There are many reasons to love September—back-to-school, the changing seasons, football (and tailgating!), the launch of our fall collection, and the fact that it’s National Bourbon Heritage Month!
Who better to turn to for tips on celebrating America’s “Native Spirit” than Kate Shapira Latts? As Vice President of Marketing at Heaven Hill Brands, Kate is in charge of building and promoting top-selling spirits, including Evan Williams and Elijah Craig bourbon. A native of Louisville (otherwise known as the Bourbon Capital of the World), Kate is among the third generation of her family to help run the company her grandfather co-founded with his four brothers in 1934.
Along with her colleagues at Heaven Hill, Kate has played a major role in boosting bourbon tourism in Louisville. The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience is one of the highlights: “Visitors get to taste the nation’s second most popular bourbon, celebrate Kentucky’s first commercial distiller and his legendary craft, and learn about Louisville’s impact on the history of bourbon,” Kate says.
Over 50,000 people attend the Kentucky Bourbon Festival every year. The epicenter is the City Hall Lawns, where Kentucky distilleries along with festival sponsors, Kentucky artists, and crafters display merchandise, local food, and Kentucky Proud products. The newly redesigned Heaven Hill Distillery festival booth took home the 2016 “Best Booth on the Lawn” at the 2016 Kentucky Bourbon Festival, held this past weekend. Guests stepped inside the temporary house to a retail space filled with bourbon ware and other souvenirs.
Pictured inside the Heaven Hill Distillery festival booth, Kate is wearing our Dinah Floral Rosewood Dress. “It is perfect for the Indian summer weather we usually have in Kentucky through September and early October,” she says. “I love anything with pockets too.”
“A well-stocked bar is essential for any cocktail party, and you would be remiss to find a Southern bar without great bourbon,” says Kate.
Kate’s drink of choice is Elijah Craig Small Batch with a dash of water. But when she’s in the mood for a cocktail, Kate likes the Gold Rush, pictured here: 1½ oz. Larceny bourbon, 1½ oz. Domaine de Canton French Ginger Liqueur, and ½ oz. fresh lemon juice
