Bourbon & Battles is the wargaming retreat where fine bourbon meets epic tabletop battles. Here’s why this event changes the Warhammer hobby.
Warhammer tournaments aren’t usually described with words like “luxury” and “all-inclusive,” but Bourbon & Bolters isn’t your usual event. From January 19–25, 2026, hobbyists will gather at The Black Stallion estate in the Outer Banks for something rare: a week that blends competitive gaming, high-end hospitality, and a curated social scene that treats grown-up players like actual grown-ups.
Think strategy sessions on the table, bourbon tastings at the bar, chef-prepared meals, and evenings filled with dice, cards, and laughter. This is where tactics meet tastings, and the hobby takes on a whole new flavor.
This event isn’t just another stop on the “pro” circuit; it’s a fresh way to enjoy the hobby, and it might just change how you think about wargaming getaways.
Bourbon Tastings & Craft Cocktails
Every qualifying purchase from this sponsored post helps Spikey Bits keep the lights on and the fun going.
It wouldn’t be Bourbon & Bolters without a serious drinks menu. Guests will enjoy curated bourbon selections, high-end cocktails, and a bar that stays stocked from the first welcome toast to the last victory celebration.
From sipping single barrel neat to grabbing a craft cocktail between games, you won’t be stuck with a sad soda and a snack bar. It’s an event where the drinks are part of the experience, not an afterthought.
Chef-Prepared Meals & Social Lounges
Image Credit: Red Sky Catering
Meals are catered by some of the Outer Banks’ finest, giving every day its own flavor.
- Currituck BBQ brings hearty, smoky goodness.
- Red Sky Catering rolls out flavors the Emperor’s Children themselves would envy.
- Agave Roja handles Mexican fare with the kind of punch you’ll crave long after the retreat ends.
Image Credit: Agave Roja
Every bite is designed to keep players happy, fueled, and ready to focus on the tabletop (or just having fun). Between meals, open bars and lounges create natural spaces for conversation, networking, or just unwinding with a plate and a drink.
What’s Included
Every ticket is designed to take the stress out of planning and keep the focus on the fun:
- All meals included – chef-prepared and catered by local favorites
- All drinks included – from bourbon tastings to full open bars
- Luxury accommodations – private suites in The Black Stallion estate
- Professional hobby classes – learn painting, modeling, and restoration
- Professional tactics classes – sharpen your Warhammer strategies
- 3-game Crusade campaign – narrative fun with your army
- 3-game Evening RTT – mid-week competition
- 4-game Weekend RTT – the big event before departure
- VIP swag bag – packed with hobby goodies
- Top names in the hobby – coaches, creators, and content pros
- Special offer codes – for select hobby products
- Evening activities – Dungeons & Dragons, Magic: The Gathering, poker, and pick-up games
It’s a full-service experience where the schedule is balanced, the bourbon flows, and the armies march.
Gaming That Fits the Venue
This isn’t a rushed convention floor where you’re squeezed into fold-up chairs. The Black Stallion estate has the space, tables, and terrain needed to make every Warhammer session feel intentional. Across the week, players will rotate through a 3-game Crusade, a 3-game RTT under the evening lights, and a 4-game weekend RTT that crowns the competitive highlight of the retreat.
And when the dice cool down? Dungeons & Dragons, Magic: The Gathering, poker nights, and casual pick-up games keep the fun rolling.
Learn From the Pros
Bourbon & Bolters isn’t just about playing games; it’s about leveling up your hobby. Coaches and creators will be on hand to teach, share, and hang out:
- Kenny Boucher (Next Level Painting) – airbrushing and tactics
- Michael Haspil (Black Library) – storycraft and hobby advice
- Brent (Goobertown Hobbies) – approachable hobby instruction
- Brad Chester (40k Lorecast) – tactics and lore with a competitive edge
- Casey (eBay Miniature Rescue) – tips for hobby restoration and creativity
It’s a chance to learn from some of the most recognizable names in the community, all while surrounded by good food, strong drinks, and fellow players.
Community Meets Comfort
What makes Bourbon & Bolters different is how it balances strategy and downtime. You’ll meet other players, content creators, and professionals not just across the table but also over dinner, bourbon tastings, and lounge conversations. It’s networking in the most natural way possible, through shared games and shared experiences.
This retreat is more than a tournament or hobby weekend. It’s a curated experience where every detail, from the bourbon pours to the terrain setups, feels designed to give players something they’ll talk about long after the last dice roll.
The Hobby Meets Hospitality
Bourbon & Bolters is proof that the Warhammer hobby can be more than long weekends in crowded halls. With luxury lodging, catered meals, open bars, professional classes, and competitive play all rolled into one, it’s the retreat that finally treats the community like the adults they are.
The hobby has always been about bringing people together. Now it’s paired with bourbon, barbecue, high-end food, and a setting that makes every game feel special. This is where the hobby meets hospitality, and it’s going to be one unforgettable week.
