Sunday, March 6, 2016

Photo Recap: 2nd Annual Whisky Live DC


Last night marked the return of the (second annual) Whisky Live DC to the Grand Hyatt Washington. I was pleased to see no major changes (why mess with a good great thing?) save for a new Author's Row and a "VIP Experience Area" with select whiskies, not available on the main floor. Back again... Master Classes, live music (jazz band) a lavish dinner buffet and 150+ assorted bourbons, whiskeys and cocktails. In other words... a perfect Saturday night in the nation's capital.

What separates Whisky Live from DC's other premiere drinking events is overall elegance and (perhaps even more important) room to navigate & relax... without being trampled on/over. Attendees don't come to Whisky Live to troll for a date (although there were plenty of attractive people on hand.) They come to taste top-shelf liquor and learn a thing or two. Vendors included a who's-who of whiskey royalty (Jim Beam, Johnnie Walker, etc.)


This year's top sips came from 7-year-old Jim Beam Black (86 proof, cinnamon/vanilla) Tyrconnell Single Malt Irish Whiskey and an impressive newcomer FEW Bourbon Whiskey (93 proof, three-grains, very smooth.) Top bites went to the to-die-for Golden & Sweet Potato Hash, Roasted Tomato-Basil Hummus and a much-improved-upon Prime Beef Short Ribs. My only complaint? We have to wait a full calendar year for the next one. Semi-annual has a great ring to it, don't you think?

Dinner Buffet

Dinner Buffet - Round 2

Andrius Miliunas of Craft Wine & Spirits

Single Malts of Scotland

Four Roses Bourbon