September is National Bourbon Heritage Month

September marks the beginning of my favorite season of the year but as of last year it has another special purpose in the adult beverage world. Yes, it is officially the second year that September has been designated National Bourbon Heritage Month. What does that mean? It simply is a month long celebration of the rich and storied history behind America's Native Spirit, the people behind it and the culture surrounding it.

There are many celebratory events planned during the month throughout the country but nothing beats a trip to Kentucky touring a few distilleries, tasting the fine drinks of bartenders who know how to make bourbon shine and taking in the cultural history of the area. If you venture to the Bardstown and Louisville area you can't miss the mark bourbon has had there.

My trip last year to Maker's Mark was amazing and a great behind the scenes look of the care and precision it takes to make a spirit of this caliber. Stop by any of the distilleries dotting the landscape and nestled in the rolling hills for a tour and you may be lucky enough to meet one of the bourbon legends such as Bill Samuels (Maker's Mark), Fred Noe (Jim Beam) or Chris Morris (Woodford Reserve). Each of these men and most people who work at the distilleries have their own bourbon-rich history and the stories are endless.

During a visit to the area you'll also find many bars, lounges and restaurants featuring bourbon cocktails. In Loiusville, Pat's Steakhouse and Proof on Main are two must hit stops where you can get a real Old-fashioned, Mint Julep or a simple Bourbon on the Rocks (there's something different about drinking this when surrounded by the aura of bourbon) with an outstanding selection of brands. I have yet to attend, but I'm told that the Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown is the ultimate gathering of bourbon-minded folks and this year it is going on from the 16th to the 21st.

To celebrate this annual, month-long holiday grab your favorite bottling or try out something new and reintroduce yourself to some great bourbon cocktails, toasting the men and women who have stood behind the drink for 200+ years.