On November 16th I attended the New York Whisky Festival. This was one of the many spirit-centric festivals that are taking place around the New York area at this time of year.
The festival was held at The Tunnel at 269 11th Avenue on the West side of Manhattan. It’s a former indoor rail terminal that has been used as a nightclub, event venue and commercial space.
There are many such festivals held around this time of year and like most things some are better than others. Some of the festivals are geared toward the experienced drinker who are looking to experience some high end and esoteric spirits while other festivals are geared more to the novice drinkers that are looking for more of a party with some spirits thrown in. The latter tend to showcase 2nd tier or unknown labels for the spirits. This festival was more of the latter than the former. In my opinion, the most interesting whisky at the event were the single malt French whisky from Rozelieures, while solid stalwarts such as Taconic Distillery, Koval and Slaughter House were on hand to pour some quality spirits. I attended the afternoon session and the crowd on hand were enjoying themselves.
Some of what I sampled:
| Rozelieures Single Malt French Whiskey | Springbrook Rye, Bourbon |
| Slaughter House, Straight Edge, Whipsaw | Catoctin Creek Bourbon, Roundstone Rye |
| Glen Grant Single Malt Scotch 12yr, 15yr, 18yr | Taconic Distillery Founders Rye, Cask Strength Rye, Barrel Strength Bourbon |
| Koval Oat, Millet, Bourbon, Single Barrel | Duke Bourbon, Founders Reserve |
| Uncle Nearest 1856, 1884 Whisky | Coppersea Rye, Straight Whisky |
| J. Riddle Peated Bourbon | American Craft Distillers 1420 Bourbon |
| Town Branch Single Malt Whisky, Bourbon | Black Button Distillery Bourbon |
| Catcher’s Rye | Misunderstood Ginger Spiced Whisky |
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