Close Menu
News

HMS Host opens Bourbon ‘destination’

Travel F&B operator HMS Host has opened Book & Bourbon – Southern Kitchen at Louisville International Airport, a “celebration” of Kentucky’s Bourbon heritage featuring 85 whiskeys and a “craft” cocktail list.

Developed to showcase the state’s distilling heritage, Book & Bourbon offers passengers a wide range of whiskey expressions, including various Pappy Van Winkle aged releases, Angel’s Envy Cask Strength, George T Stagg, and Jefferson’s Presidential Select.

The cocktail menu spans both classics and original serves and includes a Manhattan made with Woodford Reserve, a Mint Julep with Maker’s Mark, and a Peaches & Beam libation.

A selection of local beers and ales are also available, and food options include breakfast and upscale “comfort” dishes based on southern cooking.

Education is a key focus with the Book & Bourbon interior inspired by a library setting. More than 1,700 vintage-bound books are on display throughout the bar and restaurant, and guests are encouraged to peruse books about Bourbon and Kentucky history found on coffee tables in communal spaces.

Customers are also given ‘library card’-style cocktail recipes to take away and encourage them to recreate serves at home.

Experienced, trained staff are on-hand to answer questions on product, distilling process and history.

IPads are also available to consumers, offering guests both menu information and the capability to email themselves Bourbon details.

“Book & Bourbon is truly a destination bar for Bourbon lovers,” said Michael Price, HMSHost vice president, business development.

“The offerings here are right up there with some of the world’s leading Bourbon tasting venues and the food is also top-notch. The airport may not be the first place people think of when seeking a world-class Bourbon tasting experience, but we are proud to say that Book & Bourbon has definitely changed this way of thinking.

“Louisville, Kentucky is Bourbon Country and it is exciting to have the opportunity to partner with the Louisville International Airport in offering travellers access to such a great selection of world-class Kentucky spirits.”

C.T. “Skip” Miller, executive director of the Louisville Regional Airport Authority, added: “Book & Bourbon is one of the many new additions to Louisville International as the terminal undergoes more than $17 million in improvements, which includes the airport’s concessions. These improvements aim to give travellers and other airport visitors an authentic feel of our community and state. We want them to know they’re in Louisville, and this restaurant really does that by celebrating the area’s bourbon heritage and offering of local brands.”

Stephanie Havard, HMSHost executive vice president, restaurant development, commented: “Book & Bourbon has a certain class and charm, two characteristics perfectly aligned with all of the things that make Louisville, Kentucky such a special place. Nothing says Kentucky like great southern cooking and a fine Bourbon, but this restaurant delivers even more with a distinctive yet cozy vibe that will speak to travellers from all over the world.

“Given the continuing popularity of whiskey and craft cocktails, we know that Book & Bourbon is right on trend. But even more important, we are very excited and proud to now be part of Kentucky’s bourbon heritage in this important region of the country.”

It looks like you're in Asia, would you like to be redirected to the Drinks Business Asia edition?

Yes, take me to the Asia edition No