If you have a true bourbon lover in your life, chances are they already have all the bottles of bourbon they can get their hands on.  Bourbon lovers can be especially hard to shop for, especially the ones who wait in line for special releases the day they come out at the liquor store. The best thing you can give these folks is an opportunity to get up close and personal with some of their favorite whiskey personalities.  Here are a few options available for purchase before Christmas:

1. The Kentucky Derby Museum has just announced the 2016 lineup for its famous Legends Series, and through the end of December you can purchase tickets for all three events for $150. February 25^th, 2016 is the Whiskey Women session featuring MariAnne Barnes. Max Shapira of Heaven Hill will be the guest on March 22^nd, and Julian Van Winkle III will be the guest on April 14^th.  This journalistic-style Q&A session is hosted by Best-Selling Author Fred Minnick.
2. The Bourbon Classic is basically the Superbowl of bourbon. There’s a Bourbon Masters panel, bourbon education classes, an award-winning cocktail competition, and the opportunity to meet many of your favorite Master Distillers.  Plus it’s an excuse to get dressed up and drink whiskey with hundreds of your best friends in the dead of winter!  February 23-27.
3. Mint Julep Tours offers behind-the-scenes tours of bourbon country. Take a Heaven and Evan or a Marker’s Mark After Dark tour. Gift cards are available in any denomination!
4. The Legendary Craftsmen Dinner Series at Buffalo Trace will take place January 16, 23, and 30. They will feature a George T. Stagg dinner and tasting, a William LaRue Weller dinner and tasting, and a rye cocktail party. Events take place in the beautiful Elmer T. Lee Clubhouse.
5. The Filson Bourbon Salon at Oxmoor Farm on January 26^th is all about “Keeping Tradition Alive.” Panel guests include Steve Beam of Limestone Branch Distillery, Peter Pogue from The Old Pogue Distillery, and Corky Taylor from Kentucky Peerless Distilling Company.

Photos Courtesy of Maggie Kimberl