bourbon and whiskey fest

More than a dozen distillers were on hand at the annual Bourbon and Whiskey Fest at Batavia Downs to share their various bourbon, whiskey, and rye libations.

The event was held Saturday in conjunction with the running of the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga Springs.

Photos by Howard Owens.

By James Fink

The upcoming Bourbon & Whiskey Fest at Batavia Downs is seen as a natural fit for both Jeff Weisenborn's company and the venerable Genesee County destination.

"I see it as a perfect partnership," said Weisenborn, a sales representative for the Cheektowaga office of Empire Merchants North.

Empire is the regional distributor of popular brands such as Jack Daniel's, Woodford Reserve, and Old Forester - three of the most popular bourbon and whiskey brands sold in Western New York.

Batavia Downs and Empire Merchants North are partnering for the Sixth Annual Bourbon & Whiskey Fest on June 8, which also ties in with the Belmont Stakes. Various Jack Daniel's, Old Forester, and Woodford Reserve will be showcased.

"We do events like this because it helps draw attention to all our brands," Weisenborn said. "Jack Daniel's is an old town classic."

Events like the Bourbon & Whiskey Fest help Weisenborn "connect" with those who buy the various Jack Daniel's, Woodford Reserve, and Old Forester brands.

"People love to talk whiskey," Weisenborn said. "Whiskey and bourbon are extremely popular. People associate it with getting together and having a good time. And they love the history of our brands."

The Sixth Annual Batavia Downs Bourbon and Whiskey Fest is Saturday, June 8. The event runs 4:30 - 7 p.m. Tickets are $35 and include a $20 coupon for free play at Batavia Downs, a $5 betting voucher for the Belmont Stakes, food, a program, and a free glass. Tickets are available through BataviaConcerts.com.

James Fink writes on behalf of Batavia Downs.  Sponsored Post paid for by Batavia Downs.

Batavia Downs hosted its annual Batavia Bourbon and Whiskey Fest on Saturday in Park Place Event Center, which included multiple vendors and distilleries.

Attendees were able to sample a variety of bourbons and whiskeys. The event coincided with the running of the 2023 Belmont Stakes.

Photos by Nick Serrata.

Press release:

Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel has announced they will be putting on their second annual Bourbon and Whiskey Fest on Saturday, June 8^th. The event will run from 4 to 7 p.m. as the event will coincide with the Belmont Stakes Triple Crown race.

A commemorative glass will also be available for the first 100 persons to arrive. 

Former Buffalo Football Player and Hall of Famer Thurman Thomas will be in attendance. A portion of each ticket sold will benefit the Thurman Thomas Family Foundation.

Tickets are $40 and include $15 Free Play, a T-shirt, a custom cocktail from Black Button Distillery and Four Roses Bourbon and sampling from more than 20 different brands of bourbon and whiskey. Complementary Grazing Stations will be on hand as well.

Tickets go on sale tomorrow, February 22^nd, at 10 a.m. on Bataviaconcerts.com and at the Lucky Treasures Gift Shop. Tickets for Designated Drivers are just $25 and include everything listed above except the cocktails and sampling. All attendees MUST be 21 years of age or older.

“We’re excited to hold our Bourbon Fest again and to donate a portion of the proceeds to Thurman Thomas’ Family Foundation,” said Henry Wojtaszek, CEO/president of Batavia Downs Gaming.

“Our guests really enjoyed sampling all kinds of different bourbons and whiskeys, so much so that we’ve added many of them to the new Gatsby Bar. We look forward to another great event.”

Betting windows with live mutuels tellers will be open so attendees may bet on the day’s races. The track apron will be open where guests can purchase cigars or visit area food trucks that will be on hand for the event.