Kentuckians of All Ages Invited to Watch Some of the Bourbon Industry’s Top Cook Teams Compete and Support Operation BBQ Relief
WHO: Seventh Generation Jim Beam Master Distiller Fred Noe will host the second annual “Great Distillery BBQ Cook-off” at the Jim Beam® American Stillhouse in Clermont, Ky. Attendees will include 18 four-person cook teams from The Bardstown Bourbon Company, Barton 1792 Distillery, The Glenmore Distillery, Heaven Hill Distillery, Independent Stave Company, Jim Beam® Brands, Maker’s Mark® Distillery and Wild Turkey Distillery, as well as select bourbon industry Master Distillers and hundreds of barbecue fans. Locally renowned Chef John Varanese, owner of Varanese and River House restaurants, will get in on the action as the event barbecue pit host.
WHAT: The “Great Distillery BBQ Cook-off” marks the second time some of Kentucky’s finest distilleries and cooperages are stepping away from their day jobs to craft delicious bourbon-inspired barbecue and compete for the ultimate prize – bragging rights. With nearly double the number of teams competing, each is prepared to lay it all on the table to defend 2017 competition titles or simply earn their stripes. The competition includes three categories: ribeye steaks, St. Louis-style ribs and chicken legs.
WHERE: Jim Beam American Stillhouse
526 Happy Hollow Road
Clermont, KY 40110
WHEN: Saturday, September 8
9:00 a.m. – Jim Beam American Stillhouse opens to the public – games, music and more through 5:30 p.m.
9:15 a.m. – Official cook-off start
4:30 p.m. – Awards ceremony
WHY: The inaugural “Great Distillery BBQ Cook-off” proved that the world’s best barbecue indeed comes from the world’s best bourbon distilleries. It’s only fitting that Jim Beam kick the competition into full gear in 2018 with more teams and more family fun. Once again, we’re putting industry friendships and family ties aside to crown the bourbon industry’s top pitmasters.
The event not only celebrates America’s native spirit, but also honors the efforts of 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. This organization is currently deployed in California helping provide relief to those impacted by wildfires.
The “Great Distillery BBQ Cook-off” is family friendly and open for the public to cheer on their favorite barbecue team. Event activities include live music, Jim Beam® Highballs (for guests of legal purchase age) and whole hog barbecue samples, lawn games, live flambé demonstrations with Fred Noe and much more. Tickets for regularly scheduled distillery tours will also be available.