BBQ and Barrels Distilleries

BBQ & Barrels, set for May 9-10, 2025, in downtown Owensboro, KY, is a celebration of the city’s deep-rooted traditions in barbecue and bourbon. The “Barrels” portion highlights Owensboro’s historic connection to Kentucky bourbon, showcased through a ticketed bourbon experience at the Owensboro Convention Center. This ticketed event offers the ultimate bourbon experience at an unbeatable value, combining the chance to savor exceptional bourbon with a delightful  BBQ culinary adventure.  40 distillers are expected to participate in this year’s BBQ and Barrels. Here are a few out of the many that you can experience: 

 

Green River Distilling Company 

The 10th oldest registered distillery in Kentucky, Green River was founded by J.W. McCulloch in 1885, and its whiskey was world-renowned before fire and Prohibition relegated it to history. The Green River distillery has been revived to its former glory and Green River Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the first Green River Bourbon available after more than a century, is now distilled, aged, and bottled on the same ground as it was in 1885.

 

Western Kentucky Distilling Company  

This distiller is operated by 8th Generation Kentucky Distiller master Jacob Call, who uses generations of distilling knowledge in a modern distillery. Western Kentucky Distilling Company is one of Kentucky’s most advanced distilleries. BBQ and Barrels is the one place where you can try this unique bourbon because they haven’t hit the shelves yet! 

 

Boss Molly Bourbon 

Boss Molly was a legendary distiller named after the stubborn female mules that ruled the farms and ranches of her day. Created by three whiskey-loving women, Boss Molly is a bold wheat bourbon with an adventurous spirit. Boss Molly was mysterious and unforgettable, a legend in her own making. And her signature bourbon is no exception.

 

Coal Pick Distillery 

It all started in the Hollers of Paradise Kentucky, where Bourbon and Hard Work have gone hand in hand Since 1852. Today, COAL PICK DISTILLERY carries on this Time Honored Tradition with Coal Pick Bourbon. Coal Pick Distillery pot distills, ages, and bottles all of their own product and does not source any alcohol so they can say what is in the bottle is all made right here on site. They do it all from grinding, cooking, fermenting, distilling, barreling, aging, and bottling all in one location. They also store barrels onsite in their own private rick house which is an all-steel construction frame that Kentucky had never seen used in this application before.  

 

Maker’s Mark

Maker’s Mark began with one family’s quest to create a bourbon they enjoyed drinking and sharing with friends. As the world’s first premium bourbon, it changed the industry in 1953. Bill Samuels, Sr., simply wanted a whisky he would enjoy drinking. Never bitter or sharp, this is why Maker’s Mark is made with soft red winter wheat instead of rye.

 

And here is the complete list!