THE GREAT DISTILLERY BBQ COOK-OFF

In Kentucky, we take our bourbon and barbecue seriously. And while barbecue competitions are aplenty, this is the ONLY event that pits Kentucky’s finest distilleries and cooperages together to prove that the world’s best barbecue comes from the world’s best bourbon distilleries. Join Seventh Generation Jim Beam Master Distiller Fred Noe and Beam Distiller Freddie Booker Noe IV for the second annual “Great Distillery BBQ Cook-off” at the Jim Beam American Stillhouse on Saturday, September 8. Teams of amateur cooks from eight area distilleries and cooperages will compete in the categories of ribeye steaks, St. Louis-style ribs and chicken legs. Industry friendships aside, the teams are prepared to earn braggin’ rights and the chance to defend 2017 titles. In other words, they’re puttin’ their meat where their mash is to determine once and for all which crew deserves the top pit master title! Locally renowned Chef John Varanese, owner of Varanese and River House restaurants, will get in on the action as the event barbecue pit host, as live music fills the air and cocktails flow for guests of legal purchase age in the Jim Beam® Bourbon Bar. Proceeds from select activities will benefit Operation BBQ Relief, a nonprofit consisting of volunteers from competition barbecue teams who provide hot meals to displaced families and emergency personnel in areas impacted by natural disasters. The event is family-friendly and open to the public. Tickets for regularly scheduled distillery tours will be available throughout the day. Other activities include lawn games, barbecue sampling, hands-on cocktail demonstrations, retail discounts, meet-and-greets with Fred Noe and other master distillers and much more! SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: 9:00 a.m. Jim Beam American Stillhouse opens to the public 9:15 a.m. Official Cook-off start; activities open to the public; music from The Strumbeat Band 12:30 p.m. Caribou Band performs 1:00 p.m. Cocktail demonstration with KY Bourbon Ambassador Beth Burrows 3:00 p.m. Cocktail demonstration with KY Bourbon Ambassador Beth Burrows 4:30 p.m. Awards ceremony