An intimate evening of whiskey, stories, and legacy during Kentucky Bourbon Festival week
On Thursday, September 10, Daughters of Proof will welcome legendary distiller Jim Rutledge to Bespoke In Bond in downtown Bardstown for Proof & Patience: An Evening with Jim Rutledge.
This is an evening built around the things that matter most in whiskey: patience, craft, history, hospitality, and the people who give the spirit its soul. Hosted and moderated by Cary Ann Fuller, the conversation will offer guests the opportunity to hear directly from Jim about the stories, instincts, challenges, and relationships that shaped his remarkable life in whiskey.
More than a standard festival tasting, Proof & Patience is designed to be an unhurried, intimate experience. Guests will gather for a welcome cocktail, taste Echoes of Oak, and spend the evening in conversation with one of the most respected voices in American whiskey.
The evening
Thursday, September 10, 2026
Doors: 6:30 p.m.
Conversation: 7:00 p.m.
Venue: Bespoke In Bond, 110 W. Stephen Foster Ave., Unit 2, Bardstown, Kentucky
A cash bar will be available throughout the evening. A limited number of pre-signed bottles of Echoes of Oak will be available for purchase at the Neat Bar for ticket holders.
General Admission — $65
General Admission includes:
- Admission to Proof & Patience: An Evening with Jim Rutledge
- A welcome cocktail
- Guided Echoes of Oak tasting
- Seated access to the moderated conversation with Jim Rutledge
- Access to the Bespoke In Bond cash bar
VIP Experience — $175
A limited number of VIP tickets offer a more personal way to experience the evening. Each VIP ticket includes:
- Early entry and photo op/BYOB bottle signing with Jim Rutledge
- Preferred seating for the conversation and Q&A
- A welcome cocktail
- Guided Echoes of Oak tasting
- One beverage ticket and express access to the Bespoke In Bond cash bar
- One signed bottle of Echoes of Oak bourbon
VIP bottle fulfillment will follow the approved on-site pickup process.
The VIP package is intentionally limited. It offers a meaningful keepsake from the evening while keeping the program focused on the conversation, Jim’s legacy, and the experience of being together in Bardstown during festival week.
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Proof & Patience: An Evening with Jim Rutledge
About Daughters of Proof
Cary Ann Fuller of Straight Up 615 is now doing business as Daughters of Proof in Bardstown, Kentucky. Daughters of Proof is her platform dedicated to amplifying and lifting women in whiskey while educating and creating meaningful experiences rooted in hospitality, history, and the souls behind the spirits.
Daughters of Proof is committed to building a longer table—where everyone has a seat.
Join us
Come raise a glass, listen closely, and celebrate a life in whiskey with Jim Rutledge.
Tickets are limited.
Guests must be 21 or older to attend. Please drink responsibly.