2004 Kentucky Bourbon Festival Sampler

[dgonano]

Same here. Really enjoyed the photos. Sorry to miss the Sampler. Looking forward to September and meeting everyone.

[TNbourbon]

I knew The Sampler would be a great time, but just couldn't swing two KY trips in three weeks. However, I did manage yesterday to snag a 2-night (Friday-Sunday) reservation at the Bardstown Days Inn for the Festival -- if I can sneak away two weeks before our scheduled Oct. 4 cruise. I'm keeping my fingers crossed and my mouth shut!

[doubleblank]

As I said above, this was a great event and we really enjoyed meeting everybody. But let me sum up the actual Sampler this way....open bar with only the best bourbons being poured....keep the glass.....oh by the way, I'd like to introduce you to the guy who made this bourbon.....have you tried the cured ham yet?....how about the bread pudding?....didn't meet a stranger there....oh, and there's a little history to absorb while your drinking in the museum. What a great time...looking forward to September...Val's schedule says she's in for the Festival.

Randy B.

[jeff]

Leslie, Brian and I had a great time It was great seeing old and new friends alike. I would like to thank John Ed for opening up the Still for us to see, as well as all of the great artifacts in his dad's place, and Chuck for a very informative presentation. Thanks to Bettye Jo for some personal introductions to people I have long wanted to meet. Gary was kind enough to introduce us to the finer side of scotch whiskey, and Randy and his lovely wife Val graced us with some BMH It was great meeting Dane for the first time, and Ed and "The Patty" were lots of fun as usual. Cliff, thanks for everything. Bobby and Brenda, it was good seeing you again as well. Please forgive me if I left anyone out I think Leslie and I came back with about 20 glasses between us, several of them signed by my heros As nice as the Sampler was, it paled in comparison to the gazebo that evening

Sorry we missed breakfast Sunday morning but we had to get home so Brian could drive another 3 hours home, sound like we missed a fun time there

So again we had a great time and look forward to seeing all of you again in September, as well as meeting the rest of you for the first time!

P.S. It goes without saying that non of this would be possible without the generous work of Mr. Jim Butler. Even though he couldn't be there, the fruits of his work were very evident. We have quite a close-knit family here and I hope it lasts a long, long time. Thanks Jim!

[brendaj]

Randy,

Val's schedule says she's in for the Festival.

Excellent! I remember ya'll mentioning that there might be a hitch. Really glad Val could work it out. Now we can start thinking about Bourbon and BBQ

See ya in September!

[Barrel_Proof]

It was great to see everyone in Bardstown over the weekend! As enjoyable as was the bourbon, far more so was the good company of my forum friends and the master distillers. It was great to speak with Parker and Craig Beam, Jerry Dalton, and Jimmy Russell. Thanks to everyone who came and made the formal event and gazebo after-party so much fun. Hope to see you all in September, once again!

[boone]

This was taken right before the Sampler, near the front doors of the Civil War Museum.

Left to right...Parker Beam, Mrs. Russell, Linda Beam, Jimmy Russell, and Bill Osborne.

Bettye Jo

[gr8erdane]

The eBay Bargain camera is retired now, and has been replaced with modern technology so my pictures in September will be much better (assuming I learn how all the buttons and menus work). I plan on filling up my memory chip which holds 160 pics at 3.2 megapixels so everyone better be ready to have lots of pix snapped.