Cherise✌️(@cool_ranch_cherito) instagram tagged download

A few of my favorite moments from KBF and not because of what was poured, purchased, or brought home.

For me, the best part of a festival like this has always been the people.

It’s the guests who arrive as strangers and leave feeling like friends. The familiar faces you look forward to seeing every year. The new connections made over a shared pour. It’s our teams working long, hot days and still finding reasons to laugh. It’s the smiles, the hugs, the stories, the conversations, and the genuine camaraderie that make this industry so special.

There will always be another bottle to chase. Another release. Another opportunity to add something to the shelf.

But these moments are harder to replace.

I hope we never get so caught up in what we did or didn’t get that we forget what these festivals give us the opportunity to experience and that’s time together. A chance to connect with the people behind the brands, reconnect with old friends, make new ones, share a few laughs, and celebrate something we all genuinely enjoy.

The bottles are part of bourbon. The people are the heart of it. And looking back at these photos, that’s what I’ll remember most. 🥃🤎

@jwagnergroup
Photos by: @morales_media_

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There are too many people to tag, so apologies in advance 😂 Y’all sure know how to make a guy feel loved. Parties, dinners, workouts, and SURPRISES. Where to start?

Still reeling from three amazing days of birthday celebrations with people from all over the country. I don’t know what I did to deserve all of the amazing people in my life, but I am forever grateful. ♥️

Huge, huge shoutout to Abby, Brian, @anna_bass17 , and my incredible parents @maleadfoot and @parmanbass for planning the surprise for months?? I had no clue 😂

Whether I got to see you Thursday in Pittsburgh, Friday or Saturday in Lexington, Sunday in Louisville, wished me a happy birthday via text/post/message/video, please know that I love you all.

These 40 years have flown by, but I couldn’t ask for a better family (chosen or otherwise) to have in this lifetime. 🥹

$Before I post videos/photos celebrating Lucy’s 11 birthday, I thought I would share why this year, more than any other, is so special. <<The photos/videos tell the tale of Lucy’s journey from the ER to her homecoming— 1st Video: Night of the accident-100% Oxygen Chamber, couldn’t breathe on her own; 2nd & 3rd Videos: Lucy Comes Home!; Photos 1-4: Recovery at Dr. G’s house & Dr. G; Last Photo: 1st night home 🥰🐶.>> THANK YOU to our Angels on Earth! 🪽🙏🏻💕BEST friends, neighbors, vet, & community! #blessed #miracles #butchertown #grateful #nulu Just 4 1/2 months ago, we didn’t think Lucy would live through the night much less long enough to celebrate her 11th birthday. She & I were ran over by a truck (dude didn’t stop until chased down) while crossing the street, and Lucy was unresponsive as I cradled her in my arms. I knew she had precious moments left to live. Thankfully, two neighbors, Lucy’s Guardian Angels, rushed her to the ER vet, where she received life-saving treatment (first video). They, along with the staff at Jefferson Animal Hospital ER, are the reason she is alive today. The first of many miracles to come. Simultaneously, an army of friends, neighbors, & strangers in NuLu & Butchertown had gathered to help. From prayers & well wishes, to setting up a Go-Fund-Me for Lucy’s medical bills, and everything in between, a community united for Lucy & me. I am still overwhelmed by their kindness, generosity, & support. Lucy was eventually released from the ER into the care of her AMAZING vet, Dr. Angela Greenwell, who generously looked after Lucy in her home. Dr. Greenwell worked more miracles, & 2 weeks later, Lucy was able to came home to me. My strong, little miracle girl survived major lung damage (still a battle), a broken rib, & 3 pelvic fractures. I will be forever grateful to everyone who has supported (& continues to support) us during our journey of recovery. Lucy & I wouldn’t be here, celebrating her 11 birthday, without you, and I mean that from the bottom of my heart. THANK YOU!🙏🏻💕🐶$

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