Jim Beam Distillery hosts the ‘Great Distillery BBQ Cook-Off’ Sept. 8
NC GAZETTE / WBRT RADIO
STAFF REPORT
Thursday, Aug. 30, 2018 — Seventh-generation Master Distiller Fred Noe will host the second annual “Great Distillery BBQ Cook-off” at the Jim Beam American Stillhouse in Clermont beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018.
Participants in the cook-off will include 18 four-person teams from a variety of distilleries and bourbon-related industries, including The Bardstown Bourbon Company, Barton 1792 Distillery, The Glenmore Distillery, Heaven Hill Distillery, Independent Stave Company, Jim Beam Brands, Maker’s Mark Distillery and Wild Turkey Distillery, as well as select bourbon industry Master Distillers and hundreds of barbecue fans. Locally renowned Chef John Varanese, owner of Varanese 
and River House restaurants, will serve as the event barbecue pit host.
The Great Distillery BBQ Cook-off marks the second time some of Kentucky’s finest distilleries and cooperages are stepping away from their day jobs to craft delicious bourbon-inspired barbecue and compete for the ultimate prize – bragging rights. The competition includes three categories: ribeye steaks, St. Louis-style ribs and chicken legs.
The event begins at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, with games, music and more through 5:30 p.m.
The cook-off officially begins at 9:15 a.m., and the winners will be presented their awards at 4:30 p.m.
The cook-off not only celebrates America’s native spirit, but also honors the efforts of Operation BBQ Relief®, a nonprofit consisting of volunteers from competition barbecue teams who provide hot meals to displaced families and emergency personnel in areas impacted by natural disasters. This organization is currently deployed in California helping provide relief to those impacted by wildfires.
The “Great Distillery BBQ Cook-off” is family friendly and open for the public to cheer on their favorite barbecue team. Event activities include live music, Jim Beam Highballs (for guests of legal purchase age) and whole hog barbecue samples, lawn games, live flambé demonstrations with Fred Noe and much more. Tickets for regularly scheduled distillery tours will also be available.
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