I was also excited to see several of my favorite bourbon industry leaders in attendance -Fred B. I loved the idea of being able to attend these seminars and hear directly from them all in one place versus attending several different events throughout the year. The New Orleans Bourbon Festival was definitely a good experience.
What do I mean by that? There was nothing that allowed this festival to stand out on its own. Despite the fact that it was held in New Orleans and all my bourbon favorites under were under one roof, it was oddly familiar, and resembled many of the other bourbon events held around the U. This was their first year, and even those there were a few speed bumps I do believe that it is an event for those that are looking to add it to their annual bourbon events list.
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Outside the venue was an area designated for those who wanted to partake in some cigars and bourbon, or you could browse the many vendors selling their bourbon inspired goods. Inside, of course, was bourbon, bourbon, and more bourbon. Upon entering, I grabbed my brandy snifter and headed straight for Wild Turkey, where Eddie Russell was hanging out drinking some bourbon, chatting, answering questions and taking pictures! So how could a girl resist that opportunity!?
I found each class I attended thoroughly enjoyable, and the hardest decision was not being able to attend them all! With an average of classes per time slot, it came down to rock, paper, scissors to decide what class to attend. Overall, even though I left underwhelmed I am cognizant this was their inaugural year, so I am giving some grace. There is potential for this to not only be a great event and maybe even a bourbon destination one day.
If the planners work out a few kinks and consult with some local bourbonites, I think this event has some potential and I look forward to seeing what changes are in store for
