LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Some local chefs and bartenders are celebrating big wins from Friday's Bourbon Classic Cocktail and Small Plates Competition.

The Cocktail and Culinary Competition was held Feb. 21, and featured industry newcomers and seasoned veterans alike who compete for best cocktail, best small plate and best pairing. Some Louisville chefs that participated include Chef Noam Bilitizer of MeeshMeesh Mediterranean, Chef Dallas McGarity of The Fat Lamb and Chef Lawrence Weeks of North of Bourbon.

Below is a list of the winners:

Judges' Choice Best Cocktail

  • Representing Castle & Key Distillery
    • Bartender: Anthony Cox, Castle & Key Distillery Cocktail: Guava Nice Day

Judges' Choice Best Small Plate

    • Representing Heaven Hill Brands
      • Chef: Dallas McGarity, The Fat Lamb Dish: Tandoori Spice Rubbed Berry Beef Tenderloin with Bourbon Barrel Foods Aged Kentucky Sorghum Sweet Potato Cream, Zhug and Pomegranate Molasses

Judges' Choice Best Pairing

  • Representing James B. Beam Distilling Company
    • Bartender: Lee Caldwell, The Kitchen Table
    • Cocktail: Whiskey Waddle
    • Chef: Created by: Chef Deniz Burns, The Kitchen Table
    • Dish: Duck Commander Ducketta, Turnip Puree Barley Szechuan Sorghum Gastrique

People's Choice Best Cocktail

  • Representing James B. Beam Distilling Company
    • Bartender: Lee Caldwell, The Kitchen Table
    • Cocktail: Whiskey Waddle

People's Choice Best Small Plate

  • Representing Angel's Envy Distillery
    • Chef: Chef Kento Kobayashi, Shoku Club Dish: Pork Belly Kara Miso Yaki

People's Choice Best Pairing

  • Representing James B. Beam Distilling Company
    • Bartender: Lee Caldwell, The Kitchen Table
    • Cocktail: Whiskey Waddle
    • Chef: Created by: Chef Deniz Burns, The Kitchen Table
    • Dish: Duck Commander Ducketta, Turnip Puree Barley Szechuan Sorghum Gastrique

Top Stories:

Copyright 2025 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.