Bourbon & Beyond culinary, music schedules announced

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) - Bourbon & Beyond, Louisville’s largest music, bourbon and culinary experience, has announced its full schedule and set times ahead of the four-day festival in September.

The event will take place from Sept. 15 through Sept. 18 at the Highland Festival Grounds at Kentucky Exposition Center.

Headliners for the music festival include Jack White and Alanis Morissette on Sept. 15, Kings of Leon and Brandi Carlile on Sept. 16, Pearl Jam and Greta Von Fleet on Sept. 17, and Kentucky-native Chris Stapleton and the Doobie Brothers 50th anniversary celebration scheduled for Sept. 18.

More information on music set lists can be found here.

In addition to live music, live culinary experiences will also be offered at the event, led by chefs Ed Lee and Chris Santos of Top Chef and Chopped respectively.

Bourbon experiences will be hosted on a third stage with bourbon expert Chris Blandford and lifestyle guru, Emmy winner and Kentucky native Trish Suhr.

The full list of culinary bourbon and workshop scheduled events can be seen below:

Kentucky Venues Culinary Stage presented by Kentucky Proud and GE, hosted by Ed Lee & Chris Santos

Thursday, September 15

4:35 p.m. - 5:05 p.m.

Big Green Egg’s James Peisker x Chris Carter

The dynamic duo, James Peisker and Chris Carter, have cultivated the butchery game from Nashville and beyond. They stand behind their words, “if it’s not raised right, it can’t be delicious” working closely with local farmers and premium products. They’ll be sharing their mastery on the Bourbon & Beyond stage using none other than the Big Green Egg.

5:50 p.m. - 6:20 p.m.

Antonia Lofaso x Hogslop String Band

Antonia Lofaso, chef, author, TV personality and mother has cooked around the globe. Her signature style blends different flavors, techniques and cuisines all while staying approachable, authentic and delicious! We can’t wait to have Hogslop String Band join chef Antonia for some tasty bites!

Friday, September 16

2:30 p.m. - 2:55 p.m.

Ouita Michel x Tyler McNabb of Holly Hill & Co.

Famed chef and author, Ouita Michel will be joined by her right hand executive chef, Tyler McNabb to celebrate the bountiful produce of Kentucky. Maybe a lucky few will get to taste a bite or two?

4:35 p.m. - 5:05 p.m.

Damaris Phillips - Southern Girl Meets Vegetarian Boy

Southern darling, Chef Damaris Phillips will return to the Bourbon & Beyond stage to delight us with her amazing vegetarian dishes. This year her treat might be sweet! And for her biggest fans she’ll bring her “thrift store finds” for a lucky one or two to guess just right!

5:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Ed Lee and Special Guest

The hometown author, TV personality and beloved Chef Ed Lee, is taking center stage. This year he’ll be joined with a special guest. It’s sure to be fun, festive and flavorful!

Saturday, September 17

1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Sam Fore x Neil Finn

Sam Fore, a first generation Sri Lankan- American chef, hailing from Lexington, KY has created a beautiful (and delicious) blend of Southern classic dishes with her traditional family recipes. None other than Crowded House’s Neil Finn will be joining her to taste test this first hand!

2:55 p.m. - 3:25 p.m.

Tiffani Faison x “The Always Sunny” Podcast

“The Always Sunny” crew will meet their match with chef Tiffani Faison. Jokes will be shared over platters of bar classics and some show faves using The Gang’s new Four Walls Irish American Whiskey. Rum ham meets Irish whiskey, anyone?

4:15 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

The Battle of Bourbon & Beyond with Chris Santos x Greta Van Fleet

Greta Van Fleet will join rockstar in the kitchen, Chef Chris Santos for a battle of epic proportions. Sam and Jake Kizka go head to head in the ultimate burger showdown. Armed with weapons of choice - Bourbon, Bacon, Mac n Cheese, Avocado and more... Who will come out on top? This will be one not to miss!!

Sunday, September 18

3:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Amanda Freitag x Gin Wigmore

Amanda Freitag is back at Bourbon & Beyond to captivate our tastebuds! We’re excited to see what she “chops” up for the crowd with her sous side kick, Gin Wigmore.

4:25 p.m. - 4:55 p.m.

Northern Soul With Justin Sutherland

Justin Sutherland’s signature style smoothly crafts Southern cuisine with Northern sensibilities. He’ll share a dish from his new cookbook, that highlights his Northern Soul inspired by his southern roots.

6:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Dant Crossing, Dave Danielson | Better In The Bluegrass

Chef Dave Danielson has been at the helm of some of KY’S most memorable culinary moments. He’ll give us a glimpse of what truly is better in the bluegrass!

The Team Kentucky Bourbon Stage hosted by Chris Blandford & Trish Suhr

Thursday, September 15

3:00 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.

Finding Your Palate: Bourbon Tasting and Training

Panelist: Fred Minnick, (Author and Bourbon Critic)

Join renowned author and bourbon critic Fred Minnick who will take patrons on a tasting journey to discover your inner bourbon palate. From noticing the color and aroma, to that first mouth feel and flavor and finally judging its finish - Fred will describe the many ways to identify bourbon’s tasting notes and better train your bourbon tasting buds. Even experts will learn a thing or two! Featuring pours from Prideful Goat 15-year, Kentucky Senator 15-year and a Knob Creek 15-Year.

4:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Vampires & Bourbon: The Brother’s Bond Story and Success

Panelists: Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley (Brother’s Bond)

Join us for a blood-sucking good conversation and tasting with Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley, known to fans worldwide as the Salvatore brothers from The Vampire Diaries. We’ll delve into the story and success of their hand-selected bourbon. “Our friendship’s true bond strengthened while drinking bourbon, both on and off-screen for over a decade. Brother’s Bond is a nod to our on-screen characters, our shared love for great bourbon, and a reflection of the brotherhood we have formed over the years.

5:10 - 5:45 PM

How Bourbon Collaborations + Creativity = Success

Panelists: Wes Henderson (Co-founder Angel’s Envy), Rob Dietrich, Master Distiller & Blender

Distillers in the bourbon whiskey community are known for their creativity and camaraderie. Sometimes these “spirited” friendships defy competition and spark unique expressions that excite whiskey enthusiasts. Join Danny Wimmer Presents as we share a sneak peek into a new collaboration between one of Kentucky’s finest whiskey makers and a master distiller & blender known for his artistry in cask finishing.

Friday, September 16

1:40 p.m. - 2:25 p.m.

What Women Want (In Whisky)

Moderator: Linda Ruffenach, (Whiskey Chicks)

Panelists: Marianne Eaves (Eaves Blind), Nadia Haddrick (@AGirlTasting Whiskey), Jennifer Vernia (Rabbit Hole), Heather Wibbels (Bourbon Women)

The percentage of female whisky drinkers has more than doubled since the 90s. According to Johanne McInnis, a whiskey judge, and connoisseur who writes the WHISKY LASSIE blog, “today 40 percent of whisky drinkers in North America are women.” So let’s hear it for the girls! But, what do women really want in a whisky? This conversation will highlight how women’s palates differ and why more women are breaking the glass ceiling (and bottles!) in the industry.

3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Louisville Cocktail Competition

Judges: Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer; Fred Minnick, (Author and Bourbon critic) Samara B. Davis, (Black Bourbon Society), Chris Santos (Chopped, The Food Network) Peggy Noe Stevens (Bourbon Women)

Be a part of history in the making and witness the birth of “The Louisville” cocktail at Bourbon and Beyond! This past summer Mayor Greg Fischer called on all Kentucky Bourbon Brands to participate in “The Louisville” Cocktail Competition presented by Kroger. “We’ve all heard of a Manhattan, Singapore Sling, Long Island Iced Tea, and even a Moscow Mule. It is time for Louisville to be on the global map with a cocktail named specifically after our City,” said Mayor Fischer. Bartenders/mixologists representing five bourbon brands will compete for their recipe to be the inspiration behind the soon-to-be infamous cocktail served at bars across the globe. The winning bartender/mixologist will receive a $15,000 cash prize and the winning bourbon brand will forever be known as the inaugural bourbon behind “The Louisville.” Be among the first to try the new cocktail!

6:05 p.m. - 6:50 p.m.

All in the Family: A Roundtable With Kentucky First Families Of Bourbon

Moderator: Peggy Noe Stevens (Bourbon Women)

Panelists: Julian Van Winkle and Preston Van Winkle (Old Rip Van Winkle), Rob Samuels (Maker’s Mark), Campbell Brown (Brown-Forman)

Even though whisky is a worldwide phenomenon, it’s no secret that 95% of the world’s bourbon is still made in Kentucky. It’s a business with a long lineage of generations of family and friendships. Many distilleries have passed down their heritage and experience to their children. These shared values, appreciation of heritage, but different paths, have been built by admiration, respect, and camaraderie for each other, which makes this industry different. Join us to hear how some of bourbon’s first families honor the past while building toward the future.

Saturday, September 17

2:05 p.m. - 2:50 p.m.

Celebrate The Art Of Blending

Panelist: Dan Callaway (Bardstown Bourbon Company)

This live blending clinic has been a massive hit at the BBC distillery, WhiskyFest Chicago and private tastings with some of the nation’s most exclusive Bourbon Societies. Join us to deconstruct the blend as Dan takes participants through each component on its own to recreate the blend which is a SF World Spirits Competition Double Gold Winner.

3:30 p.m. - 4:10 p.m.

Leaders Of The New School

Moderator: Samara B. Davis (Black Bourbon Society)

Panelists: Marianne Eaves (Eaves Blind), Caleb Kilburn (Peerless), Shaylyn Gammon (Blue Run Spirits)

We all know the origin story of bourbon. But in 2022, we’re shifting our focus to the future of bourbon! Join us for a round table discussion with some of the industry’s up-and-coming leaders to gain insight on their vision for the future of bourbon.

5:00 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.

SMOKIN’ and SIPPIN’: Pairing Cigars With Whiskey - (tasting 1 cigar and 1 rye whiskey)

Moderator: Mark Miller (Smokeasy Mobile Cigar Lounge)

Panelists: Julian Van Winkle (Old Rip Van Winkle), Carrie Van Winkle Greener (Pappy & Co) , Mark Ryan (L.A. Poche Perique Tobacco) and Josh Roque (Drew Estate)

According to Advanced Mixology magazine, “There are various reasons why cigars work well with whiskey, but perhaps the most common is their very similar flavors. You can find richness, smokiness, essences of spice, and a bit of sweetness. The warmth of a cigar brings comfort to your mouth, while whiskey brings stomach fire to keep away the cold! Both are also meant to be savored slowly.” The coveted line of Pappy Van Winkle bourbon is no exception and is the reason why Pappy & Company offers some of the most unique bourbon barrel-aged cigars in the world. Join Carrie Van Winkle Greener and her cigar partners from Drew Estate to discover what makes the Pappy cigars so special and why her dad, bourbon legend Julian Van Winkle, thinks rye whiskey is the perfect pairing.

Sunday, September 18

2:00 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.

Building An Influential Bourbon Collection

Moderator: John Wadell, (Peerless)

Panelists: Tyler Zoller (@Louisvilleboubonbuzz), Nadia Haddrick (@Agirltastingwhiskey), Brandon Smith (@Thedailydram), Jeremia and Anthony (@The Whisky Boys)

Come learn from some of the biggest bourbon and whiskey influencers around the world on creating your collection. You don’t have to be a millionaire to start a bourbon collection that everyone will envy. But there are so many decisions and distilleries, you protest. Questions abound about bargain bottles or name brands, award-winners or upstarts. Whether you’re a newbie or a know-it-all, it’s sure to be a whisky wild ride!

3:45 p.m. - 4:20 p.m.

A WHISK(E)Y STATE OF MIND: Kentucky, Tennessee, and Indiana

Panelists: Ian Sulkowski (Old Forester), Christian Huber (Starlight Distillery), Richie Michaels (Uncle Nearest)

Kentucky and Tennessee may be the ‘spiritual’ home of American whisk(e)y, but today there are more than 2,000 distilleries across the country, including Indiana, which has been historically recognized for its production. Today every state has at least one whisk(e) distillery, demonstrating the strength of this American liquor. Join us to hear from three award-winning distilleries as they discuss the history and growth in the industry and why they believe their state and brand get it right.

5:10 p.m. - 5:55 p.m.

It’s Bourbon Night: A Blind Flight Fight

Panelists: Chad & Sara, (YouTube) and a Surprise Bourbon Guest!

Join Chad & Sara from the YouTube show sensation “It’s Bourbon Night” for a live, audience participation Flight Fight - A blind head-to-head whiskey flight designed to help you polish your tasting skills and discover your whiskey profile preferences without the distraction of marketing.

In addition to more than 80 music acts over 4 days, attendees at Bourbon & Beyond can enjoy some of the best food and drinks that the Louisville area has to offer, as well as various sponsor activations and experiences.

Dustin Vogt

Dustin Vogt

Dustin Vogt joined the digital team of WAVE News in September 2019.