As the season begins to change, amber hues are making their way from turning leaves to crystal tumblers for National Bourbon Heritage Month, offering Philadelphia’s whiskey lovers plenty of reason to raise a glass to America’s “Native Spirit.” From timeless neighborhood gems to lively destinations for food, cocktails, and good company, local favorites are embracing the month with their own takes on celebrating the spirit. Red Owl Tavern, Sassafras, The Twisted Tail, are joining the festivities with standout pours and experiences that put this nationwide classic front and center. Bourbon aficionados and curious newcomers alike can consider September a month-long invitation to sip, savor, and discover favorites along the way.
At the heart of Old City, Red Owl Tavern, the contemporary kitchen and bar located across from Independence Hall, brings a robust selection of brown spirits, making it a natural stop for imbibers throughout the month. The bar’s selection runs the gamut, highlighting creative combinations from the Walnut Street ($17), featuring Redemption Wheated Bourbon, vanilla, demerara, and black walnut bitters, to The Bourbon Trail ($18), a refreshing blend of mint tea-infused Angel’s Envy Bourbon, peach, and lemon, giving guests the opportunity to uncover a new go-to or revisit a classic. With several ways to enjoy the celebration, Red Owl Tavern makes a strong case for adding a stop in Old City to the month’s itinerary. After all, there’s no harm in making room for another round with National Bourbon Heritage Month only coming around once a year.
Meanwhile, bourbon lovers looking to get into the spirit can turn to Neill Laughlin, co-owner of Old City’s “Grand Dame” of bars, Sassafras, for a few pours worth getting acquainted with. Whether whiskey enthusiast or still learning the difference between wheat and rye, Laughlin’s eye for a well-crafted pour is reflected in his selections, starting with Eagle Rare, a bourbon he enjoys for its “balance of it; the oak, vanilla and caramel are there, but it doesn’t feel overly sweet or heavy.” For something equally versatile behind the bar, Laughlin also reaches for Woodford Reserve, praising its ability to shine on its own while playing well with others, noting that it “has enough character to stand out but doesn’t overpower everything else in the drink.” In any pour, both bottles bring their own personality to the glass, from neat sips to thoughtfully crafted cocktails.
South of the city’s historic core, The Twisted Tail, the Southern-inspired contemporary American restaurant, bar, and live music venue, is bringing Bourbon Heritage Month to a spirited close with the return of its 12th Annual Whiskey Bonanza, one of Philadelphia’s most sought-after whiskey tasting events. Taking place Thursday, September 24, the Headhouse Square favorite will welcome spirit lovers for an evening of whiskeys from around the world, alongside live music, a bartender cocktail competition, a whole suckling pig roast, and a dedicated cigar lounge. As owner George Reilly puts it, “Guests can see, taste, and learn about more than 120 different labels all under one roof,” making it an ideal night for both seasoned drinkers and those looking to discover their next favorite pour. VIP Hour begins at 6pm, providing limited selections only available with early access tickets. General admission runs from 7pm to 9:30pm, while Deke’s BBQ food truck will keep the evening fueled with pay-as-you-go barbecue from 8pm to 10pm. The Twisted Tail will continue the festivities throughout the month through weekly Friday happy hours featuring different distilleries and its free Bourbon Club, where members who conquer the 70-plus-bottle whiskey list earn a permanent 20% discount.