Raise a glass this September in honor of National Bourbon Heritage Month, a month-long celebration of America’s native spirit, with The Twisted Tail, Bluebird Distilling, and Tamworth Distilling. Whether it’s sipping a rich, smooth bourbon by the fire or raising a glass at a festive bourbon-themed event, here are some of the ways to honor the tradition and craftsmanship of this iconic American spirit.
THE TWISTED TAIL
Whiskey lovers rejoice! The Twisted Tail, the popular Southern-inspired restaurant, bar and live Blues joint nestled in Headhouse Square, is thrilled to host its 10th annual Whiskey Bonanza on Thursday, September 26 from 7 to 10 pm, starting with a VIP hour from 6 to 7 p.m., featuring more than 100 whiskeys, a riveting cocktail competition with top Philly bartenders, a signature southern pig roast, live music and more whiskey-themed festivities.
The annual ticketed whiskey-tasting event celebrates Bourbon Heritage Month by offering guests access to a smorgasbord of whiskeys. Established Philadelphia bartenders will incorporate the whiskey offerings into original cocktails for attendees to vote on in a cocktail competition, plus Deke’s BBQ food truck will be on-site serving up slow cooked barbecue, and Reverend Chris will be playing live New Orleans Style Jazz and Blues piano all night.
“The Twisted Tail was born out of our love for Bourbon and Blues, so Whiskey Bonanza is kind of like our Christmas before Christmas,” said George Reilly, the Master Craftsman and proprietor of The Twisted Tail. “It’s no coincidence that we host this event during Bourbon Heritage Month; few things are as quintessentially American as bourbon. Being able to hold this celebration in the birthplace of America imbues the event with a sense of virtue and nostalgia.”
Bonanza attendees can opt for a special VIP hour with early admission at 6 pm, enabling access to rare and hard-to-find whiskeys not available during the main event, plus more one-on-one time with distillery representatives. The VIP hour also guarantees guests the first-hand opportunity to enjoy The Twisted Tail’s traditional Suckling Pig Roast.
From 7-10pm, the event will open to general admission ticketholders and attendees can enjoy a selection of over 100 different whiskeys from distilleries spread out over The Twisted Tail’s two floors. Plus, eventgoers can sample whiskey-based cocktails from some of Philly’s top bartenders and choose their favorite in the Whiskey Bonanza Cocktail Competition. Adding to the fun, Deke’s BBQ food truck will be on-site from 8 to 10 pm in front of The Twisted Tail offering pay-as-you-go bites to satisfy any food cravings between whiskey tastings.
Tickets for the Whiskey Bonanza are $65 for general admission and $85 for VIP, with a $40 Designated Driver option also available for those looking to only enjoy the victuals and not imbibe. Tickets can be purchased at whiskeybonanza.com, in person at The Twisted Tail or via phone at 215-558-2471.
“American whiskey’s roots date back to the 17th century in Pennsylvania,” Reilly explained. “Eastern European settlers established their homesteads and farms here, sowing rye seeds on a large scale, and distilling surplus grains into whiskey. The Twisted Tail seeks to pay homage to this rich history and rejoice in the spirit’s journey by presenting a diverse array of over 100 whiskeys through the Whiskey Bonanza and a wide selection of brown spirits available all year round.”
To further celebrate Bourbon Heritage month, The Twisted Tail will host weekly happy hours every Friday in September from 4:30 to 6:30 pm highlighting featured distilleries. Bourbon and whiskey lovers will enjoy complimentary pours, limited cocktails, distillery insights, and branded swag. The happy hours are free to attend and pay as you go.
Already several years in the running, The Twisted Tail offers a free-to-join Bourbon Club program, perfect for amateur and seasoned whiskey enthusiasts alike. Members receive a membership card that is kept at the bar and contains a list of 70+ bourbons, whiskeys, ryes, and scotches, all offered at The Twisted Tail. If a member manages to drink two ounces of every spirit on the list, they become a Bourbon Club “Finisher”, granting them a permanent 20% discount on all whiskeys and a custom engraved class kept at the bar atop a special shelf.
Bourbon Club Members can take advantage of the following promotions this September:
- September 1 – 8: Cross off any bourbon with a one ounce pour
- September 9 – 15: $2 off any Small Batch whiskey
- September 16 – 22: Customize a flight and cross off all three
- September 23 – 30: $2 off any Kentucky Straight Bourbon
_______
BLUEBIRD DISTILLING
Bluebird Distilling is the award-winning Phoenixville craft distillery helmed by Owner, Founder, and Master Distiller Jared Adkins, best known for producing its wide catalogue of small batch whiskies and other celebrated craft spirits — namely, the unique Four Grain Bourbon, made using four grains (corn, rye, wheat, and barley) where most other bourbons only use three.
Bourbon nerds are encouraged to get their hands on a bottle of Bluebird Distilling’s limited release of Four Grain Bourbon Barrel Strength, a 112 proof, 7 year old bourbon with notes of caramel and brown sugar born from the rugged charm of corn, rye, wheat, and barley. Distilled just once using a state-of-the-art hybrid copper still to capture robust flavors, it’s a testament to authenticity and the raw spirit of the grains.
Available for online nationwide shipping atwww.bluebirddistilling.com.
_______
TAMWORTH DISTILLING
Tamworth Distilling is a craft distillery, founded and owned by liquor brand savant Steven Grasse, that focuses on creating truly one-of-a-kind, small-batch spirits that reflect the flora and fauna of lush Tamworth, New Hampshire, with all ingredients used in the production of spirits farmed or foraged within 150 miles of the distillery. In addition to showcasing local and natural ingredients, the brand highlights prominent historical American events, figures, and notable geography: Tamworth Distilling Old Man of the Mountain Bottled in Bond Bourbon is a storied four-year barreled bourbon — and an homage to the famous “The Great Stone Face” rock formation known as an iconic landmark of New Hampshire. This bottled-in-bond bourbon is made from 82.4% organic yellow corn, 11% organic rye, and 6.6% malted barley, and uses a traditional sour mash fermentation process.
Available for online nationwide shipping at www.tamworthdistilling.com.
