What are you doing on August 19? If you have nothing on your calendar, you might want to consider loading up the car and heading down to Newport, Kentucky for the Bourbon Baron Ball.

Spend an unforgettable evening filled with the musical sounds of bluegrass and the smooth-rich flavors of bourbon during the Bourbon Baron Ball! You will be in for a delightful experience sampling bourbon from local distilleries, savoring tasty bites from various food trucks and listening to live performances. Along with the festivities held during the soiree, feel good knowing proceeds from the Bourbon Baron Ball will support pediatric brain cancer research through The Cure Starts Now Foundation.

When Is The Event?

The Bourbon Baron Ball is happening on August 19th, 2023 from 6-10pm.

Where Is The Event Happening?

The Bourbon Baron Ball is happening in downtown Cincinnati at the MegaCorp Pavilion. I have been down in this area and I love it. I would personally recommend staying someone close by (Hampton Inn & Suites Newport/Cincinnati) and visiting Party Source, Hofbräuhaus, New Riff, and the Prohibition Bourbon Bar before and/or after the event. I always like to tack on Jungle Jim’s as well when I make a trip down that direction.

Who Will Be Playing Music At The Ball?

Is there anything that goes better with bourbon than bluegrass? AThe Tillers are a great bluegrass band that I just binge listened to on YouTube. They’ll transport you to the foothills of Kentucky and have you thinking you are drinking straight from the still.

Who Will Be Pouring Bourbon?

There will be 6 different (and amazing) distilleries pouring bourbon at the event. The distillers include: Augusta, New Riff, Boone County, McBrayer, BrainBrew Whiskey and Castle and Key.

Where Can I Buy My Tickets?

That one is easy – You can purchase your tickets here.

They have three different ticket options:

VIP Bourbon Baron Attendee – $60
Includes admission to the event, four (4) bourbon tastings, and two (2) drink tickets for beer/wine/soda/water.

‘Hold the Bourbon’ Attendee – $45
Not a fan of bourbon but still want to join us? This option includes admission to the event and one (1) drink ticket for beer/wine/soda/water.

‘Designated Driver’ Attendee – $30
Includes admission to the event and one (1) drink ticket for soda or water.

Win Some Amazing Bourbon!

If you want to get your hands on a few incredible bourbons, you have an opportunity to do so with the Bourbon Baron Raffle! This is a great way to give to The Cure Starts Now and have a chance to win some highly sought after and allocated bourbons and ryes.

Get your raffle tickets here.

They are selling the tickets for $100 a piece or 5 for $400. Remember – All of the proceeds go to help the The Cure Starts Now Foundation.

Wonder what you could win? I really don’t want to tell you because I would like to win one of these, but I just have to share.

1st Prize – Buffalo Trace O.F.C. 1995 Vintage

Holy crap. If you are drawn first, you win this bottle that is valued at over $7,500. I’ve never even dreamed of owning a bottle like this, but I’m tossing a chance into drawing just to maybe be able to grab this bottle.

Since I have never tried this, I looked back on the Buffalo Trace website to find out a little more about this bottle:

The O.F.C. vintage-dated bourbons have a name derived from this National Historic Landmark’s original moniker — the O.F.C. Distillery — renowned for producing top class whiskey during its tenure.

Tasting notes for this bourbon describe cherry cordial on the nose followed by caramel and slightly smoked-oak. Dark chocolate, tobacco leaves and dates are found on the palate, followed by a lingering finish of leather, black pepper and cinnamon.

This is the fifth O.F.C Vintage release and, like its predecessors, will be very limited and extremely rare. Similar to previous releases, the 1995 Vintage will arrive in a wooden display box containing a provenance card. Inside the wooden box contains a crystal bottle with real copper lettering in-laid in the bottle with a hand-applied paper label. The label on the back of the bottle as well as the provenance card note the milestones for the year 1995.

Buffalo Trace

2nd Prize – 2022 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (5 Bottles)

If I don’t win the first prize, I’m not going to be mad about winning this (I really won’t be mad if I win anything at all). This prize is also valued at over $7,500 and includes a bottle of each of the following:

– George T. Stagg: Lush toffee sweetness and dark chocolate with hints of vanilla, fudge, nougat and molasses. Underlying notes of dates, tobacco, dark berries, spearmint and a hint of coffee round out the palate.

– Sazerac Rye 18yr: Very mature, with notes of oak, leather molasses and all-spice. The long, warm finish is preceded by notes of mint, eucalyptus, cinnamon, vanilla, and lingering pepper.

– William Larue Weller: Fragrant scents of caramel corn, new leather, plums, light toffee and pipe tobacco. The palate tastes of marshmallow, salted almonds, nougat, figs and dates. This whiskey finishes smooth, composed and flavorfully sweet.

– Eagle Rare 17yr: The fragrant aroma has almost a wine-like character with hints of almond, cigar boxes and cinnamon. The delicate and dry mid-palate tastes of leather, vanilla and tobacco. This bourbon lingers, finishing with hint of leather and toffee.

– Thomas Handy: Powerful, lush, and boldly spicy. Flavors of toffee, fig cake, and candied fruit, followed by mint, cinnamon and clove. The finish ultimately reveals subtle notes of allspice, coconut and nutmeg. Long and warm.

3rd Prize – Michter’s 3 Bottle Set

Ok – so if I don’t win the first two, I’m again happy winning this one. This prize is valued over $1,100 and has three pretty amazing bottles:

– Micher’s 10yr Straight Rye: Deep notes of vanilla and toffee, toasted almonds and cinnamon with ample dose of crushed pepper and a hint of orange citrus.

– Michter’s Barrel Strength Bourbon: Concentrated character with rich caramel and luxurious toffee balanced by vanilla, hints of apricot and cherry and other stone fruits, roasted pecans and molasses with some charred oak highlights.

– Michter’s 10yr Kentucky Straight Bourbon: Big and bold dark toffee and caramel, charred oak, maple syrup, and vanilla.

The Fine Print

Raffle sales end on August 22nd, 2023, at 11:59 pm EDT. The drawing will take place, and 3 winners will be announced on August 23, 2023. Winners will also be contacted no later than August 25, 2023, via email or phone. Raffle winners are responsible for arranging pickup at The Party Source at 95 Riviera Drive, Bellevue, KY 41073, within 1 week of the award announcement. Winnings not collected within 60 days shall be forfeited. Any dispute or issues with prizes shall be limited to a refund of the winner’s investment in the raffle, and the decision of The Cure Starts Now shall be final. Raffle ticket buyers must be 21 years of age. Values are estimates and not guaranteed. Winners must be 21 years of age. The raffle is a Kentucky-based raffle and subject to Temporary Permit guidelines. Void where prohibited.

Who Is Benefiting From This Event?

The event is benefiting The Cure Starts Now Foundation.

The Cure Starts Now (501c3 Federal Non-Profit) is one of the only cancer foundations dedicated to a “homerun” cure for all cancers, starting first with one of the most deadly and difficult cancers: pediatric brain cancer. Many experts believe that the lessons we learn from fighting pediatric cancer may in fact provide us the critical first step in winning the battle against all forms of cancer, both pediatric and adult.

Get your tickets and raffle tickets today!

Conclusion

Mark your calendars for August 19, 2023, and prepare for an unforgettable experience at the Bourbon Baron Ball in Newport, Kentucky. This exciting event promises a delightful evening filled with the soulful tunes of bluegrass and the rich flavors of bourbon. Sample exquisite bourbons from local distilleries, savor delectable bites from food trucks, and immerse yourself in the lively ambiance of the MegaCorp Pavilion in downtown Cincinnati.

Not only will you have an amazing time, but your participation also contributes to a meaningful cause. The Bourbon Baron Ball supports pediatric brain cancer research through The Cure Starts Now Foundation, a 501c3 Federal Non-Profit committed to finding a “homerun” cure for all cancers, beginning with pediatric brain cancer. By attending the event and purchasing raffle tickets, you play an essential role in advancing cancer research and supporting the fight against this devastating disease.

Make sure to secure your tickets early, and if you’re feeling lucky, participate in the Bourbon Baron Raffle for a chance to win some highly sought-after and allocated bourbons and ryes. With a top prize of the prestigious Buffalo Trace O.F.C. 1995 Vintage, valued at over $7,500, the excitement is bound to be palpable.

So, gather your friends and loved ones, and head down to the Bourbon Baron Ball for a night of enjoyment, philanthropy, and celebration. By indulging in the best of Kentucky’s bourbon culture, you’ll not only create lasting memories but also make a difference in the lives of those fighting pediatric brain cancer. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to have a blast while supporting a noble cause. Cheers to a night of bourbon, bluegrass, and meaningful impact!