Bourbon and Fine Dining Paired at Carnegie Hall in Newport
Newport, Kentucky, is about to raise a glass to one of its finest traditions—bourbon. On March 22, Carnegie Hall at Newport will host an unforgettable Bourbon Tasting Experience, and if you have even the faintest appreciation for fine spirits, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
Imagine stepping into a venue where history and modern sophistication collide. Carnegie Hall at Newport, originally a Carnegie Free Library, has spent over a century standing as a symbol of culture and refinement. With its Italian Renaissance architecture, grand ballrooms adorned with crystal chandeliers, and a marble-clad first floor that once housed books instead of bourbon, this historic gem is the perfect setting for an evening of indulgence.
A Bourbon Lineup Worth Toasting To
This isn’t just any bourbon tasting—it’s a carefully curated experience featuring New Riff’s finest selections. And we’re not talking about your standard pours. The evening will highlight a flight of premium selections, including New Riff Kentucky Straight Bourbon, a rich Single Barrel, an aged-to-perfection 8-year, and a spicy, complex 6-year Rye.
But let’s be real: bourbon isn’t just about the pour—it’s about the pairing. DelightMore, the culinary masterminds behind the event, have designed an exquisite menu of small plates and cocktail pairings, ensuring each sip is complemented by flavors that elevate the experience.
The Perfect Pairing: Bourbon, Cocktails, and Cuisine
The event kicks off on the first floor with a one-hour tasting tour, where each station offers a different craft cocktail and an expertly paired dish:
Station 1: Start with an Army Navy, crafted with barrel-aged gin, paired with scallops, fennel & rhubarb salad, celery root purée, and brown butter balsamic.
Station 2: The Lion’s Tale cocktail sets the stage for harissa-glazed pork belly, corn purée, Brussels sprouts, and apple slaw with pickled mustard seeds—a blend of smoky, spicy, and sweet.
Station 3: The Vieux Carré, a New Orleans classic, is matched with za’atar-spiced lamb chops, carrot purée, charred fennel, and lamb jus—a perfect finale to the first half of the experience.
But the evening doesn’t stop there. The second half moves upstairs for a seated bourbon dinner—a feast designed to showcase New Riff’s finest bourbons. The main event? A dry-aged ribeye topped with bone marrow butter, accompanied by cauliflower purée, spiced baby carrots, and a mushroom duxelle demi.
And, of course, no bourbon dinner would be complete without a decadent dessert—smoked chocolate with candied macadamia, honeycomb, and vanilla cream.
More Than Just a Tasting—An Experience
This event isn’t just about bourbon. It’s about history, craftsmanship, and community. Carnegie Hall at Newport has stood as a cultural landmark since 1902, serving as the first public library in Campbell County before its transformation into a premier event space. Now, after a 2024 renovation, it’s a venue that blends historic charm with modern luxury, making it the perfect backdrop for an evening dedicated to Kentucky’s most famous export.
Whether you’re a bourbon aficionado, a history buff, or someone who just enjoys a good pour in good company, this night promises to be one for the books. So mark your calendar, grab your ticket, and prepare for an unforgettable evening at Carnegie Hall—where bourbon meets history, and every sip tells a story.
Event Details:
📍 Carnegie Hall at Newport – 401 Monmouth Street, Newport, KY
📅 Saturday, March 22 | 🕕 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
🎟️ Limited tickets available—reserve yours today!
Cheers to a night of fine bourbon, fine dining, and fine company. See you there! 🥃
