Retail Confectioners International: June 2010

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Touring the Buffalo Trace Distillery - we saw them pack the Sazerac variety

Packing Blantons single barrel bourbon at Buffalo Trace in Frankfort, KY

Taste testing at Buffalo Trace

Touring the Louisville Slugger Museum - we saw a great historical film, an exhibit area, and a tour of the bat factory.

Working off our convention calories by carrying the RCI luggage. Just this and an SUV full - easy peasy!

Watching their favorite red hots being made in Jeffersonville, Indiana

Touring Schimpff's Candy Kitchen

Touring the Candy Museum with RCI attendees at the annual convention

Jill Schimpff points out historical items in the Candy Museum

The group arrives at the hat party at Don and Pam Hurt's house

Having fun at the Derby Hat Party

The hats are a hit!

Even the guys enjoy the hats at the Hurt party

Amanda, Elaine, and Joe had lunch at the Kentucky Horse Park, then enjoyed equestrian shows at the park

Chocolates at the Horse Park

Charles Flavelle takes the reins at the park

Judy and Maegan enjoyed the Hall of Champions

Stepping into Rebecca Ruth Chocolates in Frankfort, KY

Their version of bourbon cherries are topped with pecans

Classic candy jars line the counter top

Bourbon products are kept cool in the refrigerator

Don Hurt greeting the Bus Tours at Old Kentucky Chocolates

Entering the store on Southland Drive

Kitty and the staff make 1,500 baskets during the holidays in this room!

Thanks to the staff!

Patty gets bourbon cherries to take home with her!

A view from inside the store

Celebrating Elaine's retirement

Enjoying the RCI Hospitality Suite

RCI member, Schimpff's Confectionery, was named as one of the top 10 candy stores in the country by USA Today. Chocolate and candymakers attending the RCI National Convention & Industry Expo June 21-25 in Lexington, Kentucky will get a peek into operations of the store in an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the store hosted by owners Warren & Jill Schimpff.
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/10great/2010-06-03-national-candy-month_N.htm

For more information about the convention schedule or to register, go to the RCI website: https://rci.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=60196&module_id=3021

The Food Channel prepares for Choc-umentary at the RCI National Convention June 21-25 in Lexington, Kentucky http://www.foodchannel.com/stories/2758-countdown-to-chocolate