Bourbon Master Distiller Turns College Professor:
University of Louisville offers Bourbon 101
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (January 12, 2009) – Bourbon Hall of Fame Master Distiller, Jim Rutledge of Four Roses Distillery, will serve as resident instructor for the University of Louisville Delphi Center’s upcoming “Bourbon 101” course.
Beginning in February as a four-session course, Rutledge will host an interactive discussion and seminar on the ins and outs of Kentucky Bourbon. The course is one of several adult continuing-education programs offered through U of L’s Delphi Center.
“We’ve had a food and wine course for about 15 years now,” said Anita Block, University of Louisville Delphi Center spokeswoman. “We expanded to offer a Bourbon course as well since Kentucky is the center of Bourbon production, and because of its rise in popularity throughout the years.”
The topics included in the discussion will include the history of Bourbon, how Bourbon is produced, how to taste Bourbon properly, and a look into the art of cooking with Bourbon and what foods pair well with Kentucky’s native spirit.
“Being able to talk knowledgeably about one of Kentucky’s signature industries can be a terrific icebreaker in social and networking events, and is useful when you’re entertaining out-of-state guests or business clients,” Rutledge said. “Whether someone has been a connoisseur for years or is just curious about learning more about Kentucky Bourbon, we’ve come up with a great curriculum that is sure to give people a wealth of knowledge they weren’t already familiar with,” said Rutledge.
“We were lucky to snag one of the best Master Distillers in the business for this wonderful opportunity,” added Block. “Jim has an outstanding background and major achievements to his name, so we were excited to bring him on board.”
Jim Rutledge, Four Roses Master Distiller, is known for his proficiency in crafting quality Bourbon, with Four Roses single barrel and small batch Bourbons recently earning numerous industry awards including five star ratings from liquor industry publication, Spirit Journal, and Best Bourbon No Age at Whisky Magazine’s 2008 World Whiskies Awards. With more than 42 years in the Bourbon industry, Rutledge is active with the Kentucky Distiller’s Association, will serve as chairman of the internationally-known Kentucky Bourbon Festival for the seventh year in 2009 and has received many honors including Whisky Magazine’s 2008 Ambassador of the Year for American whiskies, and Malt Advocate Magazine’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
For more information, or to register for the Delphi Center’s “Bourbon 101” course, please visit http://www.delphi.louisville.edu or call (502) 852-6456. Cost is $134 to participate in all four sessions.