UPCOMING EVENT: John G. Carlisle Bottle-in-Bond Competition and Celebration

John G. Carlisle

The 125th anniversary of 1897’s “Bottled-in-Bond” Act is coming in hot. Thankfully, the good folks in Northern Kentucky’s Covington area have us covered with a tongue smacking delicious celebration. And for good reason.

The “BiB” Act was the first major legislation providing specific standards of quality for American Whiskey. It guaranteed you knew who made your whiskey, where it was aged, a minimum age of at least 4 years, and a 100 proof (50% abv). Hard to imagine now but back in those days, it was truly The Wild Wild West and a lot could happen to your whiskey from producer to barkeeper. Keep in mind, whiskey was a common remedy for infants and children.

The Kentucky Connection

Northern Kentucky’s Covington area was the native stomping grounds to the most important politician backing BiB – US Secretary of Treasure John G. Carlisle (resume also boasts US Senator, POTUS candidacy, and a bunch of other gov stuff). As a proud Kentuckian, he was certainly immersed in the Bourbon world as he, along with close friend E.H. Taylor, fought to push BiB through.

Hey…Where The Party At?!

Now, getting back to el festival! On March 3rd, come to Covington’s Smoke Justis (TBR’s “Best Bourbon Bars in America” 2021 Recipient) for a one-of-a-kind grand celebration, honoring John G. Carlisle and the special 125th anniversary of the BiB Act.

This inaugural event will escort guests through a four-course food experience along with four blind pours and a guided tasting of some of the best Bottled in Bond varietals in the country. All attendees are invited to determine this year’s crowning of the best BIB and award the John G. Carlisle Award. No elevated judges determining the winner. Just whiskey for the fans!

The event is produced and sponsored by MeetNKY and Northern KY Chamber of Commerce.

To plan your trip to NKY, here’s a guide for your very own “B-Line” experience!

DATE: March 3rd, 2022

TIME: 6 – 8:30pm EST

LOCATION: Smoke Justis (302 Court St, Covington, KY, 41011)

COST: $40 per person (Limited Tickets)

EVENT & TICKET INFO HERE