photos by Caitlin Chrisenée Photo

During the first week of October in 2024, my partner Cailtin and I had the pleasure of experiencing the first official Queer Bourbon Week, Bourbon & Belonging with Queer Kentucky. The week was filled with different events including a kick-off party at New Riff Distilling in Newport, a Bourbon & Smoke tasting tour at The Standard Covington, a Queer prohibition drag show and dance party at Leapin’ Lizard with Midwestern Lesbian, and a rooftop drag brunch at Opal Rooftop.

These were just the events that we were able to enjoy throughout the week in Northern Kentucky–Bourbon & Belonging offered so much for everyone! There were plenty of free events, sober friendly experiences, VIP tours, dance parties, dinner pairings and more!

The week-long bourbon event spread throughout the state of Kentucky. Since Caitlin and I are based in Cincinnati, we are right over the river from Northern Kentucky, and we got to experience a variety of events in Newport and Covington.

Queer Bourbon Week started at New Riff Distilling for the official kick-off party. Featuring delicious bourbon cocktails, light bites, and a taste of New Riff’s Queer Kentucky special batch bourbon created specifically for Bourbon & Belonging. The evening was filled with great vibes, good people, and flavorful bourbon.

This was a unique experience that offered something new to LGBTQ+ folks, a glimpse into the world of bourbon that is often taken over by the straight, male community. As we walked through The Aquifer Room, we saw people engaging with one another, talking with New Riff distillers and learning about their specialty bourbon.

Each of the employees were knowledgeable about the different types of bourbon they were offering, which cocktails would be best for us, and the proper way to enjoy a glass of bourbon. As a bourbon enjoyer, I wanted a cocktail that was approachable, but with a bourbon flavor that allowed me to explore the different layers of tastes. Caitlin wanted something that was smooth, flavorful, and easier to drink. New Riff had a wide variety of options for everyone to enjoy, and every option was delicious.

Next on our Bourbon & Belonging agenda was the Bourbon & Smoke tasting event at The Standard in Covington. As you walk into The Standard, you’re greeted by a few different bourbon options from Heaven Hill Distillery, Elijah Craig, Evan Williams, Old Forester, and more. Each brand had a variety of options of bourbons with different flavors and levels of intensity. While the bourbon brands had folks talking us through each option they had, they offered flavor profiles, tasting notes, and history of each bottle they had with them.

We also visited the bar which had a variety of cocktail options, made with the bourbon brands on site. I had a sweet honey cocktail that was smooth, filled with bourbon flavor and a hint of sweetness—perfect to sip on while enjoying The Standard’s large patio. Each attendee also got to enjoy a buffet of delicious food, made by The Standard’s kitchen. We devoured smoked pulled pork with a bourbon glaze that left me wanting more—I am still dreaming about that sandwich. Bourbon & Smoke was a great event to relax and network, learn some new things about bourbon, and try some amazing food and cocktails.

To start off the weekend, we hosted Gays & Dolls: A Queer Prohibition Party at Leapin’ Lizard. Imagine you’re transported back to the 1920s, where bourbon is illegal, fringe is the latest fashion trend, and jazz is mandatory. As you walk into Leapin’ Lizard, candles fill the tables, bourbon is flowing, music is playing and drag performers are dancing throughout the room.

We were joined by Lola Vuiton, Delusiona Grandeur, and Manuka Honey Stix-Chimera for a drag show straight from the flapper era. After the show, the dance party took over the floor, with a perfect mixture of jazzy 20s tunes and modern upbeat bass. By the end of the night, we were out of breath from dancing the night away.

Closing out Bourbon & Belonging, we headed to Opal Rooftop for a drag brunch, hosted by drag performer P.H. Dee and music by DJ Bobby G. The weather was perfect to sit out, take in the views, and enjoy performances by local drag queens.

After a week of drinking, dancing, learning, and mingling, this was the perfect end to Queer Bourbon Week. Each table got up and went through the breakfast buffet that was hands down, the best breakfast buffet we have ever had. Caitlin and I still talk about how good it was almost a year later. As we enjoyed our food, P.H. Dee started the drag show, alongside Manuka Honey Stix-Chimera, Jossie G, and Alana Reign. Each performer brought their own art to each of their performances, doing jump splits and reveals to soulful ballads with flowing gowns to add drama to the number. Every second of this drag brunch was entertaining, from the drag show, to the food & cocktails, to the music. I left with a full stomach, a nice buzz, and a smile on my face.

Bourbon & Belonging offered so much more than just what we experienced in Northern Kentucky. With four different cities and regions participating in the events, there is no doubt that there is something for everyone. Bourbon & Belonging showed me that the Queer community wants to enjoy the things that we may not always be welcomed to. The bourbon world may be an intimidating place, but Queer Kentucky got rid of the intimidation and said, “you’re welcome here, grab a glass and enjoy some bourbon with us.”

I’m so grateful to have been able to experience the first year of Queer Bourbon Week, and I can’t wait to see what’s to come for this year. Attend Bourbon & Belonging Queer Bourbon Week October 3rd to October 5th throughout Kentucky this year, visit https://www.bourbonandbelonging.com/ to learn more.