Want to win Bourbon & Beyond (Sept. 23, 24) tickets and a private tasting with critically acclaimed Shawn James and me?

Enter here for a chance to sip bourbon alongside one of the hottest blues artists in the world. … and me in the Jim Beam Black Tasting Porch. Even if you don’t win, Bourbon & Beyond showcases so many great artists and brilliant food & bourbon that you should come anyway. Buddy Guy, Joe Bonamassa, ZZ Ward, Band of Horses, Gary Clark Jr., Eddie Vedder, Steve Miller Band and Stevie Nicks. … the list goes on.

As for me, I’m leading the bourbon seminars. Come out and say hi. If I’m not on the stage (times below), I’ll be at “Fred’s Bar” talking bourbon.

Saturday, Mash Stage

12:15pm to 12:45pm                                                                                         
Breaking The Bootlegger
With Tom Colicchio, Crafted Hospitality
Edward Lee, 610 Magnolia
Julian P. Van Winkle III, President, Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery
Fred Minnick, bourbon author & authority

Counterfeiting, pirating and bootlegging, join Julian, Tom, Edward and Fred as they discuss how this underground market effects the businesses of booze and food.

Saturday, Workshops Stage

2:45pm to 3:15pm
Bourbon, Behind-The-Scenes
Denny Potter, Master Distiller, Heaven Hill Distillery
Fred Minnick, Bourbon Author & Authority

If you’re looking to understand the state of bourbon, look no further. In this 30-minute conversation, boubon expert Fred Minnick and Master Distiller Denny Potter of Heaven Hill Distillery will meet together on stage for an honest conversation about bourbon… and beyond.

Saturday, Bluegrass Stage

4:05 to 4:25

Bourbon 101 with Fred Minnick

Saturday, Workshops Stage

4:45pm to 5:15pm
The Art of Blending
Joe Beatrice, Owner, Barrell Craft Spirits
Tripp Stimson, Master Distiller, Barrell Craft Spirits
Fred Minnick, Bourbon Author & Authority

Meet the man who’s willing to break all the “rules” about bourbon while stilling winning hard-earned awards and cynical critics over. In this half-hour session, Fred Minnick, Joe Beatrice, and Tripp Stimson, will lead you through a tasting of several batches that transforms your impression of what makes the “best” bourbon.

Saturday, Workshop Stage

5:45pm to 6:15pm
Like Father, Like Son
Fred Noe, Master Distiller, Jim Beam
Freddie Noe, Distiller, Jim Beam
Fred Minnick, Bourbon Author & Authority

With strong families, rich traditions, and secret recipes, bourbon has endured world wars and economic collapse to remain what it is today. Discover what tradition, ritual, and risk-taking means to seventh generation distiller Fred Noe and eighth generation distiller Freddie Noe in this once-in-a-lifetime conversation that reveals spirit of bourbon instead of bourbon as a spirit.

Saturday, Bluegrass Stage

6:45-7:15 Noah’s and Fred’s Top Drinking Tunes

Sunday, Workshops Stage

1:45pm to 2:15pm
Cooperative Spirit
Joe Heron, Founder, Copper & Kings Distillery
David Mandell, CEO, Bardstown Bourbon Company
Fred Minnick, Bourbon Author & Authority
presented by Bardstown Bourbon Company

Announcing the world premiere of a very special bourbon created in collaboration between Copper & Kings Distillery and Bardstown Bourbon Company! Join bourbon author Fred Minnick, Copper & Kings founder Joe Heron, and Bardstown Bourbon Company CEO David Mandell as they discuss this incredible collaboration.

2:45pm to 3:15pm
The New Age of Bourbon
Corky Taylor, Chairman, Kentucky Peerless Distilling Company
Kaveh Zamanian, Founder & Whiskey Maker, Rabbit Hole Distilling
Peggy Noe Stevens, Spirits Industry Consultant & Founder, Bourbon Women Association
Fred Minnick, Bourbon Author & Authority
presented by Kelvin Cooperage

What a time to be alive, especially if you’re a bourbon drinker. Join bourbon expert Fred Minnick as he introduces you to the distillers and the visionaries who are blazing new trails and paying homage to the ones who have paved the way.

Sunday, Bluegrass Stage

4:05 to 4:25

Bourbon 101 with Fred Minnick

Sunday, Mash Stage

5:15pm to 5:45pm                                                                                         
Like Father, Like Son
With Wes Henderson, owner, Angel’s Envy
Kyle Henderson
Andrew Henderson
Fred Minnick, bourbon author & authority

With strong families, rich traditions, and secret recipes, bourbon has endured world wars and economic collapse to remain what it is today. Discover what tradition, ritual, and risk-taking means to the Henderson’s, a legendary bourbon family in this once-in-a-lifetime conversation that reveals spirit of bourbon instead of bourbon as a spirit.

Bluegrass Stage

6:45-7:15 Noah’s and Fred’s Top Drinking Tunes