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American Whiskey Fest Features World’s Best Master Distillers
Sponsored by Bourbon House and the New Orleans Bourbon Society, the American Whiskey Fest pairs the world’s best Master Distillers with distinctive New Orleans cuisine for a two-day event benefiting the Southern Food & Beverage Museum. “Master distillers represent the highest level of whiskey-making. Guests will have fun learning about the finest American Whiskies and how they fit into the overall culinary cultural experience,” Dickie Brennan said. American Whiskey Fest offers a rare opportunity to meet these “Masters” as there are fewer than 10 American Whiskey Master Distillers.
Bourbon House hosted the American Whiskey Fest in 2006, and is proud to bring it back to the city. The restaurant is home to the City’s best American Whiskey collection and features flights and terrific cocktails. Bourbon House nurtures the love of the American spirit through the New Orleans Bourbon Society (NOBS). Membership is complimentary. NOBS regularly host entertaining and informative events about this authentic native spirit with American Whiskey luminaries. Visit www.bourbonhouse.com for more information.
American Whiskey Fest Events:
Wednesday, September 24
PANEL DISCUSSION: 5:00-6:30
Whiskey Nation: American Culture and Brown Liquor. Featuring Master Distillers Chris Morris (Woodford Reserve), Harlen Davis Wheatley (Buffalo Trace), Jeff Arnett (Jack Daniel’s), and Jimmy Russell (Wild Turkey), Southern Food & Beverage Museum/Museum of the American Cocktail, Riverwalk – Julia Street entrance. 504-569-0405, Museum Admission $10(event is free with museum admission). Dr. David Beriss, Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Anthropology at the University of New Orleans will lead the panel. Beriss, a curious American Whiskey fan, researches and frequently enjoys the food and drink culture of the United States, and particularly New Orleans.His most recent publication, The Restaurants Book: Ethnographies of Where We Eat, brings together anthropological insights into these thoroughly postmodern places. He sees our country’s experience as tied to a long history of brown liquor production. An amazing diversity of whiskeys existed before prohibition.These Master Distillers have, each in his own way, revived that diversity with some really high quality offerings. Expect a lively brown liquor discussion.
Spirited Master Distiller Dinners: Featuring American Whiskey Cocktails and Special Paired Menus
Dine with a legend over distinctive New Orleans cuisine.
6:30 – Cocktails, Seated Paired Dinner - 7:00; $85 per person including tax & tip
- Bourbon House, Wild Turkey, Jimmy Russell, 144 Bourbon Street
- Palace Café, Jack Daniel's, Jeff Arnett, 605 Canal Street
- Dickie Brennan's Steakhouse, Woodford Reserve, Chris Morris, 716 Iberville
To Reserve at the Three Above Restaurants, Please Call Ali Spencer at 504.274.1829.
- Mr. B's Bistro, Buffalo Trace, Harlen, Davis Wheatley, 201 Royal Street
To Reserve at Mr. B’s Bistro, Please Call Julie Brignac at 504.523.6441
Thursday, September 25: MEET THE MASTERS @ BOURBON HOUSE
Four Living Legends Under One Roof: Chris Morris (Woodford Reserve), Harlen Davis Wheatley (Buffalo Trace), Jeff Arnett (Jack Daniel’s), and Jimmy Russell (Wild Turkey), 5:30-8:30, $45, Guided Tastings, Specialty Whiskey Cocktails, Hors d’oeuvres & Appetizers from Critically acclaimed Bourbon House Chefs, Signed Bottle Sales & Auction of Distillery Memorabilia. Package Price: Spirited Dinner & Meet the Masters $120. (Save $10 per person). For Reservations, Please Call Ali Spencer at 504.274.1829.
At Meet the Masters, guests can discuss the art of making fine whiskey, from grains to bottling with all four Master Distillers and taste from the award-winning portfolios of the world’s best producers. Specialty whiskey cocktails will also be available. Signed bottle sales and memorabilia from these participating distilleries will benefit the Southern Food & Beverage Museum. “The American Whiskey Fest offers an incredible opportunity to meet, mingle and sip with four of these spirit legends,” Dickie Brennan said. At the Meet the Masters event, Master Distillers will offer many tasting terms that are strikingly similar to the language used when tasting wine – as many wines are also aged in oak barrels. Just like fine wines, fine whiskeys are meant to be sipped and savored.
Significance of New Orleans and American Whiskey Today: With the American Whiskey Fest, Bourbon House and the New Orleans Bourbon Society are proud to continue the tradition of elevating the appreciation of fine American Whiskey. New Orleans, the city that invented the cocktail, also played a crucial role in developing quality American Whiskey (learn about the “Lost Barge” story at this year’s Whiskey Festival). Leave it to discerning locals to demand aged whiskey years ago. That demand continues to fuel growth in premium small batch and single barrel aged selections offered by leading American whiskey distilleries.