Home to twelve distilleries, with a rich history steeped in the spirit, it's little surprise that Louisville, Kentucky has earned itself the moniker 'Bourbon City'. This is a town distilled in juice – from its origins as the home of the first commercial distillery on the banks of the Ohio River, opened in 1783, to the status of the Old Fashioned as the city's official cocktail, it's safe to say that in this mid-size walkable city you'll find bourbon on every block.
Quintessentially Southern, Louisville is high on many bucket lists for a real dose of Americana – never mind the Bourbon tours, music industry and thriving food scene that includes much more than just the famous fried chicken. But for those not quite set to make the nine-hour flight to the Bluegrass State, Louisville is bringing a taste of Bourbon City to London Cocktail Week this October.
Kicking things off on Thursday 3 October at Amazing Grace bar in London Bridge, Louisville will be serving up three cocktails themed around the city. Angels' Envy will be serving The Louisville Ruby Manhattan – made from Finished Port Bourbon, sweet vermouth, ruby port and Angostura bitters – while Woodford Reserve promises a delicious take on the classic Old Fashioned, and Rabbit Hole will be mixed into the Broken Dreams Avenue. A classic soundtrack of Kentucky Bluegrass and Soul will keep the vibes high.
The bourbon fun continues throughout the festival, with an Angel's Envy pop up at Discount Suit Company – an East End speakeasy in a nod to the South's prohibition era – while across the week a host of bars around London are getting creative, crafting a variety of classic and unique bourbon cocktails.
That said, Louisville can do more than just quench your thirst (although it's pretty good at it). For starters, Louisville is home to Churchill Downs, where you can witness thoroughbreds pounding around the track. There's no shortage of spectacle at the races, with outfits and hats as impressive as the stallion's race times.
Talking of originals, you should add a self-guided tour of Muhammed Ali's city haunts and the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory to your list – offering a glimpse into the mad world of American baseball.
If breathing in that sweet southern air is on your agenda, there's plenty of outdoor action on offer in Louisville, too. Cycling trails carve through the rolling hills of Cherokee Park, Jefferson Memorial Forest and Iroquois Park with swoonsome skyline views, so there's never been a better reason to rent two wheels and peddle through the city. If you fancy a little more than dry land, the vast Ohio River is the prime stomping ground for kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding.
Get the desire for a visit while sipping a bourbon cocktail during London Cocktail Week? Louisville is giving one lucky fan a chance to win an amazing holiday for two to experience a real taste of Bourbon City. The winner will receive return economy flights from London to Kentucky, plus four nights of boutique hotel accommodation and selected bourbon distillery tours. To enter visit bourboncity.co.uk/win.
For more information visit bourboncity.co.uk
