The Paducah Bourbon Society

19/02/2024

Me and this bird had a really dumb idea a few years ago…but we did it anyway. “Let’s open a bar!” I’d say now that Brian T Shemwell is older he has less hair but he didn’t have any to start with. Happy birthday Shemy! It’s your birthday so it’s perfectly fine to have a nice pour of bourbon or eight…

10/09/2019

At the risk of trying not to do too much shameless self promotion, we're running some Instagram giveaways all month on the Barrel and Bond Instagram page. Check it! Happy

We are celebrating the second week of with another giveaway! This week it’s an exclusive pairing for two of charcuterie and four premium bourbon tastings during our opening week! Click thru to Instagram, then:

🥃Tag a friend that is bourbon NEWBIE, then
🥃Share this post to your insta story and we’ll choose our winner Saturday night!

02/09/2019

We’re raising our glass today to the American worker with gratitude for their contributions to our country’s strength and prosperity. Thank you.

01/08/2019

Do tell...

If only these bricks could talk… We are collecting historical anecdotes about our building. If you have any information or stories to tell, please comment or email Laura Thornton, [email protected].

24/07/2019

PHOTOS BY GLENN HALL

With 135 in attendance we explored the relationship between our 2 favorite things - BOURBON & SMOKED MEATS, enjoying

1. Two Bourbons and one cocktail, paired with

2. Smoked Meats
-Prime Beef Brisket slow smoked on Oak
(Courtesy of Nathan Antonites @ KY BBQ Supply)
-Pork Ribs smoked on cherry & finished on Hickory
(Courtesy of Knoth’s and Andy/Sally Wiggins)
-Pork Butt
(Courtesy of Andy who has the best butt ever)

3. Our friends from Jim Beam showcased how their bourbon was meant for smoked meats.

4. And our dear friend Steve Coomes made his annual visit to walk us through this amazing experience.

17/07/2019

Shameless self promotion: Go Now. Click Like. Thank you. Updates forthcoming! www.facebook.com/barrelandbondpaducah

Now open, bringing the best of the Bluegrass State - 2 pours and 1 plate at a time.Instagram:

18/03/2019

Come join us Monday March 18th for a post St Patrick’s Day hangover party at the best restaurant in Kentucky - the freight house.

In celebration of (some of) our Irish Heritage - we will compare Irish Whiskey to see how it stacks up against it own native spirit.

Don’t forget - the Irish are considered to be the first to produce a distilled spirit many many many many moons ago. Also of note- the modern term for this spirit came from an ancient Gaelic word meaning the Water of Life. More on that later.

See you soon!

17/09/2018

My people.

Join us Monday Sept 24th at the Freight House as we kick off BBQ festival week in style. What pairs well with delicious beautiful smoked pork? 100 proof whiskey, that’s what.

We’ve discussed Bottled in Bond Bourbon before, but it’s been a few years. So - Fish and I thought it would be good to circle back and bring the topic to the forefront once again as these expressions are pretty much the best bargain in whiskey today.

We may even break this out into a 2 part series because there is just too much to discuss and too many options.

We also find it fitting since the guy responsible for the legislation that gave us bonded whiskey - (once) had a distillery south of Frankfort that is re-opening this week. A distillery that has been abandoned since the late 1960’s that is now operating under a new name and guided by a new pioneer.

Cheers,
Shem

13/06/2018

It’s our birthday!

When: Monday 6/18
Time: 6-9p

Come join us on Monday June 18th where it all started 3 years ago - one of my absolute favorite spots on earth - Kirchhoff’s. We may even have access to the courtyard at Max’s.

I’m so excited to be back in their company and we’ve decided to feed everyone the best birthday cake from the most talented chic on the planet. We’ll also feed you my absolute favorite smoked pork from Andy, Sally, Megan & Ed of KNOTH’s bbq.

Don’t miss this!!!!!

Guest fee is $15

16/04/2018

Come join us Monday! 4/30!! At the Freight House in Paducah from 5:30 - 9p as we welcome the fine folks from Kentucky Peerless.

Peerless is a storied brand that dates back to the 1880’s when it was first barreled and sold by E.W. Worsham & Co. Operations based in Henderson, Kentucky. Like so many other distilleries during the time, the distillery and the Peerless brand became a victim of Prohibition. In 2014, the Peerless brand was reborn as Corky and Carson Taylor refurbished a building in downtown Louisville and obtained the original Kentucky Distilled Spirits Plant Number (DSP-KY-50) from the original Peerless Distillery in the 1800’s. In March of 2015 they barreled their first rye.
Two years later they’re releasing their first 2 year old small batch straight rye whiskey. Each bottle represents micro batching, with only six barrels blended to produce each batch. Additionally, the Taylors have chosen to use a sweet mash between each fermentation, which is a differentiation from the typical sour mash used by most distillers.

Don’t miss it!

21/03/2018

**ANNOUNCEMENT**

What: Bourbon Society Meeting
When: Monday 3/26/18
Where: the Freight House
Time: 5:30-9p

This month - we are trying something a little new. Master Chef Sara Bradley and her crew will teach us the science (and art) behind some of her favorite and best cocktails from a Manhattan to an Old Fashioned and everywhere in between.

We will taste every ingredient so you can learn WHY they belong together. You will also be shown how to make your own at home.

Can’t wait to see everyone!

Cheers!

28/01/2018

Now that you’ve had plenty of time to recover from those holiday hangovers, come join us for our first meeting of the new year.

Once again we will gather at the best restaurant in the bluegrass, the Freight House.

When: Monday 1/29/18
Time: 5:30-9p
Where: the Freight House

This month we will host a tasting that we’ve wanted to do for quite some time — we will sample different types of whiskey from all over the world. Scotch, Irish Whisky, Bourbon, and Canadien. Compare and contrast. You decide which one appeals more to you and learn the history of each & how it’s made.

WHICH ONE WILL YOU CHOOSE?

Cheers

06/01/2018

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Ya know —- it’s been really friggin cold out the last 10 days or so right?

Think about this. Many of our guest speakers and distillers have told y’all the reason why Kentucky is perfect for aging Bourbon is because of the extreme temperatures we experience in both the summer, and the winter. It allows the barrel to operate like a set of lungs. Breath deep to soak in the distillate. Exhale slowly to release the character of the charred oak (sugar, wood......love & harmony).

If it wasn’t for this I would’ve moved to New Mexico years ago. I’ve heard that in New Mexico, the air doesn’t hurt your face.

Stay warm. Cozy up. Find a friend. Pour a glass, pour a cocktail, throw in some ice or don’t.

It’s really cold. It’s really necessary. Enjoy.

“Bourbon. Because who in the hell needs to feel their face and lips?”
-anonymous

Cheers!

11/11/2017

***PSA***

NOVEMBER MEETING MONDAY 11/20!

Sweet hang out ✅
Good company ✅
Good Bourbon---✅

And....HAM with Steve Coomes?

Hell Yes 👍🏼

Come join us for Ham-demonium 2017 back at our home, the best restaurant in the Bluegrass---The Freight House.

This month we welcome the folks from Michter's and our very good friend, the authority and the guy who literally wrote the book on Ham---Mr Steve Coomes. Steve will once again walk us through a mouthwatering Bourbon and cured ham pairing.

A lot of you will remember Steve the last time we hosted him and Jim Beam---we are VERY excited to have him back.

Where: The Freight House
When: Monday Nov 20th
Time: 5:30-9p

17/10/2017

An evening a long time in the making.

It is with great pleasure & excitement that I invite you to spend an evening with the wonderful & talented Marianne Barnes of Castle & Key.

We've followed her story for a couple years now but nothing compares quite like meeting and speaking with her in person.

She is the future of bourbon, here and now.

Come see for yourself---you're really not going to miss this are you?

Where: 1857 Hotel
When: Monday 10/30/17
Time: 5:30-9p

22/08/2017

This month, we're going to have some fun!!!

Come join us August 28th back at the Freight House from 5:30-9p as we sample some of the area's finest brown water from our local retailers.

Oh---we are tasting them blind. What better way?

We aren't going to tell you what you're tasting until you've tasted them all, that's part of the fun. Let your mouth & your soul guide you.

Come join us for good food, good people, good times, and of course---good bourbon.

Cheers!

26/07/2017

Don't forget---next meeting is this coming Monday at Silent Brigade Distillery on the 400 Block of Broadway downtown Paducah.

As always--good food, good bourbon, good people = good times.

This month we will feature another stellar store selection appropriately named "Suck It Trebek". This bottle is a Single Barrel Buffalo Trace chosen by PBS & Wagner Wine & Spirits.

We will also serve you BBQ Sliders provided by the new owners of Knoth's BBQ in Lake City, Andy Wiggins & Ed Musselman. Knoth's has been around for years and has been my favorite West KY BBQ since I was about 8 years old. Surprisingly, I've discovered that there are a lot of people around here who have never experienced Knoth's. Now is your chance. Hands down the best BBQ in the region.

And then...there will be cake.

Come join us!!

Cheers

18/06/2017

Come join us for our 2nd Anniversary Bash.

When: Monday 6/19/17
Time: 5:30-9p
Where: The freight House
Why: Bourbon & Cake

Cheers!

15/03/2017

**MARCH MADNESS TOURNAMENT CHALLENGE**

OPEN TO EVERYONE

First: Who hasn't logged onto ESPN and created your 2017 March Madness Bracket for the Paducah Bourbon Society Challenge?

Second: WHY NOT!!!

Time is running out!

Join the fun. Complete a bracket. Win bourbon. Earn your right to BRAG. And help us help a wonderful organization.

DETAILS:
-$10 per entry.
-Unlimited entries (each entry is $10)
-Winner receives 2 (possibly even 4) bottles of Bourbon
-Your entry helps a local charity

DIRECTIONS
1. Visit ESPN Tournament Challenge
2. Select "Groups" Tab at the top
3. Search "Paducah Bourbon Society" in Groups Field/tab
-Name of Group: Paducah Bourbon Society
-Password: kybourbon 17
4. Complete Bracket and win stuff

PAYMENT OPTIONS
1. PAYPAL: Visit PayPal website or use your PayPal app on your phone. Message me here for more info.
2. MAIL CHECK (shoot me a message here for more info)
3. IN PERSON: Make arrangements to pay me in person.

Email me: [email protected] with questions.

19/02/2017

Happy birthday to our fearless leader Brian Shemwell. Hope you have a great day. I'm sure you will have a glass of good bourbon today so cheers to you my friend and bourbon brother.

29/01/2017

Hey folks:

For those who were in attendance last Monday at our regular meeting, you were introduced to our first initiative of 2017--Project Helios. The condensed version of the project's purpose is that we are going to install solar panels on Paducah Cooperative Ministries' Fresh Start Village. You can learn more by clicking on the link.

This is an ambitious endeavor and our Charity & Community Impact Committee has hit the ground running already having raised just over $2500 in the first week alone.

Share this Project on your own pages, with your family, and friends---and help us spread the word.

I appreciate you all and thank you for your support.

If any of you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out.

[email protected]

Cheers
Shem

The Paducah Bourbon Society Project Helios! Designed and supported by Paducah Bourbon Society volunteers, Project Helios provides the opportunity to help empower our community to make the biggest impact possible. The Paducah Bourbon Society is a proud supporter of local nonprofit Paducah Coop...

22/12/2016

If you are not an active member of the best Society in the universe and beyond, listen up because I have an idea.

Need a last minute gift for someone, or for yourself?

Why not a year's membership to the Paducah Bourbon Society?

Shoot me a message to learn more and how.

Cheers!

04/12/2016

Read the attached letter and know that we helped make a difference.

We helped 490 households get food for themselves and their families.

We helped 77 households keep their utilities on so they can stay warm, turn the stove on to cook a meal, and have water for a warm shower.

There are 20 people currently in the PCM shelter, 7 of which are children ages 2-12. Heartbreaking.

These are people we have helped. These are people in our community right here and now. As it relates to me personally, I can say that too often do I get caught up in my own life with the trivial and material things to notice what's truly important. It's part of human nature I suppose. But I'm glad for organizations like PCM who really do make a difference and make me realize just how thankful I should be. It puts things in perspective.

We are proud to have a group of people who are willing to take a short timeout and donate along with us.

•COME BE A PART OF SOMETHING BIG!
•COME JOIN US & MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

THANK YOU PBS. You're the best group of people I know.

Have a great week folks. 😊

Cheers

21/11/2016

If someone were to ask me what Bourbon tastes like, or what Bourbon is supposed to taste like, I'd hand them a glass of 1 of these 3 bottles.

Don't believe me. Come find out for yourself tomorrow night at the best restaurant on the planet---The Freight House in Paducah. The good times start at 6 and end when they ask us to leave.

Wild Turkey Legend and Master Distiller, Jimmy Russell, will be our guest. Come experience his brand of brown water first hand as he walks us through 3 special barrel selections from 3 area retailers---Wagner Wine & Spirits, Roof Brothers, and newcomer Eddyville Wine & Spirits.

Bring a friend.

Cheers

05/10/2016

Need plans for this coming Monday?

If so, then head to Carr's Steakhouse in Mayfield for an exclusive bourbon dinner with Dan Gardner from Four Roses. Dan has been in the industry for years and has worked along side many of the greats. He is a captivating storyteller. The price for the dinner is $45 for advance purchase and $55 for day of purchase. That's a value if I've ever seen one. I've yet to take the opportunity to visit Carr's Steakhouse, but I've heard nothing but good things. Looking forward to it!

Man do we have a lot of bourbon related events going on this month!

•Four Roses in Mayfield
•Tom Bulleit at the Carson Center
•Jefferson's Reserve at the next bourbon society meeting @ the Freight House.

Don't know how you see it, but I do believe the folks in Central KY are finally realizing we Westerners are equally as passionate about the brown water as the rest of the state.

See you soon
Cheers!

28/09/2016

Good morning!

This past Monday at our regular monthly meeting, the Paducah Bourbon Society held our first official fundraiser for a local charity/organization, Paducah Cooperative Ministry.

The donations from this past Monday were delivered to Paducah Cooperative Ministry this am. In addition to the goods that were donated, the cash donations allowed me to go to Kroger and buy $650 worth of items that they needed, which resulted in about 6 grocery carts full of goods.

Pictured with me are Ronda and Kathy, who were ecstatic. On their behalf, I say thank you. I attached a pic of me with the receipt from Kroger. I'm just a hair over 6ft, the receipt is as tall as me. Pretty cool.

For those who contributed, thank you.

We did a good thing folks. Be proud. I know I am.

Have a great rest of the week.

Cheers
Shem

26/09/2016

Tonight we meet again!

Where: Freight House
Time: 6-9p

*CASH BAR WILL BE OPEN

Most importantly--this month we are partnering with Paducah Cooperative Ministries (PCM) by holding a food drive. Members are encouraged to bring one of the items listed below, or make a monetary donation. PCM is a wonderful local organization that feeds a lot of hungry mouths every single month. Let's make a difference. Let's help some folks out.

• Diapers (size 4 & 5 & 6)
• peanut butter
• spaghetti (sauce & noodles)
• meals in a can like Chef Boyardee
• rice
• mac N cheese

I have attached pics of current prices at the Kroger on Park Ave to provide you with an idea of how little it's going to cost to help people in the community.

Can't wait to see everyone tomorrow. Can't wait to help someone in need.

Cheers

Shem

08/08/2016

Come join us 2 weeks from today at the Freight House in Paducah as we highlight a special single barrel selection of Blanton's that was hand selected by members of the Paducah Bourbon Society.

Where: the Freight House
When: Monday August 22nd
Time: 6-9p

Cheers!

25/07/2016

Tonight is the night folks.

It's going to be unbelievable. Hope to see all of you tonight at the Freight House. Party starts @ 6p.

There will be: Jim Beam, bourbon, ham, bourbon, ham, BISCUITS, bourbon, and ham....and also, raffles. We are giving away RIDICULOUS bottles tonight. You don't want to miss this.

CASH BAR opens at 6.

Cheers

Shem

18/06/2016

Wonderful opportunity!

Come join the Paducah Bourbon Society next week to help Rotary of Paducah, City of Paducah, and hundreds of volunteers as we build a 4,000 square foot playground at the corner of Martin Luther King and 13th Street.

Our purpose has always been to give back to the community we call home. Take advantage!

See the link below to learn more.

Cheers

1 2 3 4 Do you have tools to loan during the build? Click here to see a list of our needs. This new community-built 4,000 sq ft playground will be constructed by The Rotary Club of Paducah, City of Paducah, several businesses and volunteers like you in 2016. This $200,000, community playground will…