Bardstown, Kentucky, September 5-7
September is a month-long toast to bourbon. Not only does it mark Bourbon Heritage Month, but it also brings one of the most anticipated events of the year, the Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown, the Bourbon Capital of the World. For one weekend, this small town transforms into the epicenter of America’s native spirit, uniting enthusiasts, distillers, and thought leaders from around the globe. It’s a tradition that celebrates craftsmanship, culture and the innovators carrying bourbon forward.
This year, CaskX is proud to return as a third-year VIP sponsor, bringing double the excitement with two unforgettable experiences for attendees.
Taking the Stage
The CaskX team will be front and center on the main stage, joining conversations that shape bourbon’s future.
On Friday, September 5 (1:30pm – 2:30pm local time), CEO Jeremy Kasler will sit alongside some of the most respected names in whiskey: David Mandell (Whiskey House of Kentucky), Hannah Lowen (New Riff), Kaveh Zamanian (Rabbit Hole Distillery), and Chris Morris (Brown-Forman). Their session, “Bourbon:30 – The State of American Whiskey: Leaders’ Opinions on 2025 and Beyond,” will explore what’s next for bourbon from innovation and investment to the balance of tradition and modern growth.
On Sunday, September 7 (11:30am – 12:00pm local time), Director of Whiskey Sara Havens will take the stage alongside Jacob Kiper (Coming Whiskey), Tom Wilmes (Garden & Gun), and Patrick Garrett (BourbonBanter.com). Their session, “Reporter’s Panel: Stay or Go? Bourbon Trends Worth Keeping or Leaving,” will dive into which trends have staying power and which may be fading from the spotlight.
Both sessions promise valuable insight into the future of bourbon, from business strategy and global growth to cultural shifts and consumer tastes. Stop by the main stage to listen to the debates shaping bourbon’s next chapter.
The Return of the Famous CaskX Bourbon Wheel
The fan-favorite is back, the CaskX Bourbon Wheel, this time bigger and bolder than ever. Located in our expanded booth in the main area, the wheel gives guests the chance to sample everything from Pappy Van Winkle to Heaven Hill Collection 19 Year Old, Parker’s Heritage, Old Fitzgerald 19 Year Decanter and special selections from our partner distilleries.
That’s not all. Clients will also discover an exclusive space designed to transport them straight back to the Prohibition era, an experience you won’t want to miss.
So step right up, give the wheel a spin and let luck decide your pour!
Special Guest Appearances
For the first two days of the festival, our booth will host an incredible lineup of whiskey makers, offering guests a rare chance at one-on-one tastings and conversations with the masters behind the bottles.
Among the distinguished guests:
- Craig Beam – Master Distiller & 2025 Hall of Famer, Jackson Purchase Distillery
- Dan Callaway – Master Blender, Bardstown Bourbon Co.
- Nick Smith – Head Distiller, Bardstown Bourbon Co.
- Jade Peterson – Master Distiller, Kentucky Artisan Distillery
- Matt Gandolfo – Master Taster, Rabbit Hole Distillery
- Aaron Harris – Head Distiller, Green River Distillery
- Ben Franzini & Sam Rock – Owners, Bluegrass Distillers
- Jonathan Newton – Castle & Key Distillery
Each guest will walk away with an insider’s perspective on the craft and care of bourbon, an experience guided by the very palates who developed the bottles we know and love today.
Kentucky Bourbon Festival: September 5 – September 7, 2025
The Kentucky Bourbon Festival isn’t just an event, it’s a three-day celebration of heritage, community and the future of America’s native spirit. For CaskX, it’s an opportunity to share that same spirit to spark new connections and create unforgettable experiences with every pour.
From testing your luck at the tasting wheel to stepping back in time at our speakeasy or catching us on the main stage, this year promises to be our most exciting presence yet.
Stay tuned for highlights and a behind-the-scenes look throughout the weekend. Let’s toast to the craftsmanship that’s stood the test of time, the stories unfolding now and the exciting chapters yet to be written. We look forward to seeing you in Bardstown.
