The Watch Hill Proper Whiskey Festival has quickly become one of the premier whiskey events in Kentucky, and this year’s celebration in Prospect was its biggest yet. Now in its third year, the festival grew from 21 to 29 distilleries in 2025, drawing more than 1,000 whiskey lovers to the heart of Norton Commons for a day of bourbon, cocktails, food, and community.

The atmosphere was electric. Food trucks, beer trucks, and live music kept the crowd buzzing all day long, while the ticketed Whiskey Garden showcased an impressive lineup of distilleries from across the region. With beautiful lighting, industrial tents, and cocktail tables scattered throughout the garden, the setup felt nothing short of world-class.

Despite the blazing 100-degree heat (a stark contrast to last year’s downpour), spirits were high. Festival-goers strolled in from around Prospect, many by golf cart — a signature of the Norton Commons lifestyle — and explored the best the whiskey world had to offer.

Bushwood Spirits proudly poured at one of the standout booths of the evening, and the feedback we received was nothing short of incredible. Our featured cocktail, the “Billy Baroo” — a refreshing mix of Stillwater Rye, blackberry, lemon, and mint — was the talk of the garden. We went through more than 10–12 gallons of this crowd favorite, with even other distilleries pointing people in our direction to experience it. If there had been a “Best Cocktail” award, it’s safe to say Bushwood would have brought it home for the third year in a row.

The 2025 Watch Hill Proper Whiskey Festival was more than just an event; it was a celebration of community, craftsmanship, and the love of good whiskey. From start to finish, it was an unforgettable day — and you can count on seeing Bushwood Spirits back in 2026.