On Friday evening, the acclaimed Whiskies of the World expo returns to Atlanta, at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Buckhead, featuring hundreds of whiskies to taste, food for pairing, whisky masterclasses and cigar pairings, all aimed at both novices and connoisseurs.
“Whiskies of the World is an experiential event,” event director Douglas Smith said in a recent phone call. “It’s intended as a tasting event and an educational experience.”
Smith took over as director of what is now the oldest whisky tasting event in Northern America in 2009. “I used to be an engineer before I started drinking,” he joked.
“But seriously, whisky is a complex spirit. It’s like art appreciation as you learn about it — the more you learn, the more you enjoy it. It’s not just a potent drink. Once you learn how to unlock the magic of the elixir you can appreciate the subtle flavors and nuances it has to offer. For that reason, it easy to see how it’s gained such a following”
One thing Smith said may surprise some is the expo’s take on whisky with food.
“A lot of people think of whisky as a before dinner or after dinner drink” he said. “We like to emphasize that is a with dinner drink. And big part of that is learning about pairing, which can be a whole new level of sensory perception.
Among the whiskies of different styles and origins at the expo: Scotch, Irish, bourbon, Tennessee, Canadian, Japanese, Indian, and newer products from American craft distilleries, including some local distilleries, such as Georgia’s Thirteenth Colony.
Whiskies of the World VIP tickets are sold out but General Admission tickets are still available for $120.
Tonight at H. Harper Station , you can get a jump on tasting whiskies from one of the best American craft distilleries taking part in the Whiskies of the World expo, as the Reynoldstown bar and restaurant hosts High West founder, Dave Perkins.
He credits being raised in Georgia for his love of Bourbon, but we think you should come hear the rest of the story from him. Taste through a selection of whiskey from his portfolio (complimentary!) between 8-10pm, and then order a cocktail or two made with High West spirits that we will be mixing up all night!
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