Home to twelve distilleries, with a rich history steeped in the spirit, it's little surprise that Louisville, Kentucky has earned itself the moniker 'Bourbon City'. This is a town distilled in juice – from its origins as the home of the first commercial distillery on the banks of the Ohio River, opened in 1783, to the status of the Old Fashioned as the city's official cocktail, it's safe to say that in this mid-size walkable city you'll find bourbon on every block. 

Quintessentially Southern, Louisville is high on many bucket lists for a real dose of Americana – never mind the Bourbon tours, music industry and thriving food scene that includes much more than just the famous fried chicken. But for those not quite set to make the nine-hour flight to the Bluegrass State, Louisville is bringing a taste of Bourbon City to London Cocktail Week this October. 

Kicking things off on Thursday 3 October at Amazing Grace bar in London Bridge, Louisville will be serving up three cocktails themed around the city. Angels' Envy will be serving The Louisville Ruby Manhattan – made from Finished Port Bourbon, sweet vermouth, ruby port and Angostura bitters – while Woodford Reserve promises a delicious take on the classic Old Fashioned, and  Rabbit Hole will be mixed into the Broken Dreams Avenue. A classic soundtrack of Kentucky Bluegrass and Soul will keep the vibes high. 

The bourbon fun continues throughout the festival, with an Angel's Envy pop up at Discount Suit Company – an East End speakeasy in a nod to the South's prohibition era – while across the week a host of bars around London are getting creative, crafting a variety of classic and unique bourbon cocktails. 

Get the thirst for a visit while sipping a bourbon cocktail during London Cocktail Week? Louisville is giving one lucky fan a chance to win an amazing holiday for two to experience a real taste of Bourbon City. The winner will receive return economy flights from London to Kentucky, plus four nights of boutique hotel accommodation and selected bourbon distillery tours. To enter visit bourboncity.co.uk/win. 

Hungry for more? While bourbon might have put this city on the map, it's the culinary offering that keeps visitors flocking back. Cooking classic regional Southern dishes, alongside modern interpretations, chefs in Louisville are quickly establishing the city as the epicentre for new Southern cuisine. From gravy and biscuits at Biscuit Belly, to upscale dining at 610 Magnolia and, of course, classic fried chicken from Royal’s Hot Chicken, the dining is becoming just as legendary as the liquor. And it's just as well – because you'll need a full belly to soak up all that bourbon. 

For more information visit bourboncity.co.uk