July 09, 2025

Bourbon on the Banks: A Bourbon Festival of Community and Craft

1 hour 3 minutes

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The Bourbon on the Banks festival in Frankfurt, Kentucky is expanding with more exclusive offerings while maintaining its charitable mission that raised $80,000 for local causes last year. Festival organizers Amzie Wenning, Diane Strong, and Rene True share what makes this year's event special with notable upgrades to distillery participation, barrel picks, and special events.

• Thursday kickoff includes bourbon boat tours with Heather Wibbels and a party at Whiskey Thief Distillery
• Friday features a bourbon pairing with Peggy Noe Stevens and a VIP event highlighting the Women of Bourbon
• This year's VIP event will include exclusive pours not available during the Saturday festival
• Auction items include a private barrel from LF Heritage and a design-your-own-mash-bill experience from Whiskey Thief
• Festival has expanded to include 10-11 unique barrel picks from distilleries like Angel's Envy, Bespoken, and Chicken Cock
• After party features American Idol winner Noah Thompson and is open to the public, not just festival attendees
• New accommodations include bourbon-themed hotels The Delegate and The Ashbrook within walking distance
• Twilight tickets ($55) are still available for Saturday from 4-6pm, offering access to all distilleries
• Festival grounds have recovered well from recent flooding and will have an expanded footprint

Twilight tickets are available at bourbononthebanks.org for those who want to experience the festival and after party.

From exclusive barrel picks to charity auctions that fuel community support, the Bourbon on the Banks festival has evolved into one of Kentucky's most distinctive bourbon experiences. This annual celebration brings together distillers, enthusiasts, and the community of Frankfurt for a weekend that extends far beyond typical whiskey tastings.

What sets this festival apart is its mission—last year alone, the event raised $80,000 for local charities. With this success, organizers have expanded their offerings while maintaining the intimate, community-driven feel that attendees love. The 2023 festival, taking place October 3-5, features an impressive array of experiences including a special Friday VIP event highlighting the Women of Bourbon with exclusive pours not available during the main festival.

Barrel pick enthusiasts will find extraordinary offerings this year, with 10-11 unique selections from distilleries like Angel's Envy, Whiskey Thief, and Bespoken Spirits (featuring a nine-and-a-half-year hazmat Barton finished in Riesling ice wine barrels). The charity auction promises rare bottles from Buffalo Trace alongside unique experiences like designing your own mash bill with Whiskey Thief Distillery—opportunities that can't be found elsewhere.

The festival experience extends throughout Frankfurt, with the Goodwood After Party featuring 2022 American Idol winner Noah Thompson, bourbon-themed hotels like The Delegate and The Ashbrook offering accommodations within walking distance, and local establishments like House of Commons becoming gathering spots for bourbon enthusiasts and distillers alike. Despite recent flooding challenges, the festival grounds have recovered well with an expanded footprint to accommodate more distilleries than ever before.

While general admission tickets have sold out, Twilight tickets remain available for $55, offering entry from 4-6 PM on Saturday with acces