Bourbon enthusiasts looking for unforgettable experiences this summer will find plenty to raise a glass to at Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest, as the renowned conservation destination hosts two unique bourbon-centered events in June that celebrate Kentucky’s whiskey heritage while supporting one of the state’s most treasured natural landscapes.
First, Bernheim will once again partner with Jim Beam for the annual Jim Beam Firefly Dinner on June 26. The evening combines fine dining, handcrafted bourbon cocktails, and one of nature’s most captivating displays. Guests will enjoy a three-course dinner prepared by acclaimed chef Brian Landry, with each course paired with Jim Beam cocktails, before embarking on a guided hike around Lake Nevin to witness thousands of fireflies illuminating the forest canopy.
The month will also feature a rare opportunity for bourbon collectors and history enthusiasts through the Old Fitzgerald Archival Collection Auction at Sotheby’s. Running June 11-26, the charity auction is being presented in partnership with Heaven Hill Distilleries and will feature three extraordinary bottles selected from the personal archives of Executive Chairman Max Shapira. Among the highlights is a historic pre-Prohibition Kentucky whiskey pint, offering collectors a chance to own a remarkable piece of bourbon history while supporting Bernheim’s conservation mission.
Together, the events showcase the growing connection between Kentucky’s bourbon industry and the preservation of the Commonwealth’s natural resources, creating memorable experiences that blend craftsmanship, heritage, and the outdoors. As bourbon tourism continues to thrive, Bernheim’s June lineup offers visitors a chance to experience Kentucky bourbon in settings that are as distinctive as the spirits themselves.
For more information on the two major bourbon-centric events in June:
