CLERMONT, Ky., May 8, 2023 – It's a pairing made in gourmet heaven! Basil Hayden, the renowned bourbon producer, is joining hands with the MICHELIN Guide U.S., becoming the official American whiskey of the esteemed restaurant guide. This delicious partnership is set to introduce foodies and cocktail connoisseurs to MICHELIN Guide-worthy experiences, all with a dash of Basil Hayden’s refined bourbon.
Founded in 1992 by Booker Noe, Basil Hayden has been consistently redefining traditional bourbon expectations with its subtle, approachable, and refined recipe. Perfect for the cocktail devotee seeking a whiskey aperitif with a twist, this brand is all about delivering unexpected delights.
"We know, however, people sometimes assume these experiences are out of reach, kept behind an expensive bill or impossible reservations. Our goal for this new partnership is to bring MICHELIN-level events to the consumer and show how sophistication and quality can be enjoyed by all," said Cara Cornelius, vice president of food and travel experiences for MICHELIN Americas.
The partnership will kick off with a unique "tasting garden" travelling across U.S. food festivals starting this June. This immersive, co-branded pop-up will boast a diner-inspired exterior that cleverly masks a chic, high-end cocktail bar within. Here, attendees of legal purchase age will relish Basil Hayden craft cocktails paired with MICHELIN-inspired small bites. Talk about a tasteful surprise!
Moreover, Basil Hayden will also be an official partner of the 2023 MICHELIN Guide ceremonies and will present the MICHELIN Exceptional Cocktails Award. But the fun doesn't stop there! The partnership will also introduce a sweepstakes where one fortunate winner will be treated to a MICHELIN Star weekend complete with fine dining and luxury accommodations.
Jonathan Marks, senior marketing director for Global Small Batch Bourbon at Beam Suntory, couldn't hide his excitement for the collaboration. "Both the MICHELIN Guide and Basil Hayden celebrate excellence in our craft and create unique experiences for consumers, making this the perfect partnership," Marks said.
The Basil Hayden and MICHELIN Guide pop-up tour kicks off this summer and will continue through the fall. Mark your calendars for the following 2023 tour stops:
- Chicago, IL – Taste of Randolph, Jun 16-18
- Denver, CO – Cherry Creek Arts Festival, July 1-3
- Louisville, KY – Bourbon & Beyond, Sept 14-17
- Atlanta, GA – Atlanta Food & Wine Festival, Sept 21-24
- New York, NY – New York City Wine & Food Festival, Oct 12-15
- San Diego, CA – San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival, Nov 11
To stay in the loop about upcoming events and to learn more about Basil Hayden, sign up on their website. Here's to sipping the finest American whiskey while indulging in MICHELIN-worthy bites. Cheers!
