Premiere Whisk(e)y Dram Event at Jack Rose Dining Saloon

The Story: Anyone in the D.C area who drinks whisk(e)y or drinks in general knows Jack Rose Dinning Saloon.  They have the largest whiskey collection in the hemisphere and recently hosted their very own whisk(e)y tasting event.  They advertised having over 15 different vendors, blind tastings, craft cocktails, experts, and brand ambassadors to explain it all.

Experience:  I can attest that they had everything that was promised and more.  On entering, I was given a map of the three floors and my official Jack Rose Glencairn glass.  I happily discovered that they filled every corner of the restaurant with wonderful whiskies.  Jack Rose’s impeccable reputation made this event extremely popular. The downstairs was filled up five minutes after the event started, so I went straight upstairs and to my surprise I found it mostly abandoned.

I got to spend some time talking to Justin, the Moet-Hennessy representative, about the history of Glenmorangie and Ardbeg distilleries.

Then I shifted over to the next stand and got to sample Laphroaig 27 year.  It was a very different pour for Laphroaig, much smoother than the younger years. They will always have my heart.  I explored the other stands on the top floor but did not get to talk to many of the representatives.

I went downstairs to explore more of Jack Rose’s wonderful world of whiskies.  The blind tasting was a amazing time and had my heart broken by Mr. Kulsveen (Master Distiller of the Willett distillery) when I found out that their wheated bourbons were not on the market yet.  I continued to run from the crowd and went to the lower level.

This was great little room featuring craft cocktails and Kentucky Peerless.  It was a comfortable room, and the small size made it easier to observe the masters making craft cocktails (one of my favorite pastimes).  I wandered around, visited other stations that I missed, and got to meet another amazing whiskey blogger, Wally Dyer of Scotch and Sniff, as well as other local whiskey lovers in the area.  I also had the pleasure to spend time with a man who has forgotten more about whiskey than I know, Jack Rose’s whisk(e)y expert extraordinaire, Harvey Fry.  Overall it was an amazing event that combined great company and great whisk(e)y.

Recommendation: This is an event for serious whisk(e)y lovers on the D.C. metro area.  This is a perfect event for anyone who wants to experience a high end tasting but does not want to spend the several hundred dollars for WhiskeyLive or WhiskyFest.  It was wonderful to be able to sample new whiskies that are not available on the market and spend a wonderful day with the D.C. whiskey community.  Jack Rose, thank you for a wonderful experience! I’m off to yoga, cheers!

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