Bourbonfest will feature some of the major national distillers.
That “pouring it on” slogan especially applies to this year’s Columbus Indiana Philharmonic Bourbonfest slated from 3 to 5 p.m. Feb. 26 at The Commons.
That’s because the annual 21-and-older liquor-tasting fundraiser will feature the largest number of distillers/craft breweries/vendors ever — 28, according to organizers.
Event chairman and Republic publisher Bud Hunt is glad to see the gathering return.
“We’re excited to bring Bourbonfest back as a live tasting event,” Hunt said. “Like a lot of things, COVID forced us to do a virtual auction last year, so we’re seeing a lot of pent-up demand, if you will, from folks who want to get back out and have fun again. Our vendors have responded in a large way, too.”
The increase in vendors is of major importance, according to Donnie Robinette, the orchestra’s executive director.
“People typically want to see a bigger variety of vendors because so many (bourbons) are not sold in local stores,” Robinette said.
So far, about half of the 350 to 400 maximum tickets (lower than the normal 600 to allow people more space) have been sold . Almost all of the 150 VIP tickets were sold at press time. People can purchase those online or at the Philharmonic office at 315 Franklin St.
“I would say that most of the ticket buyers are in my (40s) age range,” Robinette said.
Proceeds will go to cover increased orchestra expenses for the 2022-23 season that will include travel and lodging for guest conductor candidates vying for the Philharmonic’s new music director role. In the past few years, proceeds for Bourbonfest have totaled about $25,000 annually.
At the event, attendees can try samples served by the top local and national bourbon distributors.
The gathering also will salute and showcase the bourbon-making process and the storied history of the industry. Bourbon distilleries and local establishments will display their goods, distribute swag and serve drink samples.
Plus, an event-related auction that will go live online beginning on Friday will feature items such as bourbon gift baskets valued at $400 to $600 each.
The auction will feature a first-time, friendly Battle of the Banks competition. Five local financial institutions will sponsor gift baskets that organizers are building. The various outlets are hoping their basket draws top dollar in the auction.
Sports baskets are a part of the auction, and include everything from Indianapolis Colts memorabilia to Indiana Pacers souvenirs to Chicago Bears signed jerseys.
Bourbon gatherings continue to be popular for a variety of reasons. One of them is that, with some of the higher-priced specialty bourbons, the taste-before-you-buy concept can be huge. At Bourbonfest, each general admission ticket entitles the attendee to nine half-ounce bourbon tastings, four three-ounce beer or wine samples plus one specialty cocktail, unlimited snacks and a free souvenir glass.
Robinette said he expects a good-sized crowd, though he is uncertain of a sellout like the previous several gatherings.
“I think people in general are just anxious to get out,” he said.
