More than music: Big names among Bourbon & Beyond 2022's unique food and drink experiences

The Bourbon & Beyond Festival, held Sept. 15-18 at the Highland Festival Grounds at Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville will feature headliners Pearl Jam, Chris Stapleton, Kings of Leon, Jack White, Brandi Carlile, Alanis Morissette, Greta Van Fleet and The Doobie Brothers 50th Anniversary.

But the four-day destination festival is more than just a massive music event. The world’s largest bourbon and music festival is also a culinary experience that celebrates America’s best chefs and Kentucky's unique bourbon culture.

This year's roster of talent from the culinary and spirits world includes Ed Lee and Chris Santos of respective “Top Chef” and “Chopped” fame. The chefs will host the Culinary Atelier demonstrations on the Kentucky Venues Culinary Stage presented by Kentucky Proud. They will be joined by renowned chef personalities including Amanda Freitag, Antonia Lofaso and Damaris Phillips, among others. In addition, James Beard nominee Anthony Lamas of Louisville’sSeviche will be providing a fine dining experience for Beyond VIP and Rocks Room presented by Zelleguests throughout the festival weekend.

Leading the Bourbon Experience on the Team Kentucky Bourbon Stage will be bourbon expert Chris Blandford and lifestyle guru, Emmy winner and Kentucky native Trish Suhr. They will be joined by special guests including the world’s leading bourbon authority Fred Minnick, Blackened American Whiskey distiller Rob Dietrich, Peggy Noe Stevens of Bourbon Women and Wes Henderson of Angel’s Envy, among others.

Other special guests of the weekend include actors Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley (behind Brother’s Bond Bourbon) and “It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia” actors and podcast hosts Charlie Day, Glenn Howerton and Rob McElhenney.

More: Tickets, Camping and MoreEverything to know for a great four days at Bourbon & Beyond Music Festival in Louisville

For a splash of local flavor, Bourbon & Beyond will also host the final round of the Louisville Cocktail Competition Presented By Kroger up-close and in person. The competition has been in search of the perfect cocktail recipe using a tried and true Kentucky bourbon that best represents Louisville. Finalists will be announced Monday, August 29 with the final winner being named on Friday, Sept. 16 at Bourbon & Beyond. Find more information at LouisvilleCocktail.com

Details culinary and spirits workshops, demonstrations and tastings along with a full schedule will belisted soon on the festival's website at bourbonandbeyond.com.

Bourbon & Beyond lineup of culinary talent:

“The Always Sunny Podcast” (Rob McElhenney, Charlie Day, Glenn Howerton)Amanda FreitagAnthony LamasAntonia LofasoChris CarterChris SantosDamaris PhillipsDavid Danielson, Dant CrossingEd LeeFollowill FamilyGin WigmoreHogslop String BandJames PeiskerJustin SutherlandNeil Finn of Crowded HouseOuita MichelSam ForeTiffani FaisonTyler McNabb

Bourbon & Beyond lineup of spirits talent includes:

Brandon Smith, The Daily DramCaleb Kilburn, PeerlessCampbell Brown, Brown-FormanCarrie Van Winkle Greener, Pappy & CoChad and Sarah Perkins, It’s Bourbon NightChris BlandfordDan Callaway, BardstownFred MinnickLouisville Mayor Greg FischerHeather Wibbels, Bourbon WomenIan Somerhalder & Paul Wesley, Brother’s BondJennifer Vernia, Rabbit HoleJeremia & Anthony, The Whiskey BoysJohn Wadell, PeerlessJosh Roque, Drew EstateJulian P. Van Winkle III, Old Rip Van Winkle DistilleryLinda Ruffenach, Whisky ChicksMarianne Eaves, Eaves BlindMark Ryan, l.a. Poche Perique TobaccoNadia Haddrick, A Girl Tasting WhiskeyPeggy Noe Stevens, Bourbon WomenRob Dietrich, Blackened American WhiskeyRob Samuels, Maker’s MarkSamara B. Davis, Black Bourbon Society

Trish SuhrTyler Zoller, Louisville Bourbon BuzzWes Henderson, Angel's Envy

General admission and VIP passes plus camping are on sale now at bourbonandbeyond.com.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Bourbon & Beyond Festival 2022: Culinary and spirits experts lineup