Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/490558
{ SOMMjournal.com } 41 Christopher Evans Bluegrass Tavern, Lexington Christopher Evans, Manager of Lexington's Bluegrass Tavern, says that being in the middle of an entertainment district means he gets two very different customers: "We're kind of like two different bars: the busy bar right in the middle of everything going on downtown, and the slower-paced bar for bourbon aficionados." Both bars, says Evans, get along great because customers can't help but be impressed with the enormous bourbon selection. "It changes everyday. We're constantly getting new ones to try, but I'd say we usually have about four hundred bottles," says Evans. "I don't know of any bigger collection. But there's always room on the shelf for more bourbon. And if not, we'll build another shelf." Speaking of shelves, Evans says, "Calumet is fantastic. It's on our back shelf, right out front, along with Lexington and Bird Dog. Personally, I prefer bourbon neat, straight out of the bottle, and Calumet is a very good sipping whiskey." Justin Thompson Belle's Cocktail House, Lexington "Calumet Farm Bourbon kind of fits us perfectly," explains Justin Thompson, co-founder of Belle's Cocktail House in downtown Lexington. "Belle's is named after a famous madam from Lexington's past. Her brothels were some of the last relics of the Victorian era. Calumet Farm [the horse farm] also plays an important part of Lexington's history and tradition, and we get a lot of horse professionals coming in all the time." Thompson, who is also co-founder of Bourbon Review magazine, says that Calumet Farm Bourbon also fits in well Belle's aesthetic because the spirit hits the right notes for begin- ning bourbon drinkers and connoisseurs alike. "I like it because it's a good proof for folks to not be scared when they try it neat," he says. "I also think it has a very traditional taste, with brown sugar and toffee notes. It's good for most folks to try neat or with an ice cube. It's not as spicy as some, so it would be great in a Manhattan, or in a Mint Julep—if it's made properly." Manager Christopher Evans shows off Calumet Bourbon on the bar at Lexington's Bluegrass Tavern. Justin Thompson, co-founder of Belle's Cocktails House in Lexington, likes Calumet Bourbon's "very traditional taste." BLUEGRASS STATEMENTS Kentucky Bar Pros Talk Calumet Farm Bourbon