About The St. Louis Bourbon Festival
The Venue
This year, the festival casts its spell over four city blocks of Cherokee Street and Demenil Place, transforming historic buildings and secret spaces into eerie, immersive tasting lounges and exclusive VIP haunts.
Dare to explore a night full of live music, bone-chilling street performers, a feast of fiendishly good food trucks, and two cigar patios perfect for conjuring smoky relaxation — all while sampling hundreds of ghostly-good whiskies from around the globe.
The Lemp dynasty began when Johann Lemp arrived in St. Louis from Eschwege, Germany in 1838.
At his small grocery store, Lemp sold a home made golden lager, which was a welcome departure from the darker, heavier beers that were available at the time.
The Lemp Mansion itself was built in the 1860's and purchased by William J. Lemp as a brewery office and residence. The site of multiple tragedies, the brewery was sold in 1922, but has since been returned to its former glory. More on the history of the Lemp Mansion and the Lemp Dynasty can be found at their website.
VIP Lounge Experiences - An Exclusive Bourbon Journey
Set inside the iconic Lemp Mansion and Lemp Grand Hall, these lounges transform historic Benton Park spaces into luxurious bourbon havens where legends pour and stories flow.
What Awaits You in the VIP Lounges:
One-on-one access to Master Distillers, Master Blenders, and Brand Ambassadors
Hand-selected pours of exclusive and rare releases
Intimate, historic spaces with nods to the characters of the past that once filled these rooms.
Early entry to the festival and private access to the best of the best
This is more than just bourbon tasting — it's your backstage pass to the heart of bourbon culture, where heritage meets VIP Access.
The St. Louis Bourbon Society
Founded in 2016, the St. Louis Bourbon Society has grown from a group of a few hundred bourbon followers into one of the largest and most interactive Bourbon groups in the country. With nearly 16,000 enthusiasts who are passionate about their Bourbon, they continue to connect with one another across the region.
More than just a place to discuss, the St. Louis Bourbon Society hosts many tastings, bottle shares and events throughout the year featuring brands, ambassadors, owners, authors, hall of famers and master distillers from across the country.
In 2023 the St. Louis Bourbon Society opened their own speakeasy private members locker club in St. Charles, MO. This 3600sq ft club features 2 floors with 100 lockers on the 1st floor and a 50 person tasting room on the 2nd floor. If interested in joining our locker club please click the link and choose locker level. www.patreon.com/stlbourbon
More than just whiskey, every festival the SLBS hosts has a charitable component with a mission of creating fellowship and giving back. The St. Louis Bourbon Society looks forward to continued growth, education, innovation and giving back to the community we live in. If interested in joining our membership, please click the link and choose Barrel Proof or Single Barrel level. www.patreon.com/stlbourbon