Sip, Sip, Hooray
Kentucky Bourbon Experience
Oct. 8–12
Ovation Center
123 W. Fourth St., Newport, Ky
Tickets for bourbon tastings, blending experiences, cocktail experiences and more with area distilleries are available at https://gettix.getanchor.io/americasriverroots/bourbon-experience.html.
Raise a glass to Kentucky’s most iconic export during the America’s River Roots Festival, at the Kentucky Bourbon Experience presented by Fifth Third Bank and Kentucky Boardwalk at Ovation in Newport, Ky.
Kentucky Bourbon Experience will hold ticketed, 90-minute programs, which will take guests on a journey into the heart of bourbon culture. Each session is crafted to deliver something truly special. The Experience is a unique chance to explore the history of our famed Kentucky bourbon industry and its communities as you revel in culture on the river.
Housed under a sprawling 200-foot tent in Newport, the immersive experience is divided into three spaces: the Bourbon Bottle Shop & Bazaar, the Bourbon Experience, and the Merchant’s Club. Together, they offer guests a full pour of the rich stories, people and traditions behind the Commonwealth’s famed spirit. From curated tastings to a speakeasy with a view, the Bourbon Experience is designed for both aficionados and curious sippers alike.
“We designed the Kentucky Bourbon Experience to be a full sensory journey into the heart of bourbon culture,” said Amy Tobin, Bourbon Curator for America’s River Roots. “From the moment you step into the tent, you’ll be immersed in the stories, craftsmanship and flavor that make Kentucky bourbon world-renowned.”
The Boardwalk at Ovation is where the city meets the river at an urban resort that redefines riverside luxury, sitting above the historic connection point between the Licking River and Ohio Rivers on the Newport riverfront. With panoramic views of the Cincinnati skyline and the Ohio River, guests will enjoy a VIP vantage point with access to all the excitement of the America's River Roots Festival. Both ticketed and private experiences are available.
The Bottle Shop Bazaar
Powered by The Party Source, the Official Bourbon Retailer of America’s River Roots, this open marketplace will be a must-visit for anyone looking to sample, buy or discover new favorites. Distillers and merchants will offer bottles, gifts and bourbon-inspired goods.
Premium Bourbon Experience
Enjoy curated tasting led by seasoned bourbon stewards. Sample Kentucky’s finest pours, from smooth single barrels to bold custom blends, while uncovering the rich heritage and craftsmanship behind every glass. Both ticketed and private experiences are available.
The Merchant’s Club
Tucked away from the crowds, this speakeasy-style lounge offers a refined escape. Sip handcrafted bourbon cocktails while enjoying sweeping views of the river and relaxed luxury.
B-Line on the Boardwalk
Outside the tent, the celebration continues on the Kentucky Boardwalk at the Ovation, where guests can stroll and sip their way through the B-Line Speakeasy, River Roots Café, and the River Roots Beer Garden. Expect bold bites, regional drinks and bourbon-inspired menu items. Relax in an open-air dining experience from some of Northern Kentucky’s most beloved restaurants on the B-Line including Purple Poulet, Greyhound Tavern, and Smoke Justis.
The B-Line Speakeasy
The B-Line™ Speakeasy is an exclusive pop-up bar tucked inside the event, featuring bourbons and drinks for sale from Northern Kentucky’s famed B-Line™ trail. Sample rare and regional selections, enjoy handcrafted cocktails, and mingle with expert mixologists representing the best of NKY’s craft bourbon scene.
New Riff Distilling is the Official Bourbon of the America’s River Roots Festival. Known for their award-winning spirits, New Riff brings a distinctly local flavor to the festival. Guests will have the chance to sample a variety of New Riff’s offerings, including the signature cocktail of America's River Roots, Rollin' on The River, made with New Riff Bottled in Bond Bourbon, lemon juice and root beer.
Over the course of the festival, attendees will enjoy scheduled bourbon tastings featuring some of the industry's top names, including Angels Envy, Augusta Distillery, Boone County Distilling, Bardstown Bourbon, Green River Distilling, Ingram Distillery, Old Forester, Wenzel Distillery, Willow Run Custom Bourbon, Woodford Reserve, and New Riff Distilling, the Official Bourbon of America's River Roots.
The Bourbon Experience is just one part of the music, cuisine and culture that will be represented at America's River Roots, Oct. 8–12 on Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky's riverfront. The festival is a celebration of the vibrant culture of America’s river cities, honoring their impact on our nation. The fusion of food, beer, bourbon, river cruises, education and more make America's River Roots a signature event of America 250.