'd Bourbon Kitchen and Lounge
Chef Leslie Irvin, Charr'd Bourbon Kitchen and Lounge
Heaven Hill Brands
Bartender Alyssa Campbell, Repeal
Chef Dylan Morris, Repeal
Horse Soldier Bourbon
Bartender Jayma Neese, Bob’s Steak and Chophouse
Chef Alex Parker, Bob’s Steak and Chophouse
Jackson Purchase Distillery
Bartender Greg Galganski, Proof on Main
Chef Cody Stone, Proof on Main
James B. Beam Distilling Co
Bartender Lee Caldwell, The Kitchen Table
Chef Stephen Dunn, The Kitchen Table
Maker's Mark
Bartender Tom Wilburn, Watch Hill Proper
Chef Michael Crouch , Watch Hill Proper
Michter’s Distillery, LLC
Bartender Davy Butterworth, Hotel Bourré Bonne
Chef Henry Wesley, Hotel Bourré Bonne
Preservation Distillery
Bartender Keaton Liljestrom, Trail Hotel
Chef Michael Palello, Trail Hotel
Saga Spirits Group
Bartender Emma Willinger, True Story Whiskey
Chef Zack Wolf, Guacamole Modern Mexican
Stonestreet Bourbon
Bartenders Ashley Roach and Kristin Truitt, Porch Kitchen & Bar
Chef Shawn Broadway, Porch Kitchen & Bar
Whiskey Thief Distilling Co.
Bartender Jessi Mosqueda, Whiskey Thief Distilling Co.
Chef Steve Atkins, Whiskey Thief Distilling Co.
Thank You to our Judges
Robert Bleifer, Chef
Paul Clarke, Editor in Chief, Imbibe
Sam Fore, Chef and Owner, Tuk Tuk Snack Shop
event details subject to change
Amber Lounge – A VIP Experience
Sponsored by Four Roses Bourbon, Heaven Hill and Old Carter Whiskey Co.
6:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
VIP ticket holders will enjoy exclusive access to the Amber Lounge, which features special bourbon tastings, additional food options and comfortable seating.
VIP ticket holders will receive early access to the Amber Lounge 30 minutes before doors open to the main event.
