Last week we attended the second annual Orlando Whiskey Festival at Audi South Orlando….and whether you are a serious whisky connoisseur or you simply enjoy a good whiskey cocktail, this event is one you must consider attending next year. This tasting allowed us the opportunity to sample about 100 whiskey brands (and although we didn’t make it through all 100, we did pretty well!) We know it can be dangerous to drink on an empty stomach so lucky for us this event also featured menu selections from some of Orlando’s most popular restaurant groups including fried catfish tacos from 4 Rivers Smokehouse and sliders and mac ’n cheese from Hard Rock Cafe.
Below are a few favorites from the event:
- Favorite Bourbon: Four Roses Private Barrel
- Tasting notes: prunes, morello cherries, cocoa and vanilla
- Favorite Rye: Michter’s Single Barrel Rye
- Tasting notes: sweet aroma, caramel, vanilla and a slight floral undertone
- Favorite Scotch: Glengoyne 21 Year Scotch
- Tasting notes: soft oak, mild vanilla, stewed fruits, hazelnuts
- Favorite Cocktail: Handcrafted Old Forester Old Fashioned. This iconic drink was most appropriately constructed with the rich and iconic Old Forester Bourbon. Add in bitters, sugar, an orange slice and a bartender who understood the artful craft of the cocktail, and the result was a perfectly balanced and refreshing drink.
The night concluded with a live auction which allowed guests to bid on some rare offerings including Pappy Van Winkle 20 year. All of the proceeds from the event went to benefit The Lovely Project. See you next year whiskey festival!
Photo Credit: Orlando Whiskey Festival