Philly's Bourbon Bash, and More News for Dark Liquor Lovers

From exotic whiskey tastings to debut firehouse taphouses, Philly’s VIP drink scene is overflowing.Sip some of the best spirits for a cause at Loews Philadelphia Hotel’s Bourbon Bash.

FALL REFRESHMENT

Back to school doesn’t have to be boring—calling all bourbon lovers to the Loews Philadelphia Hotel (loewshotels.com). Bank & Bourbon (bankandbourbon.com) celebrates its sixth annual Bourbon Bash on Sept. 7 in support of DonorsChoose, a national organization through which it supports Greater Philly’s educational needs and programs. “Since the event’s inception, the fundraising event has raised nearly $100,000 to support educational needs and programs in the Greater Philadelphia area, and now, in its sixth year, it is known as one of the most popular culinary events in the city,” says general manager Dan Rivas. Join executive chef Thomas Harkins and executive sous chef Joe Thomas Jr. at the Market Street favorite for a night of scrumptious bites like tuna tartare and honey brined Duroc pork alongside an applauseworthy selection of bourbons and bourbon cocktails. There is no better way to ease back into the school year than with new knowledge about your favorite spirit.

Snag a VIP ticket to access a premier flight.

OLD-FASHIONED EXCELLENCE

With 100 whiskeys to choose from, the offerings at the eighth annual Whiskey Bonanza (whiskeybonanza.com) are sure to exceed expectations on Sept. 15. “These types of events exist only for industry professionals, so I wanted to bring it to the public as well,” says George Reilly, owner of The Twisted Tail and mastermind behind the event. VIP tasters are invited to the classic brick-lined location for an exclusive hour of early access to premier flights. Explore the stunning two-story space and try selections from Buffalo Trace, Widow Jane, Heaven Hill and more. And with a food truck, live music and pig roast on deck, this is guaranteed to be an evening to remember. Oh, and did we mention there is also a bartender competition? So rank your favorite spirits and prepare to be served an evening of unrivaled excitement. Rumor has it there are even some “under-the-table” selections available.

Malcolm Jenkins is a former American football safety for the National Football League.

LOCAL GEM

Malcolm Jenkins is no stranger to whiskey. In fact, the fundraiser for his foundation called Blitz, Bow-Ties and Bourbon, has been offering up tours of New Liberty Distillery (NLD) with him for years. Lucky for us, the former Philadelphia Eagle joined forces with Robert Cassell from NLD and Millstone Spirits Group to bring us some of his favorite sips. And with giving back to the Black community set as a cornerstone of his mission, each selection aims to make a difference. “If we really want to create serious, sustainable change, it has to come from production. When you trace so many things back, it’s very hard to find Black-owned production,” Jenkins explains. “I wanted to have my hands on every step of the process and make sure it was something I really believe in.”

COPY & TASTE With 20 years of combined experience and knowledge in beer and wine making, Carbon Copy co-founders Kyle Wolak and Brendon Boudwin set out to create the perfect spot to grab beer, wine and bites with friends and family. “One of our goals is to create a space that doesn’t just feel like a brewery or winery,” the owners say. “It will be a comfortable place to hang out and have some drinks and snacks with friends.” Set to open this fall, the innovative brewery-winery hybrid is soon to be your go-to beverage destination with a menu featuring IPAs, rieslings, wines made from native East Coast grapes and more. And don’t miss out on their tasty snack selections. Our pick? Speciality pizzas from the wood-fired oven.