Here’s how to celebrate National Bourbon Heritage Month in NKY

In 2007, the Senate passed a resolution designating September as National Bourbon Heritage Month. To celebrate, meetNKY is sharing a list of celebrations and specials for bourbon enthusiasts at B-Line locations throughout Northern Kentucky this month.

According to the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, distilled spirits have an estimated annual economic contribution of $8.94 billion and support nearly 22,540 jobs in Kentucky. The B-Line, short for Bourbon Line, was introduced in 2018 to capture the large percentage of these economic impacts, particularly people traveling along I-75 or flying into CVG International Airport.

The B-Line features eight bourbon bars, six bourbon-focused restaurants, and northern Kentucky distilleries such as Boone County Distilling Company, New Riff Distilling, and Old Pogue Distillery.

“Kentucky is the epicenter of Bourbon culture and heritage and has helped set the high standards for distilling,” said Julie Kirkpatrick, meetNKY President and CEO. “We invite Bourbon fans across the country to join us throughout the month in celebrating the rich history and unique stories of the distilleries, restaurants and bars along the B-Line, the rim and beginning of the ‘Bourbon State.'”

A full list of stops can be found on The B-Line’s website.

Some of the celebrations for National Bourbon Heritage Month planned in Northern Kentucky include:

Tousey house Tavern: 5963 N. Jefferson St. #9596, Burlington

In addition to celebrating its 200th anniversary in September, Tousey House will be offering two limited-edition cocktails: the Erastus Manhattan with a Tousey Starlight Barrel Pick Bourbon, Carpano’s Antica Formula Sweet Vermouth, and Peychard’s Bitters, topped with a Bada Bing cherry

Union Square features Maker’s Mark bourbon, Boone County maple syrup, fresh pomegranate and lemon juice, garnished with a sprig of rosemary.

The Burlington restaurant is also offering two dessert specialties to celebrate the month – the bourbon-infused salted caramel apple pie a la mode and the bourbon pecan crème brûlée.

Wiseguy Lounge: main street 603, Covington

The Wiseguy Lounge features a weekly featured distiller and weekly specials to celebrate the month. Participating distilleries include Pinhook, Boone County Distilling, Rabbit Hole Distillery, Makers Mark, Old Forrester, New Riff and Four Roses.

Weekly specials featuring featured distillers include $5 Manhattans on Mondays, discounted bottles on Tuesdays, and $5 Old Fashioned cocktails on Wednesdays. On Thursdays from 6pm to 9pm, the lounge hosts educational sessions featuring various representatives from the bourbon brand.

Coppins: 638 Madison Avenue, Covington

Located at the Hotel Covington, Coppin’s will host a Bourbon Heritage Tasting event for 25 ticketed people on Wednesday, September 7 at 5pm and 7pm.

Bourbons featured include Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve 20 and 15 Years, George T. Stagg 2019 and the latest CYPB from WL Weller. Complimentary small bites are also included.

Interested parties can purchase tickets on Eventbrite.

Old Kentucky bourbon bar: main street 629, Covington

Every Wednesday of the month, the Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar offers tastings of “dusty” and rare bourbon bottles from the bar’s collection. Once those bourbons are gone, they’re gone forever.

Visit OKBB’s website for more information on Dusty Bottle Wednesday.

Rauch Justis: 302 Court St., Covington

Every day in September, Smoke Justis offers a B-Line flight and $6 Early Times BIB Old Fashioned Cocktails.

One of the restaurant’s featured cocktails will be a Buzzard’s Roost Manhattan, which guests can enjoy along with a printed recipe card and the history of the featured spirit. Visit the Smoke Justis website for a complete listing of monthly events.

Ban bourbon bar: 530 Washington Avenue, Newport

The Prohibition Bourbon Bar at Newberry Bros. Coffee in Newport is celebrating National Bourbon Heritage Month with some additional flight and beverage specials to commemorate the momentous occasion. For more information on specific specials, visit The Prohibition Bourbon Bar website. Reservations are strongly recommended.

“We love showing the great stops along the B-Line and connecting this region to the rich
Bourbon heritage across the Commonwealth,” Kirkpatrick said. “This month is one
The perfect time for visitors from the Tri-States, domestically and internationally to experience our
Southern spirit – and spirits – right here in northern Kentucky.”

Interested parties can click here for a full list of participating facilities, events and special offers.