New Orleans in July is H-O-T, but for the horde of cocktail enthusiasts destined to arrive next week for Tales of the Cocktail (now in its 15th year), a cold drink will never be far away. The options are truly overwhelming. So, let’s start with our short list of the top whisky-centric events taking place. For a full listing of events, whisky-related and otherwise, visit the Tales of the Cocktail website.
(And by the way, cocktails are not a good way to stay hydrated. We recommend drinking plenty of water along with your whisky!)
Celebrate Canada’s 150th Birthday With Crown Royal
Our neighbor to the north is turning 150 years old in 2017, and Crown Royal is inviting everyone to the party. Enjoy Canadian-inspired cocktails in this tasting room—you don’t even have to sing “O, Canada” (unless you want to).
Date: Wednesday, July 19th
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Place: Hotel Monteleone, Orleans Room
Discover A New Whisky Cocktail, the Montreal
Didn’t get enough of the great white north on Wednesday? Just swing by this tasting room, presented by Beam Suntory and the #MontrealCocktail Society, and learn about the Montreal cocktail. A group of bartenders, led by Kevin Demers, owner of Coldroom Bar, collaborated over the course of several months to create the drink in honor of Montreal’s 375th anniversary. The cocktail includes Canadian rye, gin, Suze liqueur, and Aperol. It’s a beauty way to go.
Date: Thursday, July 20th
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Place: Hotel Monteleone. Royal Rooms C & D
Get A Taste Of Goa With Paul John
At this Dynamic Duo event, Gabriel Rieben of Dullboy will be whipping up cocktails made with Paul John single malt whisky. Featuring Paul John’s Brilliance, Edited, and newly launched Bold expressions, this event is sure to offer one of the more exotic menus of the week, including a cocktail inspired by the distillery’s home state of Goa, located on India’s west coast.
Date: Thursday, July 20th
Time: 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Place: Barrel Proof
Beat the Rap with Larceny Bourbon
Don’t just pick up a shot of bourbon in this tasting room—sample straight from the barrel, then get your mug shot taken (because barrel sampling is illegal, dontcha know). You won’t get locked up, but you will get a taste of the law-breaking life of John E. Fitzgerald, the inspiration behind Larceny.
Date: Friday, July 21st
Time: 10:30 – 12:30 p.m.
Place: Hotel Monteleone, Orleans Room
Go Retro With Johnnie Walker’s Scotch & Soda Shoppe
Scotch and Soda gets a lively twist at this throwback pop-up, hosted by Johnnie Walker. In addition to the cocktails, try a Johnnie & Soda Float made with scotch-infused ice cream (something we can recommend). There will also be plenty of food, including Louisiana favorites like gumbo, so you’ll be able to pad your stomach while enjoying the whimsical delights of an adult soda shop. Scotch whisky has never been so refreshing! RSVP to JWSodaShoppe@hunterpr.com.
Date: Friday, July 21st
Time: Noon – 8:00 p.m.
Place: Stanley Restaurant
