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Love bourbon? Travel? Here’s a shameless plug for a unique way to combine both passions:

Join us for our "Ultimate Bourbon Experience," April 26-29, 2012, in Kentucky, the bourbon capital of the world, on an exclusive trip that includes private opportunities to sample, create, and buy rare spirits; learn from small craft distillers and industry icons; and generally indulge in a favorite hobby in a relaxing and truly memorable way.

Highlights include:

• Private Distillery Access: We'll enjoy the rare opportunity to privately tour the Willett distillery, which is not open to the public, but is renowned for its small batch bourbons like its Pot Still Reserve and Old Bardstown Collection. We'll sample and can purchase bourbons not available anywhere else in the world. We’ll also enjoy an extended, behind-the scenes tour of the Buffalo Trace distillery, home of Pappy Van Winkle, among other legendary and new experimental bourbons. Both tours will be private and led by expert distillers and owners; at Buffalo Trace, we’ll be instructed as we share in the rare opportunity to sample and then select a barrel to be bottled exclusively for our group.

• In-Depth Interaction with Industry Insiders and Icons: We'll spend one evening pairing fine bourbons and a special dinner with Mike Veach of the Filson Historical Society in Louisville. Mike has been inducted to the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame, and is known as “the only professional bourbon historian in the country.” Another night, we’ll discuss all things bourbon with Lincoln and Wes Henderson, who many bourbon aficionados know from Woodford Reserve and Old Forester, and recently for their Angel's Envy brand, a unique bourbon aged in port wine casks that Bourbon Buzz called "a Spiritual Awakening.”

• BourbonFest Sampler in Bardstown: We'll attend this more intimate version of the iconic Kentucky Bourbon Festival. We'll meet Master Distillers, brand ambassadors, and industry experts, tasting many offerings, and as desired bid in a silent auction of unique bourbon items.

• Relaxed VIP Treatment, Small Group: This will be an indulgent trip in terms of accommodations, transportation, cuisine and bourbon, but will be enjoyed in the company of a small, relaxed group. A quick getaway to Louisville, but years of memories: truly a Trip for the Bucket (Barrel) List!

Further information can be found on our websites: http://www.t100g.com/bourbon, or http://www.bourbonimmersion.com.
You can also reach me directly through PM here or at travelbluesfood@me.com.
Terri Horwich
Culinary and Spirits Travel Consultant

many years ago when I moved to KY and was looking to purchase a home in Bardstown (the local banker convinced me not to, long story) my "proper Bostonian" parents who were now living in Westchester, NY were VERY upset about my choice of location. I stopped into a local booze shop and asked for a bottle of everything done in the area to be shipped to them. The nice lady in the shop informed me that there were over 200 different labels made in the immediate area. I was actually offered a home to be bought that was owned by the founder of Maker's Mark, and ended up getting married to a gal from Versailles (pronounced "ver-sales") whose house almost overlooks the Woodford distillery.

If you have the chance, Bardstown is a wonderful area. This tour sounds great.