USA. HMSHost-run Book & Bourbon Southern Kitchen, at Louisville International Airport, has been recognised as an official stop on Kentucky’s Urban Bourbon Trail.
The Urban Bourbon Trail, which is supported by Louisville Tourism, is Kentucky’s version of a self-guided pub tour where participants get a passport and collect stamps at official participating bars and restaurants. Part of the criteria to become a stop on the trail is to offer over 50 different bourbons and to support Louisville’s significant Bourbon culture.
According to HMSHost, Book & Bourbon was created to celebrate Kentucky’s rich bourbon heritage. The outlet, which is located in the airport’s upper level pre-security area, highlights over 85 bourbons, including several rare labels. Its design offers a “contemporary speakeasy” atmosphere and customers are encouraged to engage with staff to learn about tasting notes and distilling history.
HMSHost Executive Vice President Restaurant Development Stephanie Havard said: “It is a great honour to be part of the Urban Bourbon Trail, a Louisville tradition that highlights the city’s best local bourbon bars and restaurants.
“We are excited to invite anyone interested in the Trail to visit us in the airport for the full Book & Bourbon experience and to get their passports stamped while they take part in Kentucky’s bourbon heritage.”
After making a purchase, guests will receive a stamp in their passport and with six stamps they can claim an Urban Bourbon Trailblazer t-shirt available at the Louisville Visitor Centre.
Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer commented: “Thanks in part to Bourbonism, our city is welcoming more than 16 million visitors annually, and with the addition of Book & Bourbon Southern Kitchen to the Urban Bourbon Trail, it’s never been easier for guests to responsibly enjoy our native spirit.
“I applaud HMSHost and the Louisville International Airport for their support in the growth of Louisville and the Bourbonism movement.”
As an official stop on the trail, guests can pick up passports, including a new annual edition, at Book & Bourbon Southern Kitchen and begin their Urban Bourbon Trail journey at the airport. A Buffalo Trace Old Fashioned is Book & Bourbon’s featured cocktail for the Urban Bourbon Trail but guests interested in getting their passport stamp can make any food, beverage or retail purchase within the restaurant to qualify.
Louisville Regional Airport Authority Executive Director Dan Mann said: “This truly is an exciting occasion for Book & Bourbon Southern Kitchen, HMSHost and the Louisville International Airport. We are proud to be the welcome to the city, and this is a great way for visitors to kick-off their time in our community by taking part in the Urban Bourbon Trail.”
Book & Bourbon Southern Kitchen has received numerous awards for its menu and innovative design. These include First Place for Best New Food and Beverage (Full-Service Concept) – 2018 Airports Council International – North America, Excellence in Airport Concessions Awards and Airport Restaurant Bar of the Year – 2018 Airport Revenue News.
The outlet was judged New Food & Beverage Concept of the Year (Regional Winner) and Airport Food & Beverage Offer Best Reflecting ‘Sense of Place’ at the 2017 Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) Conference & Awards.
NOTE: The Moodie Davitt Report also publishes The Foodie Report, the world’s only media focused on airport (and other travel-related) food & beverage. The Foodie Report e-Newsletter is published every two weeks and The Foodie Report e-Zine every month.
Please send all news of food & beverage outlet openings, together with images, menus, video etc to Martin@MoodieDavittReport.com to ensure unrivalled global exposure. The company also organises the annual Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) Conference & Awards. This year’s FAB took place on 20-21 June in Helsinki.
