It's All About The Whiskey
This is a seriously overdue post covering some whiskey related events that I attended in January and February at Astor Wine and Spirits, located in downtown Manhattan. I am a massive fan of this liquor store and I am always impressed by their wide selection of alcohol, as well as the variety of courses/events that they offer. I have decided to share my three whiskey adventures in one post because they are related thematically. I hope that you enjoy it!
Celebrating Robert Burns' Birthday with a Scotch Tasting
I'm not sure if this is a well known saying or not, but I've always maintained that a family that drinks whiskey together, stays together. As I've probably mention many times already, I love whiskey and I learned to love whiskey from my father, who is an avid collector and enthusiast. This past January, my parents and I attended a special Scotch whiskey tasting at Astor Wine & Spirits, which was organized to commemorate the poet, Robert Burns.
To quote Wikipedia, Robert Burns was a poet and a lyricist, "widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland and is celebrated worldwide. He is best known of the poets who have written in the Scots language." Burns' birthday is a national holiday and is celebrated with Burns suppers and a lot of whiskey drinking. I did not know this, but apparently, "the format of the Burns suppers has changed little… The basic format starts with a general welcome and announcements, followed with Selkirk Grace. After the grace comes the piping and cutting of the haggis, when Burns' famous "Address to a Haggis" is read and the haggis is cut open."
My parents and I were not entirely sure about what to expect, but we were really excited. We were looking forward to trying a variety of Scotch whiskies, as well as chowing down on some traditional Scottish food.
"Classic and Historical Whiskey Cocktails" --- Best History Class EVER
Now that I am done with school, I have a bit more free time and can actually enjoy the wonderful things New York City has to offer! Although not a student anymore, that doesn't mean I can't stop learning.
I was browsing the Astor Wine & Spirits (AW&S) website one day and was delighted to discover their class website. Want to know more about French wines? AW&S has a class on it. Want to learn the difference between champagne and sparkling wine? Chances are AW&S has a class on that too. So, when I saw their class called "Classic and Historical Whiskey Cocktails," I just knew I had to sign up!
My class was two hours long, but it went by instantly. Our instructor, Allan Roth, was wonderful. He was personable, funny, down-to-earth, but most importantly, incredibly knowledgable about whiskey (history, types, tastes, etc…) This was the first time I met someone who knew as much as my father, if not a bit more! Allan used to be in charge of the bar at Char No 4 (a famous whiskey bar in Brooklyn), but he currently oversees the alcohol/bar at The Nomad.
The set up of the class was pretty fluid. Allan would give us a bit of a history lesson, then introduce us to the cocktail, show us how to make the cocktail, allow us to make the cocktail, drink it, and then talk about the flavors. This was repeated three times, since we made three cocktails. Did I mention that there were two "welcome" tasting of whiskey as well?
That night, I learned how to make: "The Improved Cocktail," "The Vieux Carre," and a "Ward 8." I found the first two cocktails a bit strong, reminiscent of a "Manhattan." The Ward 8 however was delightful. It was a beautiful pink color and very fruity. The perfect summer drink!
Rye Revival at Astor Wine & Spirits
Less than a week later, I was back at Astor for another whiskey class with Allan. This time, I was here to learn about Rye Whiskey -- my preferred whiskey. The class, called "Rye Revival," focused on the triumphant comeback rye whiskey has made in America.
My dad and his friend were supposed to attend this class with me, but due to snow, they were unable to drive into the city. No worries though, I called two of my good friends and they graciously agreed to join me! We had so much fun. This class wasn't as hands on as my cocktail class, but still just as fun. Allan educated us all on the history of rye, the varieties of rye, and the different flavor profiles. This class included a tasting of 6 different rye whiskies as well as a welcome cocktail, made by Allan.
Here are some key facts about rye whiskey I learned:
- American rye whiskey must be distilled from at least 50% rye
- Rye was prevalent in the northeastern states (especially Pennsylvania & Maryland)
- By 1808, Allegheny County was a major producer of rye
- Most rye disappeared from American after Prohibition
- Since the start of the 21st century, the number of distillers producing rye has been increasing substantially
Celebrating Robert Burns' Birthday with a Scotch Tasting
I'm not sure if this is a well known saying or not, but I've always maintained that a family that drinks whiskey together, stays together. As I've probably mention many times already, I love whiskey and I learned to love whiskey from my father, who is an avid collector and enthusiast. This past January, my parents and I attended a special Scotch whiskey tasting at Astor Wine & Spirits, which was organized to commemorate the poet, Robert Burns.
My parents and I were not entirely sure about what to expect, but we were really excited. We were looking forward to trying a variety of Scotch whiskies, as well as chowing down on some traditional Scottish food.
The menus
Someone showing off their Scottish pride
Address to the Haggis
Haggis served with neeps and tatties
We were blown away by just how many people attended the event. There was easily 100 people and roughly 30 distilleries represented. The food was actually pretty delicious, but the drinking was even better. My dad and his friend, who joined us, were like kids in a candy store, running from table to table, tasting the varieties of Scotch. All in all, I'd say that this family outing was a massive success!
"Classic and Historical Whiskey Cocktails" --- Best History Class EVER
Now that I am done with school, I have a bit more free time and can actually enjoy the wonderful things New York City has to offer! Although not a student anymore, that doesn't mean I can't stop learning.
I was browsing the Astor Wine & Spirits (AW&S) website one day and was delighted to discover their class website. Want to know more about French wines? AW&S has a class on it. Want to learn the difference between champagne and sparkling wine? Chances are AW&S has a class on that too. So, when I saw their class called "Classic and Historical Whiskey Cocktails," I just knew I had to sign up!
As a history student, I have taken MANY history classes, but this by far is one of the best I've ever experienced. It combined three things I love: history, whiskey, and drinking. What could be better?
I attended the class on my own, unsure of what to expect. Was this going to be didactic lecture? How knowledgable will the instructor be? What sort of people will be at the event? I arrived excited, but nervous.
I was escorted into a kitchen area, set up to resemble a lab. Two stainless steel tables were lined with whiskey, cocktail ingredients, glasses, cocktail shakers, and other tools necessary to make a cocktail. I remember thinking, "I probably would have enjoyed my science classes more if our lab sessions looked like this."
My work station
My class was two hours long, but it went by instantly. Our instructor, Allan Roth, was wonderful. He was personable, funny, down-to-earth, but most importantly, incredibly knowledgable about whiskey (history, types, tastes, etc…) This was the first time I met someone who knew as much as my father, if not a bit more! Allan used to be in charge of the bar at Char No 4 (a famous whiskey bar in Brooklyn), but he currently oversees the alcohol/bar at The Nomad.
The set up of the class was pretty fluid. Allan would give us a bit of a history lesson, then introduce us to the cocktail, show us how to make the cocktail, allow us to make the cocktail, drink it, and then talk about the flavors. This was repeated three times, since we made three cocktails. Did I mention that there were two "welcome" tasting of whiskey as well?
That night, I learned how to make: "The Improved Cocktail," "The Vieux Carre," and a "Ward 8." I found the first two cocktails a bit strong, reminiscent of a "Manhattan." The Ward 8 however was delightful. It was a beautiful pink color and very fruity. The perfect summer drink!
Allan walking us through how to make the whiskey cocktails.
From top to bottom: "The Improved Cocktail," "The Vieux Carre," and "Ward 8"
Two drams of whiskey and three cocktails later, I was feeling great. I had so much fun with Allan and my "classmates." I left the class having learned fun tidbit about cocktails and whiskey and I also learned how to make three new cocktails! Best history class ever…SERIOUSLY!
Less than a week later, I was back at Astor for another whiskey class with Allan. This time, I was here to learn about Rye Whiskey -- my preferred whiskey. The class, called "Rye Revival," focused on the triumphant comeback rye whiskey has made in America.
My dad and his friend were supposed to attend this class with me, but due to snow, they were unable to drive into the city. No worries though, I called two of my good friends and they graciously agreed to join me! We had so much fun. This class wasn't as hands on as my cocktail class, but still just as fun. Allan educated us all on the history of rye, the varieties of rye, and the different flavor profiles. This class included a tasting of 6 different rye whiskies as well as a welcome cocktail, made by Allan.
- American rye whiskey must be distilled from at least 50% rye
- Rye was prevalent in the northeastern states (especially Pennsylvania & Maryland)
- By 1808, Allegheny County was a major producer of rye
- Most rye disappeared from American after Prohibition
- Since the start of the 21st century, the number of distillers producing rye has been increasing substantially
This class was so educational and tons of fun. It was wonderful to not only learn about my favorite type of whiskey, but the fact that I was able to share this with my friends, that's what made this class so special.
Comments
Post a Comment