FWBF - Old Carter VIP Experience

FWBF - Old Carter VIP Experience

Kick off Fort Wayne Bourbon Fest weekend with an incredibly rare VIP tasting experience hosted by Mark Carter, founder of Old Carter Whiskey Co.

On Friday, September 25, a limited number of guests will join Mark Carter at The Annex in Auburn, Indiana, for an intimate, two-hour curated tasting featuring whiskey and wine from throughout his remarkable career.

This isn't your typical bourbon tasting.

Mark Carter has built a reputation for creating exceptional wine and whiskey. From producing highly acclaimed wines to co-founding Kentucky Owl and transforming it into one of the most sought-after names in American whiskey, he brings that same expertise as founder of Old Carter Whiskey Co.

For this special evening, Mark will personally lead guests through a tasting that brings those worlds together.

🥃 THE TASTING EXPERIENCE

Guests will taste five special pours, including:

• Kentucky Owl Whiskey — an opportunity to revisit the brand that became a legendary name among bourbon collectors
• Carter Cellars Wine — representing Mark's extensive background in winemaking, which has included numerous critically acclaimed wines
• Three expressions of Old Carter Whiskey — selected to showcase what Old Carter is producing today

But the bottles are only part of the experience.

Mark will personally guide the tasting, sharing the stories, history and philosophy behind each pour and his journey from acclaimed wine producer to one of the most recognized names in the world of American whiskey.

A RARE OPPORTUNITY

Mark Carter rarely hosts experiences like this, which makes having him in Northeast Indiana to kick off Fort Wayne Bourbon Fest weekend particularly special.

This will be an intimate event designed to give guests the opportunity to taste exceptional whiskey and wine while hearing directly from the person behind them.

Friday, September 25, 2026
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

The Annex
424 W. 9th St.
Auburn, Indiana

Tickets: $100 per person

Space for this VIP experience is extremely limited.

KEEP THE NIGHT GOING

When the Old Carter VIP Experience concludes at 7:00 PM, a separately organized Bottle Share will take place at The Annex.

Guests who want to continue the evening can transition directly from an intimate tasting with Mark Carter into a night of sharing great whiskey with fellow bourbon enthusiasts.

One location. Two incredible experiences. One memorable way to kick off Bourbon Fest weekend.

🥃 Old Carter VIP Experience
Friday, September 25 | 5:00–7:00 PM

🥃 Fort Wayne Bourbon Fest
Saturday, September 26

Taste the legacy. Hear the stories. Experience Old Carter with Mark Carter himself.