Photography by Igor Normann
On October 21, the St. Louis Bourbon Festival returns in a big way, stretching across several blocks along Cherokee Street. It’s a lot to take in, so consider doing some advance planning. Here are 10 tips for making the most of the experience.
1. Tickets are available for both those planning to partake and designated drivers. General admission is $90 (plus tax) and provides access to the event venue and sampling from 5–9 p.m. Designated Driver tickets, with event access and no alcohol, are also available for $45. The event check-in will be at the corner of Cherokee and Lemp.
2. Consider pre-purchasing onsite parking. Attendees can reserve parking spots for $20 in the lot at 3500 Lemp Avenue, though there’s limited availability.
3. Pick which presenter tastings you’d like to join. The Lemp Mansion will host hour-long presentations that include special flights at 4 p.m., 6 p.m., and 8 p.m. During each time slot, guests can choose from five different speakers, with a range of expertise. These presentations require an additional ticket: $45 for the first and last time slots and $65 for the 6 p.m. classes, which include a fried chicken dinner.
4. Be prepared to do some walking. The 110 vendors will be spread out across various locations, including along Cherokee Street, Demenil Place, the Lemp Courtyard near the mansion, as well as Lemp Grand Hall, where there will be live music and a VIP loft.
5. Make a list of whiskeys you’d like to sample. The festival presents a bounty of bourbons, with more than 450 whiskeys, bourbons, and Scotches from around the world. If possible, attempt to prioritize must-try distilliers in advance.
6. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. As tempting as it may be to enjoy a healthy pour, sample judiciously, and make use of the dump buckets.
7. Stay hydrated, and don’t drink on an empty stomach. Attendees can bring transparent water bottles or tumblers but may be asked to empty and refill onsite. Water will also be provided by Liquid Death Mountain Water, which uses recyclable aluminum cans. If you’re not planning to purchase a 6 p.m. presenter tasting ticket, which includes a fried chicken dinner, then plan on visiting the food trucks along 18th Street or eating in advance.
8. Take notes. As you're trying various samples, it can be difficult to remember all of the options. Jot down some brief notes along the way, even if it's just pass/fail grades or brief notes about what to revisit on future occasions.
9. Take a break. The upstairs patio will be reserved for Lux Row tastings, as well as well as cigar seating. If you prefer a cigar with your bourbon, consider heading there to unwind. Or take a stroll to the Lemp and DeMenil courtyards.
10. Try, and then buy. Guests will have the opportunity to purchase bottles through Salt + Smoke and can specify which restaurant location they’d prefer to collect their bottles. And when heading home, remember a designated driver or consider a cab.
