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 media personalities and 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 on their favorite cocktail and small plate through our event app.
event details subject to change
2025 Participating Teams
Angel’s Envy Distillery
Bartender Titus Teague, Angel’s Envy Distillery
Chef Kento Kobayashi, Shoku Club
Bardstown Bourbon Co
Bartender Jaz’min Weaver, Bardstown Bourbon Co
Chef Noam Bilitzer, MeeshMeesh Mediterranean
Blue Run Spirits
Bartender Josh Vasko, Bourré Bonne Steakhouse
Chef Henry Wesley, Bourré Bonne Steakhouse
Buffalo Trace Distillery
Bartender Chris Lower, Bluegrass Hospitality Group
Chef Matt Combs, Bluegrass Hospitality Group
Bulleit Bourbon
Bartender Norma Smith, Granddam at The Manchester Hotel
Chef Paula Endara, Granddam at The Manchester Hotel
Castle & Key Distillery
Bartender Anthony Cox, Castle & Key Distillery
Chef Alex Green, Mileta
Chicken Cock Whiskey
Bartender Barbie Mudd, Circa 1856
Chef Newman Miller, Scout and Scholar
Dickel Whisky
Bartender Brian Downing, The Silver Dollar
Chefs Caitlin Cartner and Erika Hernandez, The Silver Dollar
Four Roses Bourbon
Bartender David Blye, Charr'd Bourbon Kitchen and Lounge
Chef Leslie Irvin, Charr'd Bourbon Kitchen and Lounge
Green River Whiskey
Bartender Chad Reid, Seven
Chef Lawrence Weeks, North of Bourbon
Heaven Hill Brands
Bartender Em Sego, Fat Lamb
Chef Dallas McGarity, The Fat Lamb
James B. Beam Distilling Co
Bartender Lee Caldwell, The Kitchen Table
Chef Deniz Burns, The Kitchen Table
Jefferson’s Bourbon
Bartender Jayma Neese, Bob’s Steak and Chophouse
Chef James Moran, Bob’s Steak and Chophouse
Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co.
Bartender Zach Staten, Barn8
Chef Seth Kinder, Barn8
Michter’s Distillery, LLC
Bartender Michael Carlton, Repeal
Chef Ulises Hernandez, Repeal
New Riff Distilling
Bartender Greg Galganski, Proof on Main
Chef Cody Stone, Proof on Main
Rabbit Hole Distillery
Bartender Embry Luallen, Rabbit Hole Distillery
Chef Ming Pu, Brooklyn and the Butcher
Wild Turkey
Bartender D.A. Bates, Wild Turkey Visitor Center
Chef Tim Lewis, Game
Thank You to our 2025 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
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.
