Wenzel Whiskey in Covington offers a unique bourbon experience. Here, instead of just imbibing, you can get hands-on and blend your own bottle of the spirit. In a process called “rectifying,” guests get samples of four barrel-strength bourbons sourced from distillers across the U.S. (the distilleries are never revealed, just the state of origin), which they can then combine in different ratios using a pipette and beaker. Like a boozy mad scientist, you can experiment until you create your perfect bourbon. Once you do, Wenzel will bottle it for you to take home, with a custom label. Visit during public blending times or book your own private event, perfect for bachelor (or bachelorette) parties, birthdays, company outings or any small gathering. This year, Wenzel will expand beyond rectifying to start making its own bourbon, becoming the first distillery to operate in Covington since Prohibition. wenzelwhiskey.com.
The May Festival celebrated its 150th anniversary with “25 For 25,” a brilliant tribute to the Festival’s history of commissioning new works that saw 25 commissions written by young female, non-binary or gender non-conforming composers, all alumni of Luna Composition Lab. Each piece was written for a specific choral group and the conductors worked closely with their respective composers. The March concert showcased the composers’ remarkable skills in setting texts and creating challenging, exciting choral sounds. The energy was palpable and gave another reason to celebrate a city that sings. mayfestival.com.
Creative House of Art and Design (or CHAD, named after the owner) is an art store in Mainstrasse that sells a lot of gay-themed art, like stickers and Pride flags, but in the back they have a small bar and patio. During the summer, they offer very strong boozy slushies. Sip on one while shopping for penis coasters. creativehousead.com.
One of the most beloved breweries and most beloved bakeries in town working together on a special brew? Yes, please. Covington’s Braxton Brewing Co.’s Opera Cream Stout was inspired by The BonBonerie’s iconic Opera Cream Torte. The beer features chocolate and caramel malts and is finished with The BonBonerie’s opera cream coffee, roasted by Seven Hills Coffee Roasters. With flavors of milk chocolate, sweet cream and vanilla, this indulgent milk stout is almost more dessert than beverage. What a sweet way to celebrate Cincinnati. braxtonbrewing.com & bonbonerie.com.