Hey Mike,
Geez I'm sorry not to answer you sooner.
The Sampler is when the distilleries get together, and draw for their spot on the lawn of Spalding Hall...
http://www.bourbonrecipes.com/about/getz.html
for the Bourbon Festival in September.
It's a huge bang for your Bourbon buck. Each distillery sets up a table. They give you samples of their different expressions. Even cooler, you get some one-on-one time with Master Distillers and company brass. In the last couple of years, area restaurants have jumped on board and are setting up tables between the distilleries tables, offering samples of their food. So, for $30 (went up this year...
) you get to stroll around, talk with Bourbon's MVPs, sample their latest and nibble on terrific food.
Up to now, it has been held in the Civil War Museum...
http://www.bardstown.com/~civilwar/
This year, it will be moved to the Nelson County Convention Center, on New Haven Road. Much larger space owned by Steve Hayden, who also owns Keene's Depot...
http://www.keeneshams.net/
A great place for Bourbon related food items, and excellent Bourbon Country Ham.
I haven't checked with the Best Western/General Nelson to see if they're full. That would be the place to stay if you can get in. If not, the Days Inn is right across the road from the Center.
http://www.daysinnofbardstown.com/
Looking forward to seeing everyone,
Bj
As a Kentuckian, I consider it my civic duty to drink Bourbon, smoke and bet the ponies. Its a tuff job, but someone has to do it...