When we get a press release that leads with the line “Squeal like a pig,” we pay attention. Case in point, a missive from the folks behind the The First Annual Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival. (Well played, publicist.)
Going down this Saturday at West Chelsea’s 18,000-sq.-ft. la.venue, this “all-you-care-to-taste extravaganza” (oh, we care) costs $75 (or $95 for the early-access VIP Whole Hog & Bacon Session), and we’re practically thrumming in anticipation. This event has touched down at points all across the East, but 2010 marks its NYC debut. Here are just a few tidbits in store:
- 60+ craft beers, including suds from Heavy Seas, Dogfish Head, Red Hook, Smuttynose, Blue Point Brewing and Abita
- 40 bourbons – your Van Winkles, your Eagle Rares, your Elijah Craigs, plus sips from classics like Knob Creek and Maker’s Mark (your ticket includes a shot glass – carry it with you and sip all you want)
- At the VIP session, sample a selection of bacons shipped in from around the world
- Tasting classes, pairing seminars, and sitdowns with folks like Harlen Wheatley, Master Distiller for Buffalo Trace
- Bluegrass from Doug Yeomans & Mountain Run, plus the eccentric sounds of the local M Shanghai String Band
- Hand-rolled cigars and a heated outdoor cigar lounge
- A mechanical bull
- And barbeque, for miles, from pulled pork to beef brisket and ribs galore, from Hill Country and more
Cut to us on Sunday morning in bed, nine pounds heavier, our hair matted with BBQ sauce, and reeking of Van Winkle. Life well lived, far as we’re concerned.
Details
The First Annual NYC Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival
Saturday, January 30, 12-4PM (VIP) and 5-9PM
la.venue, 608 West 28th Street; 212.967.9636
$75-95
More information and tickets here
