These Kentucky bourbons were featured at Donald Trump’s inaugural events
The first meal consumed by President Donald Trump in his second term featured Angus rib eye, Chesapeake crab cake and Minnesota apples.
And the gift bag to go at his inaugural presidential lunch included Kentucky bourbon, courtesy of Sen. Mitch McConnell.
The Brown-Forman Corporation provided Woodford Reserve to the approximately 200 guests of the inaugural ceremonies luncheon of the Joint Congressional Committee on Monday, accompanied by a glass wrapped in leather.
“I’m always proud when a Kentucky product is spotlighted on the world stage,” McConnell said.
The luncheon took place in Statuary Hall inside the U.S. Capitol, where the midday inaugural gathering has taken place since President Ronald Reagan’s first inauguration in 1981. Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, who chaired the luncheon’s organization, noted briefly that McConnell helped facilitate the bourbon.
Kentucky bourbon was also featured at the 2025 Bluegrass Ball, which about 1,000 guests attended last week in Washington, prior to President Donald Trump’s inauguration.
That menu featured Kentucky brined bone-in Tyson chicken, with whipped sweep potatoes, charred Brussels sprouts, sweet corn and pan gravy, as well as a smoked corn pudding souffle.
The evening’s toast was provided by New Riff Distilling, an independent, family-owned distillery in Newport, Ky. The distillery provided its 8-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey for guests.
Log Still Distillery, in Gethsemane, Ky., also had a special bourbon blend featured at the ball, called “America’s 47,” after the 47th president, Donald Trump. America 47, a blend of two High Rye bourbons and one Wheated bourbon, is a limited-edition release for the distillery.
“Bourbon is deeply tied to America’s history, and we were proud to represent Kentucky at this momentous event,” said Wally Dant, Founder and President of Log Still Distillery. “Being invited to blend a bourbon for the Inaugural Ball is a testament to our state’s heritage and the role bourbon plays in bringing people together.”
All of the members of Kentucky’s congressional delegation attended the ball, except Mitch McConnell, said TJ Litafik, a Lexington Republican who attended the ball, which was held at the Washington Hilton.
“It was quite an event. Sen. McConnell was not there but Ms. [Elaine] Chao was there. She was recognized,” said Litafik. “A lot of legislators, local officials and lobbyists. There wasn’t really any partisan or ideological component to it. It was really just designed to be a celebration of Kentucky.”
This story has been updated with new details since its initial publication.
This story was originally published January 21, 2025 at 9:45 AM.
