The Bourbon Society of Greater Cincinnati has been bringing local bourbon fanatics together for just over a decade. Co-Founder Marc Collins gathers with members on the second Monday of every month to sample and discuss the popular spirit, learning a great deal about the craft of bourbon making, often from notable industry leaders themselves.
Recent speakers include specialists like “Whiskey Professor” Bernie Lubbers, Global Whiskey Ambassador for Heaven Hill; future guests include professionals like Fred Noe, a seventh-generation Master Distiller at Jim Beam.
Collins says that his own obsession with bourbon attracted him to a bourbon-centered club in Louisville, while he was living in Walton, Kentucky. Once in Cincinnati, he wanted to continue the tradition.
“I got to thinking,” he says, “why don’t we do something like this in Greater Cincinnati?”
The group’s inaugural meeting was held in 2014 at Summer Hills Country Club in Crestview Hills, Kentucky, but soon outgrew that space. Today, the group–140 members strong–meets at the Tower Mess Hall in Fort Thomas, Kentucky.
“The first meeting is always free,” Collins says, “just to see if you like it, to see if it's something you want to get involved in. And then it's $125 a year for the first two years. If you continue on, it's just $100.”
At the meetings, members enjoy presentations and taste a number of different bourbon whiskeys. Other events like overnight excursions to visit distilleries, group dinners and golf outings complement the monthly gatherings.
Every December, the club raises money for a nonprofit organization selected by its board. Last year, the group raised $7,000 for Cincinnati nonprofit Cancer Family Care, which supports families who have received a cancer diagnosis. The Girl Scouts of America has also received funds from the Society. Those numbers, like meeting attendance, are likely to go up: Collins points out that there’s significant and growing interest in all things bourbon.
“It's hot right now,” Collins says. “I think back in the day, sipping whiskey was just for your grandfather. But now, it's for everybody.”
Meeting people who have different tastes is important to the Bourbon Society’s mission of bringing people together—no matter what their familiarity with bourbon may be.
“Our group's not the type that's going to turn our nose up to anybody that drinks (bourbon) the way they like it,” he explains. “We just really want you to enjoy bourbon.”
Although he now calls Cincinnati home, Collins stresses how his Bluegrass roots still connect him to the world of bourbon.
“After all,” he says, “I'm originally from Kentucky. You know, bourbon is kind of our birthright.”
An Invitation for Bourbon Lovers
Explore the Bourbon Society of Greater Cincinnati. Bring an ID (ages 21+) and a willingness to meet new friends.
“Anyone wanting to learn more about bourbon and interact with other bourbon enthusiasts in a casual, fun atmosphere should attend,” says Collins.