Just when I had recovered from the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, the Marriott East conjured up a mini-bourbon festival for its grand opening yesterday. The bourbon-themed hotel celebrated its multimillion-dollar renovation - which includes the addition of the Charr’d Bourbon Kitchen and Lounge - with bourbon and wine tastings, heavy appetizers and live music.

Offering samples were Buffalo Trace, Heaven Hill, Wild Turkey, Four Roses, Brown-Forman, Southern Wine & Spirits and Jim Beam (being mixed into a Blackberry Manhattan, above). Food choices included roast beef, bourbon chicken, mushroom ravioli and a barrel-shaped ice “shrimp luge,” in the words of Kris Thomas, food and beverage director for the hotel (see below). Attendees signed a commemorative bourbon barrel - look for it on your next visit. 

If you’re in Louisville, the Hurstbourne corridor might not spring to mind when you think “bourbon bar,” but Charr’d is an elegant space with more than 80 bourbons on the shelf. The hotel also offers a “Bourbon Package,” which includes a bourbon flight and bourbon appetizer, a bourbon-themed gift and breakfast for two - plus late checkout in case you indulge a little too much. Details are here.