September is National Bourbon Heritage Month, calling for the celebration of the ‘Native Spirit’ of America — bourbon. Culturally, economically, and socially sourced in America, bourbon is truly an all-American beverage.
Dating back 400 years, American Whiskey established itself as an important factor in the economic development, and cultural shaping in the history of the United States. It all started when English colonist George Thorpe filtered the first-ever batch of corn whiskey in Virginia. The founding father of our great nation, George Washington, continued this tradition of distilling and operated the largest whiskey distillery in Virginia, in the nation’s early years.
It is widely believed that Elijah Craig is the Father of Bourbon. In 1789, Craig concocted bourbon by maturing the existing corn whiskey, or moonshine, in oak barrels. Popular as this theory is, many argue that bourbon was not invented by any one person, and instead evolved over time.
Even though America’s distilling heritage started before the nation was founded, bourbon was declared as a unique product of the United States in an act of Congress in 1964. Federal law states that bourbon must be produced in the United States, contain at least 51% corn, and mature in freshly charred oak barrels for at least two years.
In 2007, a resolution was passed by the U.S. Senate, declaring September as National Bourbon Heritage Month. Every year, bourbon enthusiasts come together to appreciate the history, craftsmanship, and milestones of the bourbon industry.
Locally The Century Bar, ranked in the Top 10 Bourbon Bar in the country, will be celebrating Bourbon as Joe Head welcomes with these special guest:
Meet the Maker: Jay Erisman
Jay & Joe will lead you in a tasting in our event space with all things New Riff including the following:
-Welcome cocktail with New Riff Bonded
-pours of: New Riff ‘Silver Grove’ Bourbon, New Riff Bonded, New Riff Malted, New Riff Balboa Rye
“Thirty years of passionate study in whiskey led Jay Erisman to co-found New Riff Distilling in Newport, Kentucky, where he serves today as Vice President Strategic Development, head blender, distiller and fourth string truck driver. As a whiskey writer, Jay’s work has appeared in Whisky Advocate and Distiller among other publications.”
Tuesday, September 19
Stephen Fante Limestone Branch Ambassador
Stephen & Joe will lead you in a tasting in our event space with all things Yellowstone including the following:
-Welcome cocktail with Yellowstone Bourbon
-pours of: Yellowstone Bourbon, Yellowstone Private Barrel, Minor Case Rye, Yellowstone Malt and a special surprise
“Spend any time along the bars and bourbon trails of Kentucky, and it’s likely you’ll hear the name, Stephen Fante. He’s a larger-than-life personality that loves the Limestone Branch Distillery (and its spirits) and he doesn’t hesitate to tell anyone and everyone all about it. Stephen is our Brand Ambassador and recently his hard work and dedication to spirits earned him the ASCOT award for Best Brand Ambassador!”
Thursday, September 28
Kentucky Peerless Night- Single Barrel Curator John Wadell
John & Joe will lead you in a tasting in our event space with all things Peerless including the following:
-Welcome cocktail with Peerless Small Batch
-pours of: Peerless Single Barrel Bourbon, Peerless Single Barrel Rye & more!
“John has been a vital part of Peerless since the beginning of 2017. He’s immersed himself in every aspect of the craft, from public relations to cooking and distillation. His vast understanding of the spirit and process makes him the ideal single barrel curator. Dedicated to upholding Peerless integrity, John oversees rare Peerless Bourbon and Rye Whiskey barrels that highlight distinctive profiles. John specializes in facilitating the investigation of these unique barrels to be offered exclusively by Peerless partners. Serving as the brand Mixologist, John also carefully crafts the Peerless caliber cocktail formulas that are shared with Peerless patrons and mixologists that serve Peerless across the country.”
