Bourbon Con 2024/Lexington, KY
I had the pleasure of attending Bourbon Con 2024 in Lexington, KY on January 20, 2024. My ticket included access to Bourbon Con and events, in addition to lunch. First, I entered into the Bourbon Barrel that happened to be the entry way. After checking in, I was excited to see many bourbon enthusiasts, merchants, entrepreneurs, and guest speakers.
Bourbon Barrel entry at Bourbon Con 2024
I sampled bourbons from distilleries that I was familiar with, in addition to sampling new bourbon companies that were debuting. I was very impressed with the taste and range of Four Gate Whiskey Company. Their Flagship Whiskey has a mash bill of 75% corn, 20% rye, and 5% malted barley.
Four Gate Whiskey at Bourbon Con 2024
As I ventured around after eating lunch, I saw the Rolling Leaf Mobile Cigar Lounge outside. This is an amazingly executed mobile cigar lounge and was easily accessible, had a great cigar collection, and great ventilation. In the lounge, I smoked one of my favorite cigars, Maria Lucia by Luciano, in addition to the Dalay by Luciano.
Maria Lucia by Luciano in the Rolling Leaf Mobile Cigar Lounge
After my cigars and catching up with friends in the cigar community of Lexington, I ventured back inside and tried more bourbon. I was pleased by Makers Mark French Oaked 46. This bourbon was very smooth and was a different taste than I have experienced from Makers Mark. They achieve “french oaked” by searing French oak staves and placing them into the barrel before the whisky is finished to maturity in their limestone cellar.
Maker’s Mark French Oaked 46 at Bourbon Con 2024
Lastly, my absolute favorite bourbon of the day was Angel’s Envy Rye Whiskey. I am a fan of rye, however, I usually enjoy rye over a block of ice or with adding water. This was the very first rye I would be able to enjoy without the addition of water because of how smooth it was. This whiskey is only released twice each year and is aged 18 months in Caribbean rum casks. It is a must try!
Angel’s Envy Finished Rye at Bourbon Con 2024
Overall, I had a great day of bourbon, cigars, knowledge and fellowship. I look forward to attending next years Bourbon Con!
