Along with the wardrobes featured, Sex and the City’s favorite cocktail—The Cosmopolitan—quickly became a 90’s style icon. Today, from glassware to spirits, cocktails still come in and out of style, and below a cocktail to compliment fall fashion trends from 2012. Enjoy!

Maker’s Mod Manhattan:

· 1 ½ parts Maker’s Mark® Bourbon

· ½ part sweet vermouth

· 1 teaspoon maraschino cherry juice

· 1 maraschino cherry

Shake all together for 30 seconds. Strain into chilled Manhattan glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry (served up, no ice)

Beam sends Irish Graduates to US to promote Irish Whiskey

Deerfield, Illinois (August 2012)… Beam Inc, owners of the multi-award winning Kilbeggan and Cooley Irish Whiskey Distilleries, has hired five Irish graduates to promote its Irish whiskey brands in the US. The graduates were selected through the IBEC Export Orientation Programme (EOP).

The graduates, Emily Duffy (Limerick), Joanne Ryan (Waterford), Ruth Dunne, Michael Egan and Jennifer Graham (Dublin), will each be based in one of following five US cities; New York, Chicago, Boston, San Francisco and Philadelphia.

At the start of August the graduates will attend an intensive 10 day induction course at the newly established Kilbeggan Institute of Irish Whiskey Excellence at the Kilbeggan Distillery in Co Westmeath.

At Kilbeggan the graduates will be fully immersed in the whiskey making process and will be tutored on how to market Irish whiskey to an overseas audience. They will work with the Kilbeggan distilling team on every aspect of whiskey production from distillation to maturation ensuring that they obtain a 360 degree understanding of the products they will be promoting. In addition they will also receive presentation training from UK specialist firm Sustrain UK and will receive whiskey master class training from Beam’s Irish Whiskey Global Brand Ambassador John Cashman.

Beam’s Senior Global Marketing Manager for Irish Whiskey, Stephen Teeling, commented, “These talented graduates will benefit greatly from being exposed to international best practice in export orientated marketing. They will be supported by Beam’s US marketing and distribution infrastructure as they promote our portfolio of Irish whiskeys in five major cities in the US.

This programme has huge potential not only for the growth of our business but also for producing highly skilled people who possess the talent and ability to successfully market Irish products overseas. There is scope to roll this programme out across Europe and in other international markets.”

About Cooley Distillery

Cooley Distillery is the award winning Irish whiskey distillery. Established in 1987, Cooley takes its name from the location of its distillery, situated at the foothills of the Cooley Mountains, in Co. Louth. Cooley has an award winning portfolio of Irish whiskeys including Kilbeggan Irish whiskey, Tyrconnell Single Malt, Connemara Peated Single Malt and Greenore Single Grain Irish whiskey. To learn more about Cooley Distillery visit www.cooleywhiskey.com

About Beam Inc.

As one of the world’s leading premium spirits companies, Beam is Crafting the Spirits that Stir the World. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including Jim Beam Bourbon, Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Sauza Tequila, Pinnacle Vodka, Canadian Club Whisky, Courvoisier Cognac, Teacher’s Scotch Whisky, Cruzan Rum, Hornitos Tequila, Knob Creek Bourbon, Laphroaig Scotch Whisky, Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey, EFFEN Vodka, Pucker Flavored Vodka, Larios Gin, Whisky DYC, DeKuyper Cordials, and Skinnygirl Cocktails. Beam is focused on delivering superior performance with its unique combination of scale with agility and a strategy of Creating Famous Brands, Building Winning Markets and Fueling Our Growth. Beam and its 3,200 passionate associates worldwide generated 2011 sales of $2.8 billion, volume of 34 million 9-liter cases and some of the industry’s fastest growing innovations.

Headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, Beam is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol BEAM and is included in the S&P 500 Index and the MSCI World Index. For more information on Beam, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamglobal.com and www.drinksmart.com.

EOP IBEC Graduate Programme explained

The Export Orientation Programme assists sponsor companies in strengthening their international marketing and export capacity. Highly qualified graduates are drawn from a carefully vetted shortlist and are available for recruitment in a sector relevant to their experience and qualifications. The selected candidates spend a placement working on behalf of the company either from their base in Ireland or in the relevant market around the world.

Through the unique EOP Accreditation Process, sponsor companies can be sure that the candidates they engage will be highly trained in all areas of export market development and will have access to industry experts throughout the duration of their placement. This allows the company to build up a valuable portfolio of practical information throughout the EOP process.

Through the EOP MSc Accreditation process, companies may also develop a suite of unique market relevant documents will which assist in their strategic development and provide unparalleled return on investment in the EOP process, EOP sponsor companies have found the process invaluable in the creation of new revenue streams and knowledge workers . With in excess of 88% retention rates post placement. EOP is the programme of choice for Ireland’s leading export companies with almost 28 years experience.

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY ANNOUNCES SMALL BARREL EXPERIMENTS ARE FAILURES

Apparently, Size Does Matter!

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Aug. 2012) Sometimes, not all experiments are successful. Buffalo Trace Distillery learned this the hard way with its small barrel experiments started in 2006.

Using 5, 10, and 15 gallon barrels, the company filled each small barrel with the same mash bill (Buffalo Trace Rye Bourbon Mash #1) around the same time, and aged them side by side in a warehouse for six years.

The results were less than stellar. Even though the barrels did age quickly, and picked up the deep color and smokiness from the char and wood, each bourbon yielded less wood sugars than typical from a 53 gallon barrel, resulting in no depth of flavor.

While Buffalo Trace is NOT releasing these experiments, the Distillery did feel it was important to release their findings. The company hopes others can learn from such an experiment, just as they have.

“As expected, the smaller 5 gallon barrel aged bourbon faster than the 15 gallon version. However, it’s as if they all bypassed a step in the aging process and just never gained that depth of flavor that we expect from our bourbons. Even though these small barrels did not meet our expectations, we feel it’s important to explore and understand the differences between the use of various barrel sizes,” said Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley.

Each of the three small barrel bourbons were tasted annually to check on their maturation progress, then left alone to continue aging, hoping the taste would get better with time. Finally, after six years, the team at Buffalo Trace concluded the barrels were not going to taste any better and decided to chalk up the experiment to a lesson learned.

“These barrels were just so smoky and dark, we just confirmed the taste was not going to improve. The largest of the three barrels, the 15 gallon, tasted the best, but it still wasn’t what we would deem as meeting our quality standards. But instead of just sweeping this experiment under the rug and not talking about it, we felt it was important to share what we learned, especially in light of the debate about usage of small barrels. It’s one experiment we are not likely to repeat,” said Wheatley.

These small barrel experiments are part of the more than 1,500 experimental barrels of whiskey aging in the warehouses of Buffalo Trace Distillery. Each of these barrels has unique characteristics that differentiate it from all others. Some examples of these experiments include unique mash bills, type of wood and barrel toasts. In order to further increase the scope, flexibility and range of the experimental program, an entire micro distillery, named The Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. “OFC” Micro Distillery, complete with cookers, fermenting tanks and a state-of-the-art micro still has been constructed within Buffalo Trace Distillery.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is a family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich distilling tradition dates back to 1787 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won seven distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. It was named Whisky Magazine 2010 World Icons of Whisky “Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year.” Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 200 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com

“Best Rye Whiskey” Now Available as Knob Creek® Rye Launches Nationally

Clermont, KY – Knob Creek®, the world’s #1 selling Super-Premium bourbon, proudly expands its portfolio by introducing its newest innovation, Knob Creek® Rye. Named “Best Rye Whiskey” at the 2012 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, it is patiently aged to produce a straight rye whiskey with a rich, mature flavor and luxurious finish that whiskey lovers have come to expect from Knob Creek’s award-winning portfolio.

Bottled at 100 proof and made with a blend of the finest quality rye grains, Knob Creek® Rye brings the deliciously rich and savory notes of rye to life in a way that only Knob Creek can. Anthony Dias Blue, Editor-in-Chief of Tasting Panel Magazine, awarded Knob Creek® Rye the magazine’s coveted “Seal of Excellence” and praised the innovation as “the best rye I’ve ever tasted; a masterpiece.” Spicy, yet exceptionally smooth, it can be enjoyed neat or used as a base for mixing distinctive cocktails.

“2012 has been a stand-out year for Knob Creek,” said Fred Noe, seventh-generation Beam Master Distiller and creator of Knob Creek® Rye. “20 years after my father, Booker Noe, first introduced Knob Creek® Bourbon to the world, I am excited to have the opportunity to apply his dedication to creating superior quality whiskey and introduce my latest innovation, Knob Creek® Rye.”

Officially launching at this year’s 2012 Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, Knob Creek teamed up with celebrity chef Michael Symon to unveil Knob Creek® Rye to food & spirits connoisseurs from around the world. As an award-winning chef and restaurateur, Chef Symon believes in using the best ingredients available to create approachable, full-flavored dishes that are deeply satisfying, making him the perfect match for Knob Creek® Bourbon’s big, full signature flavor. This partnership will continue throughout 2012 and include:

*Knob Creek® Bourbon-Inspired Recipes. Chef Symon will create exclusive cocktail and food recipes for the summer, fall and holiday season.
*Quick-Fire BBQ Tips. Chef Symon will share his tips for fall grilling with Knob Creek’s Facebook Fans in engaging web exclusive videos.
*Limited Edition Holiday Labels. Chef Symon will unveil his limited-edition Knob Creek® Bourbon holiday label, which consumers can personalize for the whiskey-lover on their holiday gift list.

“I always say ‘cook with what you love,’ and nothing adds more to a dish than Knob Creek® Bourbon’s big, full, signature flavor,” said Chef Symon. “I use only the highest quality of ingredients, and Knob Creek® is no exception. Whether I‘m looking to add a big bourbon taste to my popular meat-centric dishes or spice them up with a quality rye, Knob Creek® is as delicious in the kitchen as it is at the bar.”

Michael Symon is an award-winning chef, restaurateur, television personality and author. Chef Symon cooks with soul, creating bold, deeply satisfying dishes at his six restaurants in America’s heartland. The Cleveland native shares his exuberant, approachable cooking style and infectious laugh with television viewers as an Iron Chef on the Food Network. Michael recently joined The Chew on ABC as one of the show’s six hosts, and his latest show, Symon’s Suppers, premiered on Cooking Channel in January 2012. Michael’s second cookbook, “Carnivore,” dedicated to meat lovers, will be published in October 2012.

Knob Creek® Rye is available nationally and retails for a suggested price of $40.99 for a 750ml bottle. For more information about Knob Creek® Bourbon, Knob Creek® Single Barrel Reserve and Knob Creek® Rye, go to KnobCreek.com or visit us at Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/KnobCreek.

About Knob Creek® Bourbon

Released in 1992, at a time when the terms “craft” and “super-premium” bourbon didn’t exist, Knob Creek knows what real bourbon should taste like – extraordinary bourbon with intriguing taste and bottled in unique flask shaped packaging, which has helped make it the #1 selling Super-Premium bourbon in the world. Knob Creek® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is aged nine years at a sophisticated 100 proof (50% alcohol by volume), and is named after the small town in Kentucky where President Abraham Lincoln was born. In 2011, Knob Creek introduced Knob Creek® Single Barrel Reserve (120 proof / 60% alcohol by volume), the brand’s first-ever single barrel bourbon. Carefully hand-selected, barrel-by-barrel, it’s extraordinarily smooth and nuanced, with even more of Knob Creek® Bourbon’s rich wood and vanilla notes. Further demonstrating Knob Creek’s commitment to crafting superior quality bourbon, Knob Creek® Bourbon, Knob Creek® Single Barrel Reserve and Knob Creek® Rye (100 proof / 50% alcohol by volume) took home coveted Double Gold medals at this year’s San Francisco World Spirits Competition, making it one of the most celebrated portfolios at this year’s competition. For more information on Knob Creek, visit www.knobcreek.com

About Beam Inc.

As one of the world’s leading premium spirits companies, Beam is Crafting the Spirits that Stir the World. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including Jim Beam Bourbon, Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Sauza Tequila, Pinnacle Vodka, Canadian Club Whisky, Courvoisier Cognac, Teacher’s Scotch Whisky, Cruzan Rum, Hornitos Tequila, Knob Creek Bourbon, Laphroaig Scotch Whisky, Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey, EFFEN Vodka, Pucker Flavored Vodka, Larios Gin, Whisky DYC, DeKuyper Cordials, and Skinnygirl Cocktails. Beam is focused on delivering superior performance with its unique combination of scale with agility and a strategy of Creating Famous Brands, Building Winning Markets and Fueling Our Growth. Beam and its 3,200 passionate associates worldwide generated 2011 sales of $2.8 billion, volume of 34 million 9-liter cases and some of the industry’s fastest growing innovations.

Headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, Beam is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol BEAM and is included in the S&P 500 Index and the MSCI World Index. For more information on Beam, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamglobal.com and www.drinksmart.com.

Knob Creek® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Straight Rye Whiskey, 50%-60% Alc./Vol. ©2012 Knob Creek Distillery, Clermont, KY. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

WILLIAM LAWSON’S® FASTEST-GROWING TOP 50 INTERNATIONAL SPIRITS BRAND

London, August 2012 — WILLIAM LAWSON’S® Blended Scotch whisky is proud to be acknowledged as the fastest-growing of the 2011 Top 50 international spirits brands in the world.

Recently published figures from IWSR (International Wine & Spirit Research) for its Top 50 International Spirits Brands List revealed truly impressive international growth, with the brand showing a massive 46.1% value increase and 32% volume increase in 2011 vs. 2010.

In addition, WILLIAM LAWSON’S Blended Scotch whisky is acknowledged as the fastest- growing of the 1 million case Scotch whisky brands, achieving a sales milestone of more than 2 million nine litre cases worldwide in 2011.

France is a major market for WILLIAM LAWSON’S, accounting for one-third of all sales; while Belgium, Portugal, and Spain are also important established markets. Over the last year, the brand has enjoyed strong growth in Eastern Europe and Latin America; in particular Russia, Venezuela, Ecuador and Uruguay, where the brand has been in market for less than four years.

Contributing to the recent success of WILLIAM LAWSON’S has been a real focus on delivering its “No Rules. Great Scotch” proposition – a powerful combination of consistent award-winning advertising with an award-winning Scotch.

Esther Park, Global Marketing Director, WILLIAM LAWSON’S Scotch whisky, commented, “To be the fastest-growing brand amongst the top 50 international spirits brands in the world is an incredible achievement. Today’s consumers are seeking good value, but at the same time they don’t want to compromise on quality. WILLIAM LAWSON’S gives them a great-tasting Scotch at an affordable price.

“The last year has been a huge success for WILLIAM LAWSON’S with an amazing performance across the world. We plan to engage our consumers even more with our great value proposition in the coming year.”

www.williamlawsons.com

Limited edition bottling by BenRiach and Caskstrength.net

Tunbridge Wells – August 2012 – Online retailers Master of Malt are proud to announce the exclusive release of a limited edition bottling of 16 year old BenRiach Single Malt Scotch Whisky selected by renowned whisky journalists Neil Ridley and Joel Harrison of Caskstrength.net. Working directly with BenRiach, Mr. Ridley and Mr. Harrison hand selected a single cask to release this limited edition run of 296 bottles.

The whisky was distilled in 1996, aged for 16 years including 4 years in a Pedro Ximenez sherry cask, and bottled in July of 2012. The whisky is a single cask whisky (cask #5614) and was bottled at cask strength at 55.2% abv.

This bottling represents the second in a series of ‘A-Z’ bottlings to be released by Caskstrength.net. Their first release was an Arran Single Malt Scotch whisky and sold out in a matter of days on www.masterofmalt.com. The Arran release has since become a collectors’ item and has tripled in price in the past year. Caskstrength.net has yet to reveal what their next release will be.

Each 70cl bottle is labelled with the ‘Cask Strength and Carry On’ logo, is individually numbered, and is hand signed by both Mr. Ridley and Mr. Harrison. The first 50 bottles will be sold with a limited edition ‘Cask Strength and Carry On’ cotton carrier bag.

Tasting notes:

Nose: Toffee sweetness and Werther’s Originals spring out of the gate. The PX finishing is extremely apparent with brown sugar and Christmastime notes with a hint of salted caramel and just a whisper of granny’s old baking-and-spice cabinet.
Palate: Rich, dark, and dried fruits roll down like an avalanche and lead into a river of caramel and toffee. Some soft potpourri and candied lemon peel pops up its head but doesn’t overpower. Begins elegantly and reveals a more powerful flavour with time.
Finish: Long and lingering, it carries the salted caramel through to the back of the throat for a pleasantly drying finish thanks to the Pedro Ximenez sherry casks.

BUSHMILLS™ IRISH WHISKEY SWEEPS THE BOARD AT 2012 SPIRIT COMPETITIONS

BUSHMILLS Irish Whiskey has finished the 2012 awards season with a sweep of accolades from some of the world’s most prestigious spirit competitions – twelve of which have been picked up in the last month alone.

The recent awards include two gold medals for BUSHMILLS 21 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey – one at the 2012 International Wine and Spirit Competition and another at the 2012 Spirits Business Irish Whiskey Masters.

The medals bring the number of awards that the handcrafted BUSHMILLS range has won in 2012 to 32. This includes the accolade of ‘Best Irish Whiskey’ that BUSHMILLS 21 Year Old also picked up at the 2012 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

BUSHMILLS 16 Year Old Single Malt also picked up a coveted ‘Master’ award – the highest in its category – in the 2012 Spirits Business Irish Whiskey Masters.

BUSHMILLS Global Brand Director, Samantha Reader said: “The quality of BUSHMILLS, as recognised by the most credible experts in the industry, is an important factor in the growth of the brand.”

“Picking up a haul of 32 top awards has been the perfect ending to a big year for us. In the past few months, we’ve launched a new product, BUSHMILLS Irish Honey, in the U.S.; staged Bushmills Live – a handcrafted whiskey and music festival – at the home of BUSHMILLS; and collaborated with a range of world-famous artists such as Snow Patrol, Bon Iver and Elijah Wood.”

BUSHMILLS Master Distiller, Colum Egan, said: “It has been an incredible year already for us here at Bushmills and we have been thrilled with each and every award that has been bestowed on our beloved whiskies.

“We spend a lot of time here at Bushmills handcrafting each of our whiskies in small batches – that’s our secret to creating the best quality Irish Whiskey and the smooth taste that is our house style. We’ll certainly be enjoying a glass to celebrate!”

BUSHMILLS Range

Topping the boards: The BUSHMILLS Irish Whiskey range.

Bushmills 21 Year Old

Best Irish Whiskey: Bushmills 21 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey

Colum Egan

BUSHMILLS Master Distiller Colum Egan celebrates the brand’s awards haul at the Old Bushmills Distillery.

Samantha Reader

BUSHMILLS Irish Whiskey Global Brand Director Samantha Reader: “The quality of BUSHMILLS, as recognised by our industry peers already this year, is an important factor in the growth of the brand”.

Bushmills Live

Bushmills Live – the festival of handcrafted whiskey and music – at the Old Bushmills Distillery.

Notes

BUSHMILLS Irish Whiskey is handcrafted in small batches for a smooth taste at Ireland’s oldest working distillery, in Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland. The brand portfolio includes six award-winning whiskies: BUSHMILLS, BLACK BUSH, BUSHMILLS 10 Year Old Single Malt, BUSHMILLS 16 Year Old Single Malt, BUSHMILLS 21 Year Old Single Malt and our anniversary edition, BUSHMILLS 1608.

BUSHMILLS Irish Whiskey awards 2012: 

About Diageo

Diageo is the world’s leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, beer and wine. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Buchanan’s, Windsor and Bushmills whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Baileys, Captain Morgan, Jose Cuervo, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is a global company, with its products sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at Diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com. Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

EXCEPTIONAL 50 YEAR OLD DALMORE AT BONHAMS SCOTTISH SALE IN EDINBURGH

A bottle of The Dalmore-50 year old, filled into barrels in 1926, is the star item in the whisky section of Bonhams Scottish Sale Part II on 29 August at 22 Queen Street.

The whisky, which has been described as having the complex aroma of old English marmalade, ripe bananas, treacle toffee and fruitcake, comes in a ceramic decanter with stopper and is estimated at £5,000-7,000.

Among other lots is a Black Bowmore 1964 bottled in 1993. Number 1372 of 2000, it comes in a wooden presentation case and carries an estimate of £2,000-2,500.

Three commemorative bottles also stand out. A Port Ellen Maltings-21 year old bottled to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of Port Ellen Maltings (1973-1998) is estimated at £1,000-1,200 and a Bowmore-30 year old-1963 which marks the 30th anniversary of Morrison Bowmore Distillers ownership is expected to fetch £800-1,000.

Finally a bottle of Blair Athol Bicentenary-12 year old which commemorates 200 years of distilling (1798-1998), comes in its original carton and is estimated at £800-1,000

In all there are over 100 bottles on offer. They form part of Bonhams Scottish Sale Part II which takes place over two days – 29th and 30th August – and is a celebration of all things Scottish.

NOTES

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques. The present company was formed by the merger in November 2001 of Bonhams & Brooks and Phillips Son & Neale. In August 2002, the company acquired Butterfields, the principal firm of auctioneers on the West Coast of America. Today, Bonhams offers more sales than any of its rivals, through two major salerooms in London: New Bond Street and Knightsbridge; and a further three in the UK regions and Scotland. Sales are also held in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Carmel, New York and Connecticut in the USA; and Germany, France, Monaco, Hong Kong and Australia. Bonhams has a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 25 countries offering sales advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas. For a full listing of upcoming sales, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments go to www.bonhams.com

Lots of Bourbon, Bargains, Music, Mayhem and Murder in Bardstown, Ky.

The ‘Bourbon Capital of the World’ pours on the fun for Fall 2012

BARDSTOWN, KY – AUGUST, 2012 – Bardstown is pouring on the fun this fall with events that celebrate the history and making of the country’s only Native spirit, share a (kid-friendly) Halloween scare and help you find the perfect artisan-made gift or antique for the holidays. These events and others may be found at www.SampleOurSpirit.com, “Festivals and Events” tab.

The Big One

The 21st Annual Kentucky Bourbon Festival gets underway Sept. 11 for six days of spirited fun feting the state’s signature product: Kentucky Bourbon. Meet the master distillers, take tours of the distilleries to learn the secret of making good Kentucky Bourbon, listen to live music, dine on Southern cooking and sip some liquid gold. Sept. 11-16. Free and paid events. See the schedule of events here: www.KyBourbonFestival.com, 502-348-3623 or 800-638-4877 #4

Sign up for the Kentucky Bourbon Chase, Sept. 28-29, a 200-mile journey across the Bluegrass that wends its way through historic bourbon distilleries, across majestic horse country and into small towns colored with autumn’s changing leaves. Serious racers and casual runners – passionate spectators, too – are invited to sign up for the Bourbon Chase. This year’s theme is “Madness in the Moonlight”; how you interpret it is up to you. www.BourbonChase.com

‘Tis the season

Although not quite time to deck the halls and trim the tree, it is the season to wrap up your holiday shopping: The 32nd Annual Bardstown Arts, Crafts & Antiques Fair takes place Oct. 13 and14. Two hundred artists and craftsmen will give you plenty of ideas for gifts for everyone on your list: jewelry, pottery, floral creations, wood items, fabric art and antiques. Enjoy Southern foods and musical entertainment while you shop. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat.; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. www.SampleOurSpirit.com (click “Festivals & Events”), 502-348-4877 or 800-638-4877

Not-so-spooky Halloween fun

Friendly ghosts, goblins and many more surprises await when you and your kids board Kentucky Railway Museum’s Halloween Express, Oct. 27 and 28. Ride the rails through the scenic Rolling Fork River Valley. Costumes encouraged. www.KyRail.org, 502-549-5470 or 800-272-0152

On Oct. 28, My Old Kentucky Dinner Train’s Kid’s Halloween Excursion departs the station for ghoulish good times. Reservations required. www.KyDinnerTrain.com, 502-348-7300 or 866-801-3463

More fall fun

Other events taking place in Bardstown this fall include dinner, wine and bourbon-themed excursions aboard My Old Kentucky Dinner Train; Ghost Treks with Certified Ghost Hunter Patti Starr, voted “One of the Top Ten Ghost Hunter Paranormal Investigators in America”;a Visit With The Spirits Of Wickland, a 90-minute family-friendly psychic tour of this 1826 plantation home; and Bardstown Opry, featuring traditional country music every Friday night at the Blue Grass Entertainment & Exposition Complex.

Visit www.SampleOurSpirit.com for more information on all of Bardstown’s events.

PHOTO SHOWN

Heaven Hill Bourbon Heritage Center

Photo: Bardstown-Nelson Couonty Tourist & Convention Commission

ABOUT BARDSTOWN, KY | Located in central Kentucky, Bardstown was recently selected as the Most Beautiful Small Town in America in the Rand McNally/USA Today 2012 “Best of the Road” contest. More familiarly known as the “Bourbon Capital of the World,” Bardstown sits in the heart of Kentucky Bourbon Country, home to five distilleries, including Barton 1792 with new Tasting Room and the restored and newly re-opened Willett Distillery. Three of Bardstown’s distilleries – Heaven Hill, Maker’s Mark and Jim Beam – are on the famed Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Major attractions include the “Stephen Foster Story,” Kentucky’s official outdoor drama that takes place in My Old Kentucky Home State Park; the Civil War Museum of the Western Theatre (one of the four most significant such museums in the country); The Kentucky Railway Museum, where Thomas the Tank Engine is known to put in appearances; and My Old Kentucky Dinner Train. Additionally, Bardstown has four 18-hole golf courses, three wineries, three self-guided tours (Historic Downtown Walking, Architectural and African-American), two haunted tours and numerous religious attractions.

As the Democratic (September 4th – September 6th) and Republican (August 27th – August 30th) National Conventions approach, it’s easy to believe politics are a taboo topic in polite company. At a cocktail party, one wrong comment by a Democrat to a Republican—or vice versa—could have hors d’ oeuvres and cocktails flying across the room!

But dynamic duo James Carville, a liberal Democrat, and Mary Matalin, a conservative Republican, debunk this belief as the faces of Maker’s Mark Bourbon’s newest platform, which is designed to poke fun at partisan rhetoric – all in good taste, of course. After all, their relationship is proof that people who disagree can get along!

The Cocktail Party, the tongue-in-cheek campaign rolling out just in time for election season, is designed to encourage Americans to put their political differences aside and rally for a round of bourbon; it’s amazing how good food and delicious cocktails can bring people together!

To lighten the mood over the coming months, you will love seeing your favorite pundits interject in a new light; take a peak Super-PAC-free videos featuring both Carville and Matalin here (Cocktail Party videos) for a preview.

Please find Maker’s Mark’s YouTube channel link below and the video “What’s Your Favorite” that was released August 2nd for your review.