Book & Bourbon – Southern Kitchen is the newest addition to the Main Terminal at Louisville International (SDF), courtesy of HMSHost Corp.
Created to celebrate the signature liquor of Kentucky, Book & Bourbon offers more than 85 bourbons. It also has a craft cocktail list featuring drinks such as the Manhattan, made with Woodford Reserve rye, Carpano Antica Formula, Angostura bitters and brandied cherries; the Mint Julep, made with Maker’s Mark and mint syrup; and the Peaches & Beam, made with Jim Beam, peaches, basil and apple. Beers on tap include local brews like Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.’s Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale.
“Book & Bourbon is truly a destination bar for bourbon lovers,” says Michael Price, vice president of business development at HMSHost. “The offerings here are right up there with some of the world’s leading bourbon tasting venues, and the food is also top notch. The airport may not be the first place people think of when seeking a world-class bourbon tasting experience, but we are proud to say that Book & Bourbon has definitely changed this way of thinking.”
The restaurant is decorated to feel like a library because the location is meant to educate customers on bourbon, spirits and distilling culture. Around 1,700 vintage bound books are displayed throughout the space. Guests are also offered “library cards” that feature cocktail recipes.
The menu at Book & Bourbon is based on upscale comfort dishes based on regional influences. Breakfast offerings include the fried green tomato benedict made with two poached eggs, béarnaise, country ham, crispy green tomatoes and griddle hash. Appetizers include short rib hush puppies and sweet potato bravas with caramelized honey, jalapenos and whipped avocado. The entrées selection features the Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich, made with aged white cheddar, chipotle ranch, lettuce, tomato and onion on a brioche bun and served with kettle chips and pickles; the House Steak with fork smash potatoes; and the Smoked Half Chicken.
Finally, there is a small retail area in the restaurant where travelers can purchase bar equipment, a variety of shrubs and bitters, and logoed apparel.
“Book & Bourbon is one of the many new additions to Louisville International as the terminal undergoes more than $17 million in improvements, which includes the airport’s concessions,” says C.T. Miller, executive director of the Louisville Regional Airport Authority. “These improvements aim to give travelers and other airport visitors an authentic feel of our community and state. We want them to know they’re in Louisville, and this restaurant really does that by celebrating the area’s bourbon heritage and offering of local brands.”
