Bourbon & BBQ Festival
Get ready for a smoky, savory, and spirited weekend at the Hard Truth Bourbon & BBQ Festival. Join us at Hard Truth Distilling Co. on July 26, 2025, for an unforgettable celebration of bourbon, BBQ, and good times.
Saturday, July 26th: Main Festival Day
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12:00PM – 9:00 PM – Live Music at the Outdoor Amphitheater: Groove to live music throughout the day in our scenic outdoor amphitheater. 🎶
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2:00 PM – 6:00 PM – BBQ Competition & People’s Choice Tasting Presented by Great White Smoke
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Official Judging: Sanctioned by Kentuckiana BBQ Pitmasters, this competition will be judged by certified BBQ judges to ensure fairness, integrity, and professional scoring standards.
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Special Guest Judges & Ambassadors: Bryan Smith (Master Distiller), Jeff McCabe, Nate Spangle, and Sandy Jones will participate in select tastings and public-facing segments throughout the event.
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People’s Choice Tasting: Sample mouthwatering BBQ from competing pitmasters and cast your vote for the best.
- Meet & Greet Sessions: Throughout the day, meet celebrity chef James “BBQ” Grubs (fan favorite on Season 1 of Netflix’s The Great American BBQ) during his live cooking demos, pitmasters, competitive food eaters, and Master Distiller Bryan Smith.
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Here’s What You Can Expect:
- Bourbon & BBQ Tastings & Pairings
- Bourbon blending & cocktail crafting classes.
- VIP Bourbon & Cigar Lounge.
- Bourbon & BBQ Marketplace
- Interactive Competitions & Outdoor Activities:
- Bourbon Barrel Roll Races 🛢️
- BBQ Toss & Cornhole Tournament ($10 entry, $300 prize)
- Axe Throwing
Ticketing Options:
- Bourbon & BBQ Tasting Pass: Entry to festival, access to live music, activities (axe throwing, cornhole, etc.), 3 BBQ Sample Tickets & 3 Bourbon Sample Tickets, access to vendor marketplace. Food & drink are available for purchase separately.
- Peoples Choice Pass: Everything in Bourbon & BBQ Tasting Pass + VIP lounge, exclusive bourbon tastings (premium pours), People’s Choice BBQ sampling session 10 tokens, behind the scenes access, and a VIP swag bag (event glass & branded merchandise).
Don’t miss out on this incredible celebration of bourbon, BBQ, and community. Mark your calendars for July 26, 2025, and join us at Hard Truth Distilling Co.
