Membership Information
(Exclusive Invitation)
BECOMING A MEMBER
You have been invited to join our membership and bypass the wait list. We are building a community and hope you will join us on our journey.
Becoming a Watch Hill Proper member means becoming part of a community of bourbon ambassadors dedicated to promoting and enjoying good bourbon and each other. Watch Hill Proper membership also gives you access to a place where you can experience bourbon in a whole new way, a community where you can build relationships, and events to enhance your bourbon IQ.
Download our prospective member packet for more details.
WHY JOIN WATCH HILL PROPER?
Watch Hill Proper is Louisville’s premier bourbon club. Located in the Norton Commons community, Watch Hill Proper offers an unparalleled bourbon experience. Members have access to social events, a first-class entertainment and meeting venue, and enrichment opportunities experienced among friends. Being a part of Watch Hill Proper means being a part of an elite group of bourbon ambassadors who uphold the Bourbon Maitriser Recipient and shape the image of Kentucky bourbon.
A Watch Hill Proper member is also part of an exclusive bourbon community with a limited membership who represent many business sectors, generations and fields of expertise yet are united by a common commitment. A commitment to see bourbon continue to be Kentucky’s signature industry and a commitment to give of ourselves generously to the people of our community, the city of Louisville, and the commonwealth of Kentucky.
The benefits of being a member include:
Membership and unlimited access to this exclusive bourbon club and community
Reservations for priority access into the club (note: non-members may only access Watch Hill Proper on a walk-in basis or paid reservation)
Member discount of 20% to our extensive bourbon and American whiskey list, wines and all cocktails
Priority access to host memorable business meetings/receptions/cocktail parties with no room rental fees, no planner fees, and no set-up fees
Opportunity to attend barrel picks and early purchase bottles of WHP single barrel offerings
Exclusive access to house “break even” pours (priced at cost)
One complimentary bourbon tasting per quarter with access to regular weekly tastings
Member social events (barrel picks, distillery events, guest speakers, etc.)
Member-only annual Repeal Day and Bottled-in-Bond Act parties
Exclusive access to rent a spirit locker, as available
Two passes per year for up to a party of four to make an unaccompanied reservation at WHP
Philanthropic opportunities within the Louisville community through our Wizdom Foundation
Professional and personal networking
Face/name recognition with staff
Superb location in Norton Commons
Reservation access to Multnomah Whiskey Library in Portland, Oregon
Membership in Watch Hill Proper is a great way to experience bourbon with friends - new and old. Throughout the year Watch Hill Proper hosts special member functions such as the Repeal Day party, bourbon tastings, and exclusive dinners. We have many other events as well such as live musical performances, the American Whiskey Festival, and distillery meet and greets.
Members can host events at the club with no facility fees before the club opens at 4pm. Leave the meeting planning to our experienced Events & Catering team. Our talented team will design a meal to your taste buds’ delight as our first-class banquet service staff makes your guests feel like they are royalty. Watch Hill Proper boasts a large bar and seating area in the Main Room, the Lounge, the Library, and our waiting room we call The Fermenter. All of these spaces are available for your next private event.
COMMUNITY, EXPERIENCES, AND PHILANTHROPY
Watch Hill Proper is a community and our event calendar reflects that community. Some of our events are designed for our members to make new acquaintances and deepen old friendships. Many of our events are open to the public to celebrate the amazing distilleries and people who make the bourbon industry so incredible. All of our events are for the purpose of experiencing new whiskeys or revisiting old favorites.
Bourbon tastings are a regular weekly event and an anchor the social calendar. Our tastings are not only a chance to improve your palate but will also deepen your knowledge of the bourbon history. There’s always a distillery event in the works whether it be a trip to a distillery or hosting a distiller at the club.
Our annual Repeal Day Christmas Party (celebrated on December 5th) is not to be missed.
Philanthropy opportunities are regularly intertwined in our barrel picks and special events. We will step it up a notch with several annual events specifically designed to raise money for worthy causes. The bourbon community is the most generous community in the country and we intend to continue that legacy.
SAMPLE OF MEMBER AMENITIES & PUBLIC EVENTS
WEEKLY TASTING
As an ambassador of the bourbon industry, our weekly tastings provide you the opportunity to improve your palate and learn more about the topic or distillery being showcased.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Whether it’s hosting a master distiller or a leader in the industry, offering a cocktail making class, or attending a special bourbon tasting, our special events are not to be missed.
PRIVATE EVENTS
There are no room charges for members when booking a private room for your special event. Only the minimum spend will apply.
“BREAK EVEN” BOTTLES
Every week a specific bourbon will be selected for the “break even” bottle. Pours are priced at cost in the club all week or until we run out.
BARREL PICKS
Frequently a barrel (or two) from a distillery is selected and bottled. Members will have the opportunity to help select the barrel and purchase a bottle before the general public.
DRINK DISCOUNT
Members receive 20% off of all drinks charged to their member account. Guests drinks charged to the member account are included. Food is not included.
GUESTS
Each member may easily make reservations for up to seven guests through the member website or phone app. More guests are allowed with advance notice arranged with the front of the house staff.
Non-members are always welcome and seated on a first-come first-served basis.
ANNUAL PARTIES
Every year we host our Repeal Day Christmas Party (celebrated on December 5th).
PHILANTHROPY
Giving back is the essence of the club. Throughout the year members are provided ample opportunities to help others.
JOIN THE WATCH HILL PROPER COMMUNITY
Membership are currently full. Place your name on the waitlist if you’d like to be contacted when memberships become available.
LOCAL MEMBERSHIP
$1200 Initiation, $900 Annual Dues
Unlimited reservations to the club
Private invitation to over 50 annual member-only events
Member pricing on drinks and cocktails
Exclusive access to club barrel picks and “break even” pours
Quarterly complimentary bourbon tasting
LOCAL + SPOUSE MEMBERSHIP
$1500 Initiation, $1200 Annual Dues
Unlimited reservations to the club
Private invitation to over 50 annual member-only events
Member pricing on drinks and cocktails
Quarterly complimentary bourbon tasting for spouse
Spouse enjoys all the same privileges as a Resident Member
NON-LOCAL MEMBERSHIP
$600 Initiation, $300 Annual Dues
Must have primary residence 100+ miles outside Louisville Metro
Three (3) reservations per quarter
Member pricing on drinks and cocktails
Exclusive access to club barrel picks and “break even” pours
Quarterly complimentary bourbon tasting
YOUNG PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP
Under 30 years of age. $900 Initiation, $600 Annual Dues
Unlimited reservations to the club
Private invitation to over 50 annual member-only events
Member pricing on drinks and cocktails
Exclusive access to club barrel picks
Quarterly complimentary bourbon tasting
YOUNG PROFESSIONAL + SPOUSE MEMBERSHIP
Both individuals under 30 years of age. $1125 Initiation, $800 Annual Dues
Unlimited reservations to the club
Private invitation to over 50 annual member-only events
Member pricing on drinks and cocktails
Quarterly complimentary bourbon tasting for spouse
Spouse enjoys all the same privileges as a Resident Member
BOURBON INDUSTRY MEMBERSHIP
Reserved for the best of the best.
By invitation only
An individual whose primary occupation is within the bourbon industry
Open to collaborating with WHP to bring unique events to WHP
Enjoy all the same privileges as a Resident Member
CORPORATE OPTIONS
Corporations can choose from two options to be a part of the club.
CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP
$1000 Initiation (per member), $750 Annual Dues (per member)
Great option to reward employees and entertain guests
Minimum of 3 named participant members (maximum of 5)
Unlimited reservations to the club for each listed member
Each named member may be transferred 1x per year
Member pricing on drinks and cocktails
Initiation and dues must be paid from a single corporate account
CORPORATE SPIRIT LOCKERS
No Initiation, $1800 Annual Dues
Great option to entertain corporate guests
Unlimited reservations can be made
Store your personal spirit collection for special guests
Spirits stored in lockers can be served in the club for $5/pour ($80/bottle)
No member benefits
Dues must be paid from a single corporate account
Meet the Owners
Meet Josh and Tommy, the owners of Watch Hill Proper, and hear them share their vision for the look and feel of the Club and for the membership of the Club. Learn how to become a member and the benefits of being a member. Reservations, drink pricing and barrel picks are all topics of discussion. Video was shot in the Card Catalog and hosted by George Harrison of The Evan Williams Experience.