The B-Line, a group of bourbon-centric distilleries, bars and restaurants that offer a self-guided bourbon experience in Northern Kentucky, has added a new member.
Merchants Club, a speakeasy-style bar located inside Bellevue wine, beer and liquor store The Party Source, joins 28 other Northern Kentucky establishments on The B-Line passport program. The cocktail bar and lounge is inspired by Newport’s gangster past, taking its name from a former gathering place once frequented by the mob and featuring details like leather, textured velvet and cocktails like Manhattans and martinis.
“Being part of The B-Line, a curated collection of premier distilleries, bourbon bars and restaurants, amplifies our commitment to bourbon heritage and hospitality,” Lauren Pellecchia, one of the lead bartenders at the Merchants Club, said in a press release. “We look forward to welcoming bourbon-curious visitors and locals to experience what we have to offer here at Merchants Club, a perfect blend of history, bourbon and community.”
New The B-Line stops have to meet seven strict criteria, including fostering a culture around bourbon and stocking certain kinds of bourbon. Restaurants must have at least 50 labels of bourbon, while bars must have at least 100, with a preference for Kentucky bourbon, as well as weekly bourbon-infused food and drink specials. Bars must also offer specialty flights and host bourbon-related events. Distilleries added to the program must be members in Good Standing with the Kentucky Distillers Association and be part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
“Kentucky bourbon is a huge tourism draw for our region, attracting more than 2 million visitors to the Commonwealth each year,” said Julie Kirkpatrick, president and CEO of meetNKY. “In building out a key tourist attraction, like The B-Line, Merchants Club was a great addition due to its exceptional bourbon selection, and location inside the nation’s largest employee-owned liquor store, which is a destination in itself.”
To celebrate, Merchants Club will host a series of events and promotions throughout September, which is also National Bourbon Heritage Month. Things kick off on Sept. 3 with the Toast to the Trail launch party from 5-7 p.m. The party will feature live bluegrass music, B-Line swag giveaways and a ceremonial “first pour.” Guests can also get the first taste of a new signature B-Line cocktail.
Throughout the month, guests can also enjoy “The Merchants Pour,” a limited flight of bourbons from along The B-Line and a commemorative tasting glass. Merchants Club will also launch the new Monthly Meet the Makers series on Sept. 11. This series will be held on the second Thursday of each month, with guest distillers from The B-Line stops hosting a tasting, signing bottles and sharing stories.
Learn more about The B-Line here.
Merchants Club, 18 Distillery Way, Newport. More info: merchantsclubbar.com.
This article appears in Aug 20 – Sep 2, 2025.
