Join the conversation at the Pursuit Spirits Booth near VIP.

This event is free for all Kentucky Bourbon Festival attendees.

Friday, September 11th

2 PM

Building a Brand

Clinton Dugan | Shortbarrel Bourbon

Macaulay Minton | Dark Arts Whiskey House

What does it really take to build a whiskey company from the ground up? A conversation about taking the leap, earning credibility, sourcing, early mistakes, and turning great whiskey into a brand people believe in.

4 PM

Designing Whiskey Before it Exists

Dan Callaway | Lofted Spirits

John Wadell | Peerless

Great whiskey starts long before a barrel is filled. This session explores the decisions that shape a whiskey from the beginning, from mash bills and fermentation to barrel entry proof and working backward from a flavor vision.

Saturday, September 12th

3 PM

Thinking Like a Blender

Dave Bob | Town Branch

Nic Christiansen | Barrell Craft Spirits

Blending is part science, part instinct, and rarely as simple as it looks. Two blenders with very different inventories and approaches talk about building memorable profiles, trusting their palates, and knowing when a whiskey is finally finished.

4 PM

Finding Your Voice

Jane Bowie | Potter Jane

Craig Beam | Jackson Purchase

Making good whiskey is one thing. Creating whiskey with a recognizable identity is another. A conversation about developing a house style, resisting trends, balancing innovation with consistency, and deciding what your brand stands for.

Stick around for a bonus pop-up conversation with comedian Jim Gaffigan, creator of Fathertime Bourbon!