Event set for May 17 at The Filson Historical Society

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (April 4, 2014) — Ever wonder what that dusty old bourbon bottle in your grandmother’s attic is worth? How about the history of a long-forgotten brand on a timeworn advertising sign in your basement?

The Kentucky Bourbon Affair will help you find the answers.

“American Liquors,” sponsored by The Filson Historical Society and the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, will offer advice and appraisals on rare bourbon items as part of the inaugural showcase of America’s only native spirit.

“We get a ton of questions from people with bourbon memorabilia who don’t know what they have or what it’s worth,” said KDA President Eric Gregory. “This will be a perfect opportunity to learn the history and value from the experts themselves.”

The unique event will be Saturday, May 17, from 1 to 4 p.m. at The Filson Historical Society’s headquarters, 1310 South Third Street in downtown Louisville.

The event is free, but a $10 donation is encouraged to support The Filson’s programs. Participants must reserve a ticket at kybourbonaffair.com.

Mike Veach, the Filson’s acclaimed bourbon historian and a member of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame, will provide background on brands and items, while Bill Thomas, owner of the Jack Rose Dining Saloon in Washington, D.C., will be on-hand to appraise whiskey bottles.

To get the most in-depth research, ticket holders will be asked to submit photographs and descriptions of their items beforehand. Similar items might be grouped together for analysis and discussion to ensure an efficient and smooth process.

“As Kentucky’s oldest privately supported Historical Society, The Filson’s mission is to collect and preserve the significant stories of the commonwealth and its culture,” Veach said. “We look forward to seeing the bourbon treasures hidden away in local attics and basements.”

The Kentucky Bourbon Affair is a four-day bourbon fantasy camp that will be held May 14-18, featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes tours and events at the most famous bourbon distilleries in the world. It’s the only whiskey event created and executed by the distilleries themselves.

This year’s Affair will commemorate the 50th anniversary of Congress declaring bourbon “America’s only native spirit.” In addition, the KDA has partnered with the Original Makers Club on prestigious opening and closing festivities featuring the unique bourbon lifestyle.

“We’re proud to partner with The Filson to offer this valuable opportunity to educate bourbon fans on undiscovered treasures,” Gregory said. “We hope it will turn up some cherished items that will add to our signature industry’s rich history and heritage.”