Smoke Wagon Dinner & Tasting Event with Bourbon Club of Arkansas on April 4 2024

Last Updated on January 25, 2024 by 5e2793

PUBLISH DATE: January 25, 2024

On April 4, 2024, members of the Bourbon Club of Arkansas (BCA) will come together for one of the club’s most anticipated experiences of the year: an intimate Smoke Wagon dinner and tasting event. This year’s gathering takes place at a truly memorable Central Arkansas location — The Castle on Stagecoach, located at 6601 Stagecoach Rd, Little Rock, AR 72204.

Designed as a high-end, limited-capacity gathering, the evening brings Arkansas bourbon enthusiasts together for a curated night of whiskey, food, cigars, and conversation—highlighted by a personal appearance from Aaron Chepenik, founder of Smoke Wagon Whiskey.

An Evening of Whiskey, Dining, and Conversation

The event runs from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM, beginning with a cocktail hour at 6:30. The seated tasting and dinner start promptly at 7:00 PM, emphasizing punctuality due to the four-hour venue window.

Attendance is intentionally limited to 40 guests, creating an intimate, experience-driven atmosphere. Guests are asked to dress in southern formal attire, setting the tone for an upscale evening centered on great whiskey and great company.

What’s Included

Each ticket, priced at $165 per person, includes a full premium experience:

• Four-course dinner (menu to be revealed)
• Five-pour Smoke Wagon whiskey flight, featuring:
  • Smoke Wagon Small Batch
  • Smoke Wagon Desert Colt (new release)
  • Smoke Wagon Uncut • Unfiltered (UCUF)
  • Smoke Wagon Arkansas Private Barrel (new)
  • One surprise pour reserved exclusively for BCA members
• BCA-branded Glencairn glass
• BCA coaster
• One premium cigar
• Autograph session with Aaron Chepenik
• Live Q&A session
• Beer and wine, available in limited quantities and included
• Optional raffles for additional prizes (details announced at the event)

Signed Bottle Add-On

Attendees have the option to purchase a personally signed Smoke Wagon Desert Colt bottle for an additional $50 (Arkansas tax included). These bottles are extremely limited and capped at one per person, made possible through event sponsors.

If production timing impacts availability, the bottle portion is refunded accordingly.

For guests opting into both dinner and bottle, the total cost is $215 per person.

Event Logistics & Member Coordination

Participation requires advance payment through BCA’s designated payment app, with screenshot confirmation posted within 24 hours to secure a spot. Due to limited capacity and strong demand, backup attendees are randomized if cancellations occur.

A private event group is created for registered attendees to handle questions, updates, and coordination outside of the official sign-up post.

A Signature Bourbon Club of Arkansas Experience

This Smoke Wagon dinner and tasting reflects what defines the Bourbon Club of Arkansas experience: thoughtfully curated whiskey selections, direct access to industry leaders, and an emphasis on quality, education, and community.

As the evening unfolds on April 4, the event delivers exactly what BCA members expect—exceptional pours, meaningful conversations, and a standout moment in Arkansas’s growing bourbon scene.

For more archived and current coverage of Arkansas whiskey events, private barrel picks, and bourbon clubs, visit ArkansasLiquor.com. 🥃

Event Location: A Little Rock Landmark

Set on a sprawling 100-acre estate on the southwest side of Little Rock, The Castle on Stagecoach blends history and fantasy to create a unique backdrop for events like the Smoke Wagon dinner and tasting. Originally built as a private residence in the 1930s, this striking stone structure has become one of Arkansas’s most distinctive venues.

A Historic Estate

• Built in 1935: The Castle on Stagecoach was designed by noted Little Rock architect Ed Brueggeman for Dr. Clarence W. Koch and his wife, Marie. Castle On Stagecoach
• Early Years: The Kochs lived in the castle for just a few years before selling the property in 1941. Between then and the early 1960s, it passed through several private owners. Castle On Stagecoach
• Long-Term Stewardship: In 1963, John and Eugenie Rognrud bought the estate. The Rognrud family continues to own and care for the property, blending its historic charm with modern event use. Castle On Stagecoach

Today, the castle remains both a private residence and a premier event venue, hosting weddings, banquets, brunches, themed tea parties, and private celebrations. Castle On Stagecoach+1

Charming Grounds and Features

Visitors enter through lush, manicured landscapes dotted with barns, stables, ponds, and towering trees. Guests may even arrive via horse-drawn carriage or surrey, harkening back to the estate’s pastoral beginnings and making it a beloved local destination for weddings and celebrations. Castle On Stagecoach

The Castle’s elegant architecture, expansive lawns, and rich history make it a standout gathering place — perfect for a tasting and dinner event centered on community, conversation, and appreciation for fine spirits.