Chateau Bourbon Blog

The Kentucky Derby 2022 - "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports"

In Louisville, we turn the "Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports" into a month-long celebration of special events, distinct culinary traditions, and of course... Bourbon. In fact, the city celebrates the iconic Derby cocktail for 30 entire days with Mint Julep Month every April. We also celebrate the spirit of the Derby all year with the culture and tradition of the Sport of Kings and many other opportunities to be at the legendary track.

About the Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby is the most prestigious annual horse race in America, and the first jewel of the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing. It is held at ...

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Louisville's Buzz-Worthy Bourbon Bars

Lucky for us locals, many Louisville restaurants could be considered full-on whiskey bars in most cities with at least 20 different varieties behind the bar - but in Bourbon City, it takes at least 60 to be part of the popular Urban Bourbon Trail®. Add to that the several distilleries that are now offering cocktail experiences of their own and there seems no end to where you can get a sip of Bourbon Country’s unique culture. Here are some of the bars creating a buzz in the press:

- Southern hospitality is in full swing at the Garden & Gun Club on the grounds o...

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Planning your Kentucky Bourbon Trail Adventure - 6 Easy Steps!

The sun is shining, bourbon is calling, and we get it - you want to go out and explore the numerous whiskey distilleries peppered across our beautiful state of Kentucky. After booking your visit here at Chateau Bourbon, you'll want to hit the ground running in planning all the fun. Due to continued COVID restrictions, here's what you should know for planning purposes to maximize your Kentucky bourbon adventure!

STEP 1: BOOK TOURS IN ADVANCE!

Since group capacities are still smaller than normal, tours fill up quickly. Booking your tours in advance is an absolute must. Walk-ins most likely will NOT find space on a tour, so be sure to check online or reach out directly to the distillery you want to visit. And keep in m...

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Mint Juleps - a Kentucky Derby Tradition!

In the weeks leading up to the Kentucky Derby, the locals start craving burgoo, benedictine, and those sweet, boozy mint juleps. And yeah yeah, we can hear the dissenters now..."Ugh, mint juleps. I had one once - gross." If the thoughts of a julep are reminiscent of toothpaste, we hear you and we've been there. But when...

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Boozy Valentine's Cupcakes

Share some love with the important people in your life with these BOOZY bites from heaven!

These Valentine-inspired cupcakes begin with a bourbon chocolate cake base, are then covered with a whipped strawberry vanilla buttercream, and are finally topped with a hand-dipped dark chocolate covered strawberry!

MAKES 12 CUPCAKES

Bourbon Chocolate Cake

Ingredients

1 stick unsalted butter
2 Tbsp cocoa powder
¼ cup bourbon
¼ cup water
¼ cup buttermilk
1 egg
½ tsp vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp...

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Christmas Whiskey Sour - RECIPE

Cocktails, anyone?! Our "Sips & Sweets" happy hour is one of the highlights of the guest experience here at Chateau Bourbon. Not only do we prepare a made-from-scratch, bourbon-infused dessert, but also a signature bourbon cocktail each evening. If that doesn’t put the ‘happy’ in happy hour, I don’t know what does!

The change of seasons brings an opportunity to switch up our recipes, incorporating seasonal ingredients and flavors. Winter is certainly an ideal time for hot beverages – think hot toddy or spiked hot chocolate! But cold beverages can still warm us up – eggnog mixed with a healthy dose of whiskey or brandy provides that “Kentucky Hug” every time.

I personally love the use of seasonal flavors such as...

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Spiked Eggnog Pancakes - RECIPE

I've always been one to welcome the change of seasons. While there are many reasons to embrace a new season, such as an excuse to change up your wardrobe or the celebration of a special event or holiday, the opportunity to enjoy seasonal flavors is one of my favorite reasons! I'm often inspired to incorporate seasonal flavors into the dishes and cocktails we offer guests each day, and the Christmas holiday season is no exception. Gingerbread, cranberry, orange, and eggnog are quintessential 'holidays' if you ask me! Since the cold weather rolled in with December, I've really enjoyed eggnog, spiked of course! A good ole 'Kentucky Hug' creates that warm & fuzzy feeling on even the coldest nights.

This recipe for Spiked Eggnog...

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"Fall" in love with Louisville!

LOUISVILLE'S LEAVES LAND ON LONELY PLANET’S TOP 8

My heart swells every year as the signs of fall slowly but steadily creep upon us. Autumn is my favorite season for so many reasons. Yes, I'm that "pumpkin spice everything" kind of gal! In addition to the flavors, aromas, and activities that fall brings, it's truly the cooler temperatures and changing foligae that gives me all the good feels this time of year. My beloved Kentucky is worthy of a visit anytime of year, but when guests ask me when I think is the best time of year to visit - you guessed it - it's fall.

I was delighted to see Louisville listed among some of the most vibrant fall destinations, from the likes of Vermont (oh, my heart!) to the Blue Ridge...

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Visiting Bourbon Country

Planning a trip to Kentucky to explore the Bourbon Trail? Here are two articles that highlight SO MANY of our favorite spots here in Louisville and the surrounding area. And with more people choosing domestic travel these days, there's no better time to come immerse yourself in the Bluegrass!

Foder's has written "The Perfect Weekend Getaway: Louisville and Bourbon Country". While it frames the article around travel from Atlanta or Chicago, of course the recommendations for the adventure remain the same. I really love their Louisville distillery recommendation...

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Summer Festival Fun!

Louisville is such a vibrant city, and summertime is when it really shines! Known not only for bourbon and horses, Louisville, Kentucky brings major music festivals, live acts, and national trade shows each year. Nothing says summer like blues music, craft beer, and good ole smoked meats - And June brings the "Blues, Brews, & BBQ Festival" at Louisville's Water Tower Park. July brings the massive "Forecastle Festival" taking place at Waterfront Park as well as the more intimate, Hunter S. Thompson-inspired "Gonzofest" hosted at the downtown Louisville library. Vintage car lovers travel from all over the country for the August "Street Rod Nationals" taking place at the Kentucky Expo Center. One of our most...

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