Whisk(e)y Event Season is Approaching

As fall approaches so do the annual series of whisk(e)y festivals, events, and celebrations. I'm not sure why they all seem to fall during the same few months every year - at least in the Northeast - but it makes for a fun time!

First up is the Whisky on the Hudson dinner cruise in New York City on September 8th. What could be better than whisky and dinner on a boat, and early September is usually perfect weather-wise or this type of thing. For more info go to http://www.whiskyguild.com/newyork.html

As November approaches, it gets cooler and the events move indoors. First up on November 1st is the big one, Malt Advocate's annual Whisky Fest New York. This year's Whisky Fest is the 14th annual, and if you can only make it to one of these events, this one is the biggest and baddest. More info can be had here: http://www.maltadvocate.com/whiskyfest.asp

Finally, on November 15th, right here in the City of Brotherly Love, is the 2011 Philadelphia Whisky Festival. You can read my rundown of last year's Philly festival here, and I'm sure this year's fest will be even bigger and better. For more info on this year's Philly festival go to http://www.phillymag.com/whiskeyfest/index.html.

Hope to see you out at the tasting tables this fall!

Finger Lakes Distilling

Over the 4th of July weekend I had the chance to relax in New York state's Finger Lakes region, catching some fish, catching some rays, and even touring a new micro-distillery on the shore of Lake Seneca. The finger lakes area is well-known for its vineyards and wineries, of which it has over 100, and while a few vineyards and orchards distill fruit-based spirits in the region, Finger Lakes Distilling, which opened in 2008, is the area's first stand-alone distillery.

Finger Lakes Distilling (FLD) is currently producing a wide range of products from their bestselling Seneca Drums Gin to various grappas, cordials, and whiskies. FLD offers a taste of any three spirits for $2 which seems to be the going rate for tastings at most Finger Lakes wineries as well. If you go with a friend you can each try three and share, meaning you can each have a sip of six different drinks for $4! On top of that, the cost of the tasting applies towards any bottles you purchase which is nice since FLD's bottled spirits are priced towards the premium end of the scale, as most craft distilled products are.

Read more »