Whiskeys and bourbon barrel aged craft beers are on tap for the 2018 Winter Bourbon Festival taking place on Saturday, Feb. 24 from 3:30 to 7 p.m. Now in its fifth year, the event will be held at T.J. Finley’s located at 42 E. Main St. in Bay Shore.
Sales of whiskey rose 7.7 percent in 2016, outpacing the entire spirits industry. The growth in sales of American whiskeys — which include bourbon, rye and Tennessee whiskey — was led by millennials’ interest in the spirit, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States.
“What we’ve found is that people are interested in learning more about whiskey,” said Drew Dvorkin, owner of T.J. Finley’s. “People drink seasonally. Starting in the fall, and continuing through winter, people do a good deal of exploring and experimenting with different whiskies and whiskey cocktails. They ask questions and taste-test to find their favorites.”
The Winter Bourbon Festival will give the whiskey lover a large range of styles from which to choose. Attendees will be able to try some of the best-selling and most desirable whiskeys all under one roof. As a special treat, festival goers will be able to learn the art of mixing the season’s most popular cocktails — the Boulevardier and the Manhattan. Brand ambassadors from Buffalo Trace will be on site to teach, preach, and provide samples of these speciality cocktails.
“Craft beer drinkers and whiskey drinkers share a passion for flavor, variety, tradition, and an artisan spirit,” said Dvorkin. “The Winter Bourbon Festival is one of our favorite events of the year. Enthusiasts from all over Long Island, Queens, and New York City gather to enjoy an eclectic variety of whiskey and barrel aged beer. It’s great to spend a winter afternoon — sipping amazing whiskey, enjoying a hand-rolled cigar, and eating barbecue food with friends — all while supporting a worthwhile cause.”
The event will help raise funds for Gavin’s Got Heart, a local 501c3 charity with a mission to educate people about congenital heart defects while offering support to families with children affected by CHD.
Back by popular demand is local cigar purveyor, Village Cigar Headquarters (locations in both Babylon and Patchogue), who will be selling hand-rolled cigars as well as cigars with tobacco that have been soaked and aged in Tennessee whiskey barrels.
Tickets for the Winter Bourbon Festival are $95 and include a commemorative tasting glass sponsored by Jim Beam, sampling of bourbons and specialty craft beers, and unlimited BBQ food. This is a 21+ event. All attendees must show valid photo ID for admission. To purchase tickets, go to www.winterbourbonfestival.com.
