Buy Tickets

Tickets go on sale March 17!

Drink Responsibly

VIP Reception & Bourbon Auction -
Presented by Larrikin Bourbon Co.

Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History, 100 W. Broadway St., Frankfort, Ky.
Friday, Oct. 2, 2026 | 5:00 - 8:30pm

* Must be 21 to enter

Join Us for an Unforgettable Evening at the 2026 VIP Reception & Bourbon Auction  Presented by Larrikin Bourbon Co.

Step into the heart of historic downtown Frankfort, Ky., at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History for a night of bourbon, community, and philanthropy.

What to Expect:

  • Exclusive Tastings: Meet  the bourbon industry’s leaders, savor premium spirits and exclusive pours.
  • Live Music & Gourmet Eats: Enjoy live entertainment while indulging in a bourbon inspired spread by Dry Branch Stock Farm, a farm to table caterer. Your first drink is on us, with wine and beer available at the cash bar.
  • Rare Bourbon Auction: Cap off the night with a thrilling Rare & Collectible Bourbon Auction. Bid on incredible items from rare bourbons to unforgettable bourbon experiences including the chance to bid on a full barrel from Larrikin Bourbon Co. Both live and silent auction options will be available.

Connect with fellow bourbon lovers, enjoy an evening of indulgence, and make an impact—auction proceeds support Downtown Frankfort Inc. and other local charities.

Stay tuned for a lineup of distilleries and a detailed list of auction items. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind bourbon event.

LARRIKIN square logo
Bourbon on the Banks VIP Live Auction Order of Sale 2026
18-Sep-26
Order of Sale
KY Bourbon Trail Collection Basket: 1 Bottle of Angel’s Envy KDA Chairman’s Reserve 2026, 1 Bottle of New Riff Yellow Leaming KY Straight Bourbon, 1 Bottle of Jackson Purchase KY Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Batch No. 1; with Bourbon Trail glasses, shirts, coasters, luggage medallions, lapel pins
Castle & Key Untold Story - signed by Freddie Johnson and Rob Beatty - (Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild)
1980's Vintage Ancient Age Bottle
Blanton's Gold
The Ultimate Kentucky Bourbon Experience: Old Forester & Woodford Reserve: Tour & Bourbon Tasting for 6 - Tour Old Forester in the Morning and then Lunch at Brown-Forman with Master Distiller then tour of Woodford Reserve
Bottle of Legacy Barrel from La Familia signed by Twany Beckham, A.J. Stewart, Perry Stevenson, Shagari Alleyne and Tour & Tasting for up to 8 people at Bespoken Spirits
Woodford Reserve Bourbon Distiller's Select: Autographed by Master Distiller Elizabth McCall, 2024 KY Derby Winners: Jockey Brian Hernandez Jr., and Trainer Kenny McPeek
American Hell House signed by Lynyrd Skynyrd (Rickey Medlocke & Johnny Van Zant)
Abstraction Spirits Bourbon on the Banks Barrel Pick signed by label artist Keith Anderson with Painting of the Label
E.H. Taylor Single Barrel & E.H. Small Batch
E.H. Taylor Collection: E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof, E. H. Taylor Single Proof, E.H. Taylor Straight Rye, E.H. Taylor Small Batch
Weller Collection: Weller 12, Weller Full Proof, Weller Antique 107, Weller Special Reserve
Complete Blanton's Landing Collection with Stave Display
Bourbon Barrel Bar Stocked with Jim Beam Brands
Knob Creek 21 Year Bourbon
E.H. Taylor Cured Oak
George T. Stagg
Thomas Handy Sazerac Rye
Rock Hill Farms, Elmer T. Lee, Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year - Bundle
Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year
Van Winkle 12 Year
100 Year Tribute Elmer T. Lee edition - place after the Van Winkle 12 Year
Whiskey Thief Distillery Barrel Pick Experience
The Larrikin Single Barrel Select Experience
TOTAL
Boondocks logo 400 x 400 2
BoB_Vendors22-buffalotrace
Copper and Kings
Four Roses Black
Heaven Hill 400 x 400
BoB_Drinks-jimbeam
Larrikin circle 400 x 400
Logan Vinyards 400 x 400
ingram new 400 x 400
Whiskey Thief Logo
Mary Dowling logo 2
rebecca ruth 400 x 400
Enjoy Musical Stylings from Mash Grass

Violet and the Newsroom is an acoustic folk string band from central and eastern Kentucky blending traditional Appalachian roots with modern folk and indie influences. The trio features Violet of Lexington on fiddle, Anabel of Carlisle on bass, and Clay of Frankfort on mountain dulcimer. All three members are vocalists and multi-instrumentalists, creating a rich, layered sound that balances tight harmonies with dynamic string arrangements.

The group first met at Morehead State University while performing in the Kentucky Center for Traditional Music’s old-time band ensemble. Their shared foundation in traditional music continues to shape their sound as they perform classic old-time fiddle tunes alongside country, folk, alternative indie covers, and original songs. Rooted in Kentucky’s musical heritage yet creatively expansive, Violet and the Newsroom bring an authentic and engaging energy to every performance.

This Year's Special Guests

Scott Beyer
Scott Beyer
Master Blender - The Ingram Distillery

Scott Beyer is the Master Blender for Ingram Distillery, where he leads one of the most innovative whiskey maturation programs in the world. As the steward of the industry’s only floating rickhouses on the Mississippi River, Scott has pioneered a unique approach to whiskey aging shaped by motion, humidity, and river climate. Known for his exceptional palate and blending expertise, Scott has helped guide Ingram’s award-winning whiskey portfolio to international recognition, earning honors from the International Wine & Spirit Competition, San Francisco World Spirits Competition, ASCOT Awards, and placements on Fred Minnick’s Top 100 list.

Jennifer Brian
Jennifer Brian
Cocktail Expert, Author & Educator

Jennifer Brian, The Cocktail Evangelist is an author, and proud Kentucky native whose passion for bourbon and hospitality is deeply rooted in her Bluegrass upbringing. With family ties to Eastern Kentucky, her earliest memories of warm gatherings, rich food traditions, and genuine hospitality continue to shape her approach to cocktails and storytelling. Known for bringing whiskey culture to life, Jennifer blends tradition with creativity to make bourbon approachable and engaging for all audiences. Her dynamic presence and expertise have made her a sought-after voice at tastings, festivals, and events across the country.

Jacob Buchanan
Jacob Buchanan
Territory Manager - Suntory Global Spirits

Jacob Buchanan is a Territory Manager for Suntory Global Spirits, covering Eastern Kentucky from Frankfort to Pikeville. With more than a decade in the beverage alcohol industry, he is passionate about premium spirits, bourbon culture, and creating engaging experiences that connect consumers with great brands.

Jodie Filiatreau
Jodie Filiatreau
Artisanal Distiller - Evan Williams Bourbon Experience

Jodie Filiatreau is the Artisanal Distiller at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, bringing more than four decades of whiskey-making and maturation expertise to the role. He began his career with Heaven Hill in 1981 in the bottling house and, over 45 years with the company, has developed extensive knowledge of distillery and barrel-aging operations. Today, Jodie leads the team crafting some of Heaven Hill’s most limited-release offerings, including the Square 6 line, at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience on Louisville’s historic Whiskey Row. His decades of hands-on experience and deep knowledge of Kentucky bourbon have made him a respected leader in the industry.

Greg Keeley
Greg Keeley
Founder - Larrikin Bourbon Co.

Greg Keeley is the founder of Larrikin Bourbon Co. and a former officer in both the Royal Australian Navy and the United States Navy. Raised near Australia’s renowned wine country, Greg developed an early appreciation for craftsmanship and quality spirits before serving combat tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other global deployments throughout his military career. Eventually settling in Kentucky, Greg combined his passion for fine spirits, disciplined leadership, and adventurous spirit to create Larrikin Bourbon Co. His approach to bourbon reflects both old-world patience and a bold, modern perspective shaped by experiences around the world.

Katie Keeley
Katie Keeley
Co-Founder and Managing Director - Larrikin Bourbon Co.

Katie Keeley is co-founder of Larrikin Bourbon Co., where she brings bold instincts, entrepreneurial energy, and a fearless approach to building the brand alongside her husband, Greg. Known for embracing challenges head-on, Katie has helped shape Larrikin into a whiskey company rooted in authenticity, adventure, and gratitude. Passionate about community, good bourbon, and taking chances, Katie embodies the spirited philosophy behind the Larrikin name. When she’s not at the distillery, she enjoys spending time with her dogs, working outdoors, and supporting causes she believes in.

Macaulay Minton
Macaulay Minton
Chief Alchemist - Dark Arts Whiskey House

Macaulay Minton is the Chief Alchemist at Dark Arts Whiskey House, where he combines science, creativity, and craftsmanship to produce innovative, boundary-pushing whiskeys. A graduate of the University of Kentucky’s Distillation, Wine, and Brewing Studies program with an MBA from Northern Kentucky University, Macaulay is recognized for his expertise as a master taster and blender. Before joining Dark Arts, he built his career in yeast microbiology, distillery operations, and private barrel programs, contributing to many of Wilderness Trail’s signature offerings. Today, his award-worthy blends honor bourbon tradition while showcasing a bold, modern approach to whiskey making.

Dave Scheurich
Dave Scheurich
Master Distiller and Founder

Dave Scheurich is the Master Distiller for Boondocks Brands, where he sources, evaluates, and oversees the production of exceptional whiskeys across the portfolio. A recipient of Whisky Advocate’s 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award, Dave brings decades of industry expertise to every bottle bearing his name. Previously, he served as General Manager and Distillery Manager at Woodford Reserve, where he led the restoration of the historic distillery and played a key role in developing the Woodford Reserve brand. Now retired from Woodford, Dave continues his work in whiskey while residing in Danville, Kentucky.

Heather Wibbels
Heather Wibbels
Award Winning Mixologist and Author

Heather is a spirits author, award-winning mixologist, and whiskey educator known as the Cocktail Contessa. The former Board Chair of Bourbon Women, she teaches others to explore whiskey through cocktails, classes, and approachable education. Her first book, Bourbon is My Comfort Food, was featured in Forbes, and she’s currently working on her second. An Executive Bourbon Steward, she’s on a mission to help people fall in love with whiskey – one cocktail at a time. Find her online at cockailcontessa.com or @cocktail_contessa on Instagram.

Lisa Wicker
Lisa Wicker
Director of Distilling at Whiskey Thief Distilling Co.

Lisa Roper Wicker is the Director of Distilling at Whiskey Thief Distilling Co., bringing nearly 25 years of experience in wine and spirits production to the role. Her unconventional path began in farm wineries before leading her into distilling at Limestone Branch, Starlight, and Preservation Distilleries, followed by consulting and leadership roles across the spirits industry. Lisa served as President and Head Distiller of Widow Jane Distillery in Brooklyn and later as CEO of Alltech Beverage. Known for her expertise in distilling, blending, and product development, she now brings her experience to Whiskey Thief, helping shape the distillery’s future and its distinctive portfolio of Kentucky whiskey.

Kaveh Zamanian
Kaveh Zamanian
Founder - Rabbit Hole, Mary Dowling, and Mash & Mallow Whiskey companies

Kaveh Zamanian is the founder of Rabbit Hole Distillery, Mary Dowling Whiskey Company, and Mash & Mallow Whiskey. After a distinguished 20-year career as a clinical psychologist, psychoanalyst, and academic, Kaveh turned his focus to whiskey, creating innovative, award-winning spirits that challenge traditional bourbon conventions. A visionary whiskey maker and entrepreneur, he developed Rabbit Hole’s iconic Louisville distillery, now recognized as a landmark of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. In 2022, Kaveh was inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame in recognition of his contributions to the bourbon industry.

Walter Zausch
Walter Zausch
Founder and CEO : Whiskey Thief Distilling Co.

Walter Zausch is the Founder and CEO of Whiskey Thief Distilling Co., bringing a background in architecture, technology, and customer experience to Kentucky’s bourbon industry. A Kentucky native and University of Kentucky graduate, Walter spent 15 years working with companies including Apple and Microsoft before returning home and pursuing his passion for bourbon. Since acquiring the Frankfort distillery in 2021, Walter has expanded the Whiskey Thief experience while preserving its hands-on, authentic approach to bourbon. In 2024 Whiskey Thief expanded and opened a satellite tasting room, and listening room location in Louisville. Whiskey Thief has become known for its signature straight-from-the-barrel, uncut and unfiltered single-barrel tasting experience.

Bourbon on the Banks VIP Live Auction Order of Sale 2026
18-Sep-26
Order of Sale
KY Bourbon Trail Collection Basket: 1 Bottle of Angel’s Envy KDA Chairman’s Reserve 2026, 1 Bottle of New Riff Yellow Leaming KY Straight Bourbon, 1 Bottle of Jackson Purchase KY Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Batch No. 1; with Bourbon Trail glasses, shirts, coasters, luggage medallions, lapel pins
Castle & Key Untold Story - signed by Freddie Johnson and Rob Beatty - (Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild)
1980's Vintage Ancient Age Bottle
Blanton's Gold
The Ultimate Kentucky Bourbon Experience: Old Forester & Woodford Reserve: Tour & Bourbon Tasting for 6 - Tour Old Forester in the Morning and then Lunch at Brown-Forman with Master Distiller then tour of Woodford Reserve
Bottle of Legacy Barrel from La Familia signed by Twany Beckham, A.J. Stewart, Perry Stevenson, Shagari Alleyne and Tour & Tasting for up to 8 people at Bespoken Spirits
Woodford Reserve Bourbon Distiller's Select: Autographed by Master Distiller Elizabth McCall, 2024 KY Derby Winners: Jockey Brian Hernandez Jr., and Trainer Kenny McPeek
American Hell House signed by Lynyrd Skynyrd (Rickey Medlocke & Johnny Van Zant)
Abstraction Spirits Bourbon on the Banks Barrel Pick signed by label artist Keith Anderson with Painting of the Label
E.H. Taylor Single Barrel & E.H. Small Batch
E.H. Taylor Collection: E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof, E. H. Taylor Single Proof, E.H. Taylor Straight Rye, E.H. Taylor Small Batch
Weller Collection: Weller 12, Weller Full Proof, Weller Antique 107, Weller Special Reserve
Complete Blanton's Landing Collection with Stave Display
Bourbon Barrel Bar Stocked with Jim Beam Brands
Knob Creek 21 Year Bourbon
E.H. Taylor Cured Oak
George T. Stagg
Thomas Handy Sazerac Rye
Rock Hill Farms, Elmer T. Lee, Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year - Bundle
Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year
Van Winkle 12 Year
100 Year Tribute Elmer T. Lee edition - place after the Van Winkle 12 Year
Whiskey Thief Distillery Barrel Pick Experience
The Larrikin Single Barrel Select Experience
TOTAL

* Items are being added frequently.

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable night! Mark your calendar for Friday, October 2, 2026! Tickets are limited and available now.

Contact Executive Shuttle to transport you to and from the event, keeping you and everyone else as safe as possible.

Now taking reservations! (advanced reservations are not required but highly suggested).

Call: 502-321-4365
nbexecutiveshuttle.com
Secret Link