Two exclusive culinary bourbon experiences will launch the bourbon-focused portion of Owensboro’s BBQ & Barrels Festival, offering limited-capacity events that pair premium whiskey with curated dining experiences.
The dinners — Smoke & Oak at The Lure Seafood and Grille and BBQ & Barrels: The Hallowed Dinner at Green River Distilling Co. — will take place ahead of the festival’s Grand Bourbon Tasting on May 9.
The weekend begins May 7 with Smoke & Oak at The Lure Seafood and Grille on the downtown riverfront. The six-course dinner, hosted by owner Ben Skiadas, will feature smoke-driven cuisine paired with a selection of rare bourbons. Cocktails begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner service at 6:30 p.m.
The evening will spotlight expressions from Colonel E.H. Taylor, a key figure in the development of modern bourbon and the Bottled-in-Bond Act. Guests will also be served E.H. Taylor Small Batch Old Fashioneds as part of the experience.
Tickets are $250 per person and limited to 36 guests.
The bourbon programming continues on May 8 with BBQ & Barrels: The Hallowed Dinner at Green River Distilling Co., one of Kentucky’s oldest licensed distilleries. The event will feature a multi-course meal prepared by The Miller House, paired with Green River bourbons.
The Miller House, recognized as one of the Top 40 Whiskey Bars in America, will bring its signature cuisine to the distillery grounds, creating pairings designed to complement the flavor profiles of Green River’s spirits.
“Together, the events highlight Owensboro’s growing reputation as a destination for authentic Kentucky bourbon experiences,” said Mark Calitri, president and CEO of Visit Owensboro.
Seating for both dinners is limited, and organizers expect them to sell out ahead of the festival weekend. Tickets for The Hallowed Dinner and the Grand Bourbon Tasting are available through Owensboro Tickets or online.
