At the beginning of 2020, we thought it would be fun to take you around every B-Line stop that serves cocktails (which is almost all of them) so you could “meet a mixologist” here on Northern Kentucky’s own bourbon tour.
We started off at Second Sight Spirits with Morgan Earley making magical concoctions,

Then watched in awe as Bill Whitlow, owner of Rich’s Proper Food & Drink, made us “One Last Smoke.”

Next, we headed to Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar to meet Lily Dean. Like all of the bars here on The B-Line, Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar, aka OKBB, is one of “The Best Bourbon Bars in America” according to The Bourbon Review.

As soon as you see the collection of more than 600 kinds of bourbon, you will nod your head in agreement. And if you strike up a conversation with one of the extremely knowledgeable and very friendly bartenders, you’ll discover another reason why OKBB is a favorite watering hole for locals and visitors alike.

Before we could write about our visit in March, COVID-19 swept through, shutting down the world and furloughing most of our staff. But some of us are back now, so we’re ready to write that overdue look inside Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar. Since times have changed though, we dropped in again to take some fresh photos. So this edition of “meet a mixologist” is kind of a spring and fall edition.

Back when we met Lily, it was March and the weather was beginning to loosen its icy cold grip, stirring dreams of balmy days, so she created some dazzling warm weather drinks for us.

This is a spicy number, flavored with jalapenos, and it was a wonderful blend of invigorating and refreshing.

This is the Trifecta, a perfect spring drink for those who like things sweet and light.

Lily also served us a pour of the Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar’s recent barrel pick at Wild Turkey. She had a guiding hand in choosing the barrel and her taste is excellent. It was delicious!

When we went back to OKBB on a gorgeous October afternoon, Todd was bartending.

He made a cinnamony fall drink for us using local apple pie moonshine from the Villa Hillbillies.

Yum! A perfect combination of apple pie and cinnamon, laced with a touch of lemon.

The patio was open, as it always is in good weather, so we took our drink there. It’s such a cool, unexpected space. At the end of this alley, you’re here,

If you’re ever near Mainstrasse Village in Covington, KY, make sure to drop by OKBB. Or even if you’re not near—because it is worth a trip! Cheers, y’all.