BOOK YOUR STAY USING OUR SALUTE TO SUMMER BUNDLE
Masters of Bourbon October 15 - 17 2026
Masters of Bourbon returns this October at Big Cedar Lodge! Guests will enjoy three days of bourbon tastings, engaging seminars, and exclusive events hosted by renowned distillers, all leading up to the Signature Event at Thunder Ridge Nature Arena.
Discover the craft, meet the makers, and sip your way through more than 100 premium bourbon expressions surrounded by the stunning autumn beauty of the Ozarks.
October 17, 2026
Signature Event
Savor more than 100 unique bourbon expressions from renowned distilleries, complemented by fine food, craft beer, and live music in the heart of the Ozarks.
What to expect
10/15
Thursday
Heritage & Whiskey: A WhistlePig Dinner Experience at The Worman House
(6PM-9PM)
10/16
Friday
Friday Tasting Seminars at Grandview Conference Center
(12PM-4PM)
____
Pour & Gourmet Tour With Holladay Bourbon
(5PM-8PM)
____
Lady Liberty Dinner Cruise with Horse Soldier Bourbon
(5PM-8PM)
____
An Evening with Bardstown Bourbon at Grandview Ballroom
(6PM-8PM)
____
Heaven Hill Pairing Dinner at The Worman House
(6PM-9PM)
10/17
Saturday
Saturday Tasting Seminars
at Grandview Conference Center
(12PM-2PM)
____
Masters of Bourbon Signature Event at Thunder Ridge Nature Arena
(4PM-7PM)
The Events
Meet the makers
Learn from award-winning distillers, master blenders, and bourbon innovators representing some of the industry's most respected brands.
Mitch Mahar
Chief R&D Distiller WhistlePig
Whistlepig
Mitch Mahar serves as Chief R&D Distiller at WhistlePig, where he leads innovation across aging, cask finishing, and whiskey development. A former brewer, Mahar brings a deep curiosity for flavor and process, often exploring how rye harvests, barrel selection, and experimental cask finishes shape WhistlePig’s award‑winning spirits. His work plays a central role in the distillery’s single‑cask trials and special releases, including the creative programs behind WhistlePig’s annual limited editions.
Jodie Filiatreau
Artisanal Distiller
Heaven Hill Distillery
Jodie Filiatreau is an Artisanal Distiller for Heaven Hill Distillery, overseeing operations at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience in Louisville, Kentucky. A Bardstown native, he began his career with Heaven Hill in 1981 as a laborer and built his expertise over decades working in warehousing, bottling, and distillation. With more than 35 years of experience, he was named Artisanal Distiller in 2017 and now leads small-scale, hands-on bourbon production, emphasizing traditional, labor-intensive methods. Known for his deep knowledge of barrel aging and mentorship under veteran distillers, Filiatreau is a respected steward of Kentucky bourbon heritage and a passionate advocate for craftsmanship in whiskey making.
Joe O’Sullivan
Master Distiller
Minden Mill
Joe O’Sullivan is the Master Distiller of Minden Mill, where he leads the creation of handcrafted spirits rooted in Nevada’s rich agricultural heritage. With a hands-on, detail-driven approach, Joe oversees every stage of production—from grain selection to distillation and maturation—ensuring each spirit reflects both precision and character. His work blends time-honored distilling traditions with a modern perspective, resulting in bold, refined expressions that define Minden Mill’s commitment to quality and authenticity.
Vince Makela
Brand Ambassador for Horse Soldier Bourbon
Horse soldier
Vince Makela is a U.S. Army retired Sergeant Major and served as a Green Beret in multiple Special Forces assignments. Vince was a member of the ODA 595 Special Forces team that was the first to land in Afghanistan in response to the attacks on our country on 9/11. Their historic and unconventional warfare experience earned them the moniker, "The Horse Soldiers", and has been brought to life in the Hollywood film, "12 Strong", as well in other numerous leading books, and documentaries. Today Vince is a Brand Ambassador for the international award-winning ultra-premium Horse Soldier Bourbon brand. Vince and his wife live in Washington State. Vince's favorite way to drink Horse Soldier Bourbon is neat or on the rocks.
Nick Smith
Head Distiller
Bardstown Bourbon Company
Born and raised in the bourbon capital of the world, Bardstown, Kentucky, Nick Smith has been with Bardstown Bourbon Company since the beginning, helping guide its growth from an ambitious startup into a leader in modern bourbon making. A former distillery operator and supervisor at Jim Beam, Nick’s career is built on hands-on experience across every stage of whiskey production. As Head Distiller, he leads distilling and warehouse operations, develops custom mash bills, manages collaborative customer projects, and plays a major role in balancing tradition with innovation. Known for crafting standout recipes, Nick brings both operational precision and creative experimentation to the world of whiskey.
Subscribe to the Big Cedar Lodge Newsletter
Plan ahead for your stay at Big Cedar Lodge. Stay tuned on the activities and special events taking place in the near future.