|
Evading Easter, a Bourbon trip to Cincinnati and the joys of BA J
Yeh, yeah, I know! I couldn’t resist, Especially as my newest distraction has proved to be far more time-consuming than I expected and has been put on hold for the foreseeable future.
“what’s going on?” You ask, Well, let me tell you. Easter is upon us, the time of fluffy bunnies and chocolate eggs and most especially a four day bank holiday that was looking excruciatingly dull. I decided I’d much rather do bourbon than boring and this trip was born. The plan? tasting bourbon, blending bourbon, bourbon touring, drinking bourbon, comparing bourbon, discussing bourbon like I know what I’m talking about, and inevitably buying bourbon that I absolutely do not need but will fully justify anyway. If you’ve read any of my trip reports, you already know this isn’t a casual weekend. This is a highly committed operation that starts with “just a tasting” and ends somewhere between “one more flight” and “this seemed like a good idea at the time.” There will almost certainly be a point where the plan becomes more of a suggestion. But let’s be honest, this is exactly on brand. The plan? Thursday - afternoon NCL-LHR and Premier Inn overnight Friday - CCR, LHR-CVG day flight, and a very strategically placed HIE Saturday - Much bourbon, including distillery tour, bourbon tasting, and bourbon blending. Sunday - More food and bourbon and then CVG-LHR night flight Monday - CCR and LHR-NCL I have never been more than mildly tipsy on any of my trips, this one might break that restraint :D |
I’d much rather do bourbon than boring! |
Bon voyage!
:cool: |
Bonkers. :D But we are in FT and it is business as usual. :D
|
And we’re off and running!
Uber are having a fine old time with their pricing, now I have wait and save, standard, priority, and a dozen varieties of other options. All of them were more expensive than the local taxi service. I’ve notice Uber pricing steadily climbing, I swear they’re experimenting to see at what point it becomes too much, that point was today. Local taxi arrived quickly and traffic was light so they made short work of the trip to the airport. The airport is pretty quiet despite the fact that there is a whole host of LCC departures in the next couple of hours. First stop was the checkin desks for a document check. Heaven knows why this is required, that passport goes through BA systems multiple times every month but so be it. Fast path was quick and easy despite the traditional secondary screening of the iPad. Now it’s time for a nice glass of Castelnau in Aster and Thyme, courtesy of Priority Pass. https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9f0c9c8f9.jpeg |
Off to the lounge for 40 minutes and some new (to me) food offerings
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...685c3eeeb.jpeg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0adb9c8b9.jpeg The Bhajis are better than expected, definitely edible and a little bit of heat and spice. Should keep me going until it’s time to head to the gate. |
And so on board with boarding starting 10 minutes before scheduled departure so we are likely to be a little late. One cheerful crew member and one decidedly surly one to bring balance to the force!
G-EUYB and it is looking in need of a paint job! https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d782919bc.jpeg boarding completed really quickly, I wasn’t paying much attention but I assume we have a light load for this evenings flight which isn’t a great surprise given the previous BA flight was only an hour ago. Buckled up, doors about to close, next stop LHR T5 in under an hours time. |
A little minor drama on the ground. The ground power failed and caused a couple of issues for the flight deck that needed engineering attention. Once that was sorted the runway changed direction causing further delay. In the end it’s now 30 minutes after planned departure and the cockpit door has just closed. Not in the slightest bit bothered, I’ve nothing to do and nowhere to go this evening except the nearest bar!
|
I might have to clear my weekend schedule just to follow your latest adventure. Enjoy!
|
In the end it was a slightly delayed but pleasant flight The champagne flowed and the meal was a beef salad that made a very acceptable beef roll
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c9a68a165.jpeg It’s now 18:25 and they are currently loading the sardine tin over at the remote stand we have parked up at. Cannot help but notice this https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...fc79fe3bd.jpeg I assume that once upon a time BA did segregated buses? Next Stop: premier inn. |
Originally Posted by JapesUK
(Post 37683221)
A little minor drama on the ground. The ground power failed and caused a couple of issues for the flight deck that needed engineering attention. Once that was sorted the runway changed direction causing further delay. In the end it’s now 30 minutes after planned departure and the cockpit door has just closed. Not in the slightest bit bothered, I’ve nothing to do and nowhere to go this evening except the nearest bar!
|
Originally Posted by JapesUK
(Post 37683379)
The champagne flowed
|
Originally Posted by BMarkus
(Post 37683425)
How many bottles? Have you counted them? :D
|
19:15 and I’ve made it to the room. 423 bus stops right outside and is 10 minutes from T5.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...2299b07a0.jpeg I paid a few pounds extra for the Premier Plus room which comes with a runway view I won’t look at, a swankier coffee machine I will not use, and better wifi :) https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...fc668ae6a.jpeg No complaints about the room, it’s spacious and clean and the bed is comfortable as you would expect with a premier inn. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ebad3d6b4.jpeg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...1529824d6.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...05a5b1089.jpeg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...096838931.jpeg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...601cc8449.jpeg Time to go check out the bar and restaurant. It’s not going to be a late one tonight, I was nodding off on the flight down, but there is definitely enough time for a beer or three :) |
Originally Posted by JapesUK
(Post 37683482)
19:15 and I’ve made it to the room. 423 bus stops right outside and is 10 minutes from T5.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...2299b07a0.jpeg |
The restaurant is much as you would expect, pretty basic tables and chairs and it was surprisingly busy. The menu is classic Brake Bros or similar
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4c738b679.jpeg In the end I went for a couple of dishes that I could pick at, nachos with chilli, and chips with Katsu chicken. To be fair, neither of them were terrible. I’ve definitely eaten worse in Hotel restaurants. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...1a1ddba6d.jpeg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e17ab784a.jpeg Time for one last beer and then an early night, I have a busy day in the CCR tomorrow :D |
Good morning from LHR T5 where it is a very dreary morning.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f95db7a55.jpeg After a good long nights sleep it’s now well past 9:30 am and I am just about ready to meet the world. First job of the morning was coffee and the hotel has its own Costa https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a9ecebba2.jpeg Very civilised, unlike me who had thrown on yesterdays clothes to fetch the first brew of the day :D A few further observations on this premier plus room. There were chocolates on the tea tray, water in the fridge and, my favourite, a choice of shower gel, clearly aimed to be his and hers. The Oud and cedar would not be my first choice of scents but far preferable to lavender :D. The premium wifi included in the plan gives 2 codes at check in and one more by email and it was around 40mbs, far far better than the free offering. All in all I’d say the upgraded room is worth the money, I paid less than ten pounds more. The bus back to the terminal is also less that 10 minutes. Overall I’ll happily stay here again. This is how close to the hotel the two bus stops are https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ce29aae3d.jpeg Time to pack up my chattels and make my way to T5. Next stop: CCR in 30-60 minutes time… I’m in no rush as long as I make it in time for bacon chop breakfast :) |
And made it to the CCR by 10:45, time for coffee and coffee!
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...fb7b3743e.jpeg A chap on the bus commented on my plethora of bag tags and so we got to talking, turns out he is in training with BA and now heading home to Newcastle of all places. Nice chap, maybe I’ll see him in the pointy end one day. Time to caffeinate and then breakfast calls, I’ve been anticipating my bacon chop all morning :) |
Great to see another Japes Trip Report. :D I must file the T5 Premier Inn for future reference... I normally use the T4 one and use the Lizzy Line/HEX to change terminals as I find it less of a faff than the bus. But if the 423 is regular and reliable then I will have to try it out next time I overnight at LHR.
PS - fully agree on Premier Plus, similar to you it was less than £10 more at T4, but unlike you I make use of the coffee machine to avoid the Costa coffee (he says currently drinking coffee from a Costa! :D). |
Bacon chop achieved and a very good rendition of a bacon chop it was, one of the best I’ve had.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4be99c89e.jpeg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...eea981c96.jpeg The airport feels strangely muted this morning, or I’m going deaf! https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...2b575a897.jpeg Anyhooo…. Breakfast devoured and it’s back to the bar where the new Easter cocktail is making its debut https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...81456940f.jpeg That’s a hard pass from me! I think it may be time to book a cabana, if only to purloin a pair of slippers for the flight, and then a little stroll to duty free to pass the time and see what the latest promotions are. |
With a Cabana booked for 13:30 I took a wander over to duty free but the promotions were of little interest, Jo Malone, Glenmorangie, and Balvenie.
Back to the CCR and time for one of Lucy’s excellent Old Fashioned’s https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...568e442d5.jpeg My gate has just been updated, C55 :( That’s a 20-30 minute stroll from the CCR through the tunnels. With about 75 minutes before I need to head off to the gate it’s time to settle down, read my book, and enjoy my cocktails. Next Stop: G-YMMH in an hour and a half or so. |
As I was at the desk waiting for my cabana loads of drama broke out with some overly entitled and unpleasant piece of work walking 4 extra people into the CCR whilst loudly proclaiming they were only two. I was only in the cabana for a few minutes to sort out luggage and snaffle slippers and when I came back out the guy was back at the services desk with an absolute raft of staff watching eagle eyed as the drama continued to play out.
I left them to it and returned to the bar for one more of Lucy’s excellent old fashioned to keep me hydrated for the long walk ahead. I wish we could bottle a few of these for the flight….. hmmm, where’s that suggestion page :D |
Whilst waiting for the gate to open a gent came up to check what lane he needed to use to take his party of six on board and we got to chatting. He is a Cincy native and has given me some great recommendations including an online education at Stave and Thief that I definitely need to look into.
preboarding has commence and I’m currently awaiting the green light. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b9e24d947.jpeg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8e2dccd62.jpeg Edit: 14:48 and the crew have just arrived so it is going to be a while yet! |
The crew arrived quite late but turned around this 777 in very short order. 7A today and so far the crew interactions have been amazing. Most of you probably know that I am one of those never to be sufficiently scorned people that bring chocolate treats to the crew irrespective of cabin. Today I dropped of a wide selection of Easter goodies into the galley and was met with delight and a promise not to spit in my food :D :D this is my sort of crew :DA quick look around the seat
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4f401f090.jpeg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c85d769f8.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...5005d437e.jpeg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...24cf9ff8a.jpeg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e29086618.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4e04ce685.jpeg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...fce4466e0.jpeg Note: The 50% photo upload gremlin has been making itself felt all morning but now it’s back in full force and 10 attempts later I still cannot upload the menus so they’ll be saved for later. Next stop CVG in around 9 hours time and let’s see what border control brings as there is no MPC in Cincinnati :( |
Originally Posted by JapesUK
(Post 37683171)
And so on board with boarding starting 10 minutes before scheduled departure so we are likely to be a little late. One cheerful crew member and one decidedly surly one to bring balance to the force!
G-EUYB and it is looking in need of a paint job! https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d782919bc.jpeg boarding completed really quickly, I wasn’t paying much attention but I assume we have a light load for this evenings flight which isn’t a great surprise given the previous BA flight was only an hour ago. Buckled up, doors about to close, next stop LHR T5 in under an hours time. (*Probably my fate on Tuesday...) |
We were all buttoned up and pushed back almost on time. The standard safety video was played and then we seemed to taxi forever! It was such a long taxi that there was a cabin announcement for all passengers to remain seated so clearly someone(s) at the back of the bus had gotten up from their seats to have a wander.
Eventually we were on the line and off the ground at 16:15, fully thirty minutes late. Service in the cabin was excellent. Hot towels were distributed almost as soon as the seatbelt light was off. Meal service started shortly thereafter. Now, are you sitting down? If not, please steady yourself, this may be a shock….. the whole meal in BA J was excellent, one of the most enjoyable I have had for quite some time! The starter was carrot and ginger soup and I cleaned the bowl. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...fa93a4b4b.jpeg Main course was a chicken tikka pie which was absolutely delicious. The potato and beans sides were a bit odd, it would have been better with a more cohesive side such as an onion bhaji or Bombay potato, but delicious none the less. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0144b8b41.jpeg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...5d7b82f69.jpeg The chocolate desert was an artery clogger in a bowl and another clean dish. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...498fdab34.jpeg Finally the cheese plate and port https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0959b2789.jpeg BA J and F come in for a lot of abuse. I don’t know if this is a change of direction or a temporary blip, but all of these dishes were crowd pleasers and that was my favourite meal of the year overall by far! Coffee and Baileys to close out the meal. I must admit that a snooze is a good idea right now :D https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e190401e0.jpeg Most of the flight passed quickly in a mix of chatting to the crew and watching the IFE until 90 minutes to landing when the snack was distributed, a pork sandwich and a chocolate muffin, a tasty treat for 11pm UK time! https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4c6f45a18.jpeg We’ve just landed at 19:30 local, let’s see what border control has in store for us! |
Fully an hour later and I’m in an uber heading to the hotel.
Once we reached the terminal we waited for a few minute until the captains announcement that there was some ground confusion on which gate we were going to! A few more minutes later and the confusion was obviously resolved and we were at our gate. It was quite a walk to border control which was completely empty and I was straight through. Then another long walk to the security scanners, again empty and straight through. Finally a trek to the east exit and the rideshare pickup point. I honestly believe we walked the entire length of the airport! |
Good morning from Cincinnati where it is now around 6:30 in the morning. My Hotel for these two nights is a Holiday Inn Express and suites in Bellevue. I mentioned in the opening comments that this was a strategic choice that’s because the hotel is within very close walking distance of the new riff distillery and also party source which is supposed to be one of the largest liquor stores going.
The hotel is as basic as you might expect, but given that I’m here for two nights and intend to spend almost no time in the hotel it works for me on location. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...895429bc9.jpeg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c6ee90ae2.jpeg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9d4f4a763.jpeg It feels a bit ‘in the middle of nowhere’ https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...906f89d6c.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...7db7286d4.jpeg When I came down for breakfast there was a huge group of ‘Robocats 379’ having breakfast all in matching clothing. At first I thought thy were a sports team but closer examination made that unlikely :D They are actually a robotics competition team and Google as I might I’m no wiser as to how they actually compete! The breakfast layout is fairly basic however the coffee machines are Costa https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...325ba220e.jpeg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8206b5043.jpeg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...121489ef2.jpeg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b37a71e42.jpeg I have spotted biscuits and gravy which I’ve not had in an age so I’m going to have to give those a go, maybe they’ll exceed expectations! Plan of the day starts over here with a tour of the new riff distillery at noon but before then there is some shopping to be done both at Party Source and at the nearby shopping center. After the distillery tour it will be a cab into the city where the main attraction is a blend your own bourbon event. Around that will be more shopping and bourbon and, if I haven’t flagged by the end of the day, a brauhaus to close the day. I had a food tour booked for tomorrow which was cancelled by the organisers on Wednesday and try as I might I cannot find any alternative entertainment so Sunday is going to be a city wander day before heading to the airport in the late afternoon. Right now, food! |
Thats a good sized room for an HIX. Guess its the suites bit?
|
Originally Posted by MalFr
(Post 37686465)
Thats a good sized room for an HIX. Guess its the suites bit?
|
Breakfast is served. The biscuits were good and the sausage gravy was a lot better than I expected, a decent breakfast
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...5bc1bcea6.jpeg The view from the hotel room, looks like it’s going to be a nice day https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e642c391a.jpeg 9am and time for some retail therapy |
New Riff has some good stuff. Looking forward to hearing about your tour.
|
I am really surprised that you actually ate this, knowing a little bit about how fussy you are with food (egg and pea purée, anyone?) I tried this concoction when I visited Oshkosh last year; vile! Urgh! Just no…. |
Something I can help with for once! There is a FIRST Robotics Competition is going on in Cincinatti this weeekend. If you get bored later today, there is a livestream...
https://frc-events.firstinspires.org/2026/OHMV |
Meat and starch, always a winner :D None of that disgusting green stuff
Currently sat in McDs for a shake and a spicy sausage and egg McMuffin. Three bites and it’s beaten me, it is SPICY! Time to head back to the hotel to drop off my shopping haul and then off to Party Source |
Originally Posted by Nimrod1965
(Post 37686599)
Best place for that is the bin!
I am really surprised that you actually ate this, knowing a little bit about how fussy you are with food (egg and pee purée, anyone?) I tried this concoction when I visited Oshkosh last year; vile! Urgh! Just no…. 🤔 |
First Stop was goodwill as I’d never been in one, it was enourmous
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...54d628f99.jpeg Stop 2 Kroger for drugs and candy :D https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ce36c0aa9.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8ba27d345.jpeg Stop 3 was One Stop Liquor. As soon as I walked in I was greeted with “no photography!” Charming! I guess they saw me take a picture of the store outside https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...7fae7b681.jpeg They had some blantons bundled with some junk I don’t want an a couple of store picks but nothing good enough to part me from my money given their charm. Stop 4 was the aforementioned McDonald’s and now it’s time to go see just how big this party source store really is |
Sure the "gravy" is Campbells condensed mushroom soup ;) Nice enough, although the turkey patties, pork or chicken sauage are nothing like ones from the UK.
Everything seems to be artifically flavoured and mass produced.... Stayed at 4 HIX recently in the US and all were pretty much the same room design and breakfast menu. The one at PDX Airport did have plastic plates rather then paper. Nice that they have full sized fridges in the rooms. I normally pop to Safeway, Walmart or wherever and stock up on a few supplies. Free coffee all day (Costa apparently), although nohing special..... Gas prices in the photo look better than in Oregon. Most around $4.99 a gallon there (although did fill up for $4.33 by going 10 mins down the road). |
Party source is ridiculous! 100,000 square feet according to one of the staff.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c581186dd.jpeg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...6d7d0e02c.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e9a35daee.jpeg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4e0e9f865.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...40b680d88.jpeg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c082490cf.jpeg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...93653cde9.jpeg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8030f4e35.jpeg Ridiculously large and an enormous selection of bourbon. Nothing bought as they open at 10am tomorrow so they will be the case filler. There is a 10yo basil Hayden with my name on it :) |
After well over an hour wandering the shop it was time to head to the distillery immediately next door.
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...29b605be9.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0fa0fd698.jpeg Being half an hour early I headed up to the bar on the third floor https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...342593fe2.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...7fe33e93d.jpeg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ac7fec04a.jpeg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...36bfdec7e.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8ac8ab0a7.jpeg Dealers choice on a flight and she picked the feature single barrel bourbons, very very nice. |
| All times are GMT -6. The time now is 5:42 am. |
This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.