Bourbon Lovers Unite!
Sophistication pours into Southern Illinois with the first-ever River Radio Southern Illinois Barrel Fest presented by Banterra Bank and Yuengling. April 10-11at the Garden Grove Event Center in Carbondale. Experience the region’s only bourbon festival, featuring distinguished bourbons, local craft brews, select wineries and more, in an atmosphere of refined taste and timeless tradition. A portion of the proceeds from the event benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Event FAQs
What is the Southern Illinois Barrel Fest?
The Southern Illinois Barrel Fest will give attendees the opportunity to sample fine bourbons, spirits, craft brews and wines from regional and national distillers, brewers and wineries over three sessions on Friday, April 10 and Saturday, April 11.
When are the three sessions?
There is one session Friday, April 10 from 6 to 9 p.m. and two sessions on Saturday, April 11 from noon to 3 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. Those purchasing General Admission or VIP tickets will need to select which one of the sessions they wish to attend. Ultimate VIP tickets will have access to all three.
What types of tickets are available?
There are four ticket types available: General Admission ($50 + fees); VIP ($150 + fees); Ultimate VIP ($250 + fees); and a Designated Driver ticket ($10 + fees).
What does a General Admission ticket get me?
Entrance to one session of the event and includes 5 bourbon/spirit sample tickets and 3 beer sample tickets.
What does a VIP ticket get me?
Entrance to one session of the event, 5 bourbon/spirit and 3 beer/wine sample tickets in the general event area and access to the VIP area where you will be able to sample exclusive bourbons, hors d’oeuvres from Giant City Lodge and includes a commemorative Glencairn tasting glass.
What does an Ultimate VIP ticket get me?
Entrance to all three sessions, 10 bourbon/spirit and 6 beer/wine sampling tickets and access to the VIP area where you will sample exclusive bourbons, hors d’oeuvres from Giant City Lodge, and includes a bottle of our exclusive barrel pick from Old Monroe Distillery and a Glencairn tasting glass.
What does a Designated Driver ticket get me?
Entrance to one session of the event with access to free water and non-alcoholic drinks, but does not include any tasting of alcoholic samples.
Will additional sampling tickets be available to purchase?
If you need more sampling tickets beyond what is included with your ticket, they will be available for purchase for $5 each.
Are children allowed?
No. This is strictly an adults-only event. You must be over 21 to enter and participate.
What distillers will be attending?
Distilleries confirmed so far are: Angel’s Envy, Benchmark, Big Muddy Brewing, Buffalo Trace, Horse Soldier, Limestone Branch, Havisham House, Lux Row, Middle West, Old Dominick, Old Monroe, Purple Toad, M.B. Roland, Sons of Mitch’s, and Willett.
What else will be going on during the event?
There will be seminars offered during each of the three sessions. Topics will range from Introduction to Bourbon to Picking Out the Right Cigar. Seating for the seminars will be limited and will be first come, first served. There will also be live entertainment to add to the atmosphere.
