* Must be 21 to enter
Join us at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History in historic downtown Frankfort, Ky., to experience the 2023 VIP Reception & Bourbon Auction, an exciting night sponsored by Whiskey Thief Distillery.
Participate in a meet-and-greet with leaders in the bourbon industry and enjoy spirits tastings with the creators themselves! Tastings will include a pairing experience with Ilan’s Raw Chocolate. This is a great opportunity to socialize with fellow bourbon enthusiasts too!
Listen to live music while enjoying a delectable feast of hearty appetizers and a next-level charcuterie table by Fork Knife & Spoon Catering. Goodwood Brewing & Spirits cash bar will also be on site to serve wine and beer options. The first drink is on us!
To top off the night, attend the Rare & Collectible Bourbon Auction featuring a barrel pick experience at Whiskey Thief Distillery and more fantastic finds! In addition to the live auction, there will also be a silent auction.
This event will headline an outstanding panel of guests who will be interviewed by Mike Hiatt, the founder, host, and owner of The Whiskey Trip podcast.
In addition to her work at Leiper's Fork Distillery, April has served on both the Agriculture & Events Committee for the Tennessee Distillers Guild and their Whiskey Trail Committee. She is currently serving on the American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) Education Committee.
Brian is a lawyer and the author of Bourbon Justice: How Whiskey Law Shaped America. He’s also the author of the popular bourbon blog, Sipp'n Corn® and he’s on the monthly podcast, Bourbon Community Roundtable with Bourbon Pursuit
Freddie is a third-generation employee of Buffalo Trace Distillery and serves as the VIP Visitor Lead. His knowledge and passion for bourbon have made him a beloved distillery icon, and Freddie’s Old Fashioned Soda is named in honor of his decades of work as a tour guide and his family's legacy at the distillery.
Potter is a reformed master distiller and future distillery owner. He has held many roles in the bourbon industry including master distiller and vice president of operations of Heaven Hill Distillery and master distiller and general manager of Maker’s Mark Distillery.
Tennille is an assistant distiller at Whiskey Thief Distilling in Franklin County, Ky., where she specializes in seasonal gin and other craft botanical spirits. She has made multiple appearances on the Discovery Channel competition show Moonshiners: Master Distiller and was the winner of the “Legal vs. Outlaw” episode of Season 4.
Wicker started in the wine industry before finding her way to whiskey where she worked at distilleries like Limestone Branch, Starlight, Preservation, George Washington, and Widow Jane to create award-winning recipes. Most recently, Wicker was CEO/master distiller of Lyons Brewing & Distilling and worked with breweries and distilleries in Kentucky and Ireland.
Wilson is the master of maturation and chief operating officer at Michter’s Distillery. She was the first woman to ever serve as chair of the Kentucky Distillers Association and was inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame® in August 2022.
Zausch is the CEO and owner of Whiskey Thief Distilling Company, an award-winning, artisan distillery in Franklin County, Ky. He has spent several years in experimental retail and brought his passion for the customer experience to the bourbon industry.
Hiatt (a.k.a. “Big Chief”) has been podcasting for over four years and has interviewed the “who’s who” of whiskey. He is the founder, host, and owner of The Whiskey Trip podcast.
Hailing from Lawrenceburg, KY Travis has been playing music on stages and in studios most of his adult life. He puts a little of himself into every project he is involved in and loves a good show. From film and video game music scores to writing and performing all over the US and abroad, Travis has entertained movie goers, gamers, bar crowds, churches, corporate gatherings and even performed for the troops while he was stationed Iraq.
Auction items will be revealed in September. Please check back.
Don’t miss out on this unforgettable night! Mark your calendar for Friday, October 6, 2023! Tickets are limited and available now.
* Items are being added frequently.
Now taking reservations! (advanced reservations are not required but highly suggested).
Please be aware that during the course of the event, photographs and videos may be taken by event organizers, accredited media, or official event photographers. By attending this event, you consent to the use of your likeness, image, voice, and/or video recording, without compensation, for promotional, advertising, or any other purposes deemed appropriate by the event organizers and their partners. For any questions or clarifications regarding this photo notice, please contact bourbononthebanks@gmail.com
