Whisky Makes Us Frisky: Whisky Live DC

At the Whisky Live DC event at the Grand Hyatt Washington, an underground ballroom was full of tables. Behind them stood jovial purveyors of cheer, happy to pour a tot or two of their products.

View of the Tasting

View of the Tasting

There were small, local distilleries and large conglomerates, and many companies in between, among the 40 or so different brands represented. I noticed Lyon Distilling Co. from St. Michaels, with a line of small-batch whiskey and rum;

Two Lyons

Two Lyons

and Catoctin Creek Distillery in Purcellville, VA, with their rye, both part of the new distillery movement in the DMV.

Pouring From the Creek

Pouring From the Creek

Then there was a whole row occupied by tables from the Beam Suntory organization. From Jim Beam to Maker’s Mark Bourbon,

Mark That Hat!

Mark That Hat!

with a stop for Japanese whisky along the way, they circle the globe for spirits. Their Alberta Rye “Dark Batch” was particularly nice.

But the prize for conviviality for the evening went to Laphroaig and their two verry friendly men in kilts. They were pouring tiny tastes of Laphroaig 25 Year Old Single Malt, with tasting lessons and Scots toasts thrown in for local color.

A Wee Dram?

A Wee Dram?

And lest the drink overtake one before dinner, a full buffet was provided. The star of the chafing dishes was some excellent beef.

Some Excellent Beef

Some Excellent Beef

There was a band and singer offering jazz-age standards. The singer was wearing a wonderful dress, the kind only an entertainer or red-carpet walker can wear.

Cool Jazz and Sequins

Cool Jazz and Sequins

But she was rivaled for remarkableness by a woman in a shiny, plastic-looking dress.

Was It Plastic?

Was It Plastic?

For dessert, we wandered over to the Parfections table, where there was a generous spread of truffles to sample, as well as whisky pairings to drink with the chocolate.

Bad Spelling, Good Chocolate

Bad Spelling, Good Chocolate

Enough! We are sufficed for whisky for awhile. Not saying how long.

About Judy

I have been cooking and eating all my life, around the country, world, and throughout history (I hold Master Cook status in the Society for Creative Anachronism). In real time, I help run the Olney Farmers and Artists Market in Olney, Maryland, arrange their weekly chef demos and blog from that website (olneyfarmersmarket.tumblr.com) on Market matters. This personal blog is for all things foodie: events, cookbooks, products, restaurants, eating.
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