Lexington is gearing up for its highly anticipated Lexington Bourbon Week, which is set to run from November 7 to November 16. The event, now in its second year, will celebrate the beloved spirit of bourbon through a collaboration of 20 local restaurants and bars, featuring a total of 40 specialty cocktails.
Organized by Smiley Pete Publishing, this 10-day festival is designed to introduce attendees to a diverse array of bourbon cocktails that blend classic recipes with innovative new concoctions. Amy Eddie, the director of events at Smiley Pete, expressed excitement about the variety of offerings, which include signature drinks like the Horchata Bourbon from Mazunte and the Milk-clarified E.J. Curley Small Batch from 33 Staves.
In addition to sampling custom cocktails, participants can engage in special events throughout the week. Notably, on November 8, Ashley Barnes, the master blender for E.J. Curley Bourbon, will host a bottle signing at Liquor Barn Hamburg from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., offering bourbon enthusiasts a chance to interact and delve deeper into the spirit.
Each participating venue will introduce two exclusive off-menu cocktails, spotlighting the locally produced E.J. Curley Bourbon alongside either Log Still or BeSpoken spirits. The participating locations, their hours, and signature drinks are as follows:
- 4714 Rowan – E.J. Curley Cocktail: Bourbon Bee ($14), Log Still Cocktail: Back Roads Highball ($15).
- 5532 Athens Boonesboro Rd. – E.J. Curley Cocktail: Spicy Smoke Show, BeSpoken Cocktail: Chocolate Fig Bourbon.
- 156 Market St. – E.J. Curley Cocktail: Apple Butter Old Fashioned ($15), Log Still Cocktail: RizRaz ($12).
- 115 W. Main St. – E.J. Curley Cocktail: Old Fashioned ($18), Log Still Cocktail: Something Sweet ($15).
- 816 Euclid Ave. – E.J. Curley Cocktail: Bourbon-Rita ($8), BeSpoken Cocktail: Pumpkin Old Fashioned ($8).
- Chevy Chase Inn – E.J. Curley Cocktail: New Fashion ($6), BeSpoken Cocktail: A Chicken Walks into Chevy Chase Inn… ($10).
- 935 Manchester St. – E.J. Curley Cocktail: Kentucky Curley ($16), Log Still Cocktail: Maple Monk ($16).
As Lexington Bourbon Week kicks off, residents and visitors are encouraged to explore the unique flavors each participating establishment has to offer. This celebration not only showcases the local bourbon industry but also strengthens the community’s ties through shared experiences focused on quality food and drink.
With a wide range of options available at the various venues, attendees may discover a new favorite bourbon cocktail while enjoying the ambiance unique to Lexington’s culinary scene.
