A Whiskey Lover’s Event!

I was totally unprepared last night as I covered The Whisky Extravaganza (TWE) while they hosted their tasting and masterclasses in Dallas, Texas. The event was open to and attracted whisky enthusiasts from all over, as it travels and sets up shop in various cities and locations throughout the US. As I entered the venue, located at 6500 Cedar Springs, I drew in the atmosphere which was mellow and somewhat upscale for a business casual event. The drapery and blue uplighting set the tone while patrons moved about mingling and sampling a wide variety of single malts, premium Scotch and whiskies from around the world. White contemporary lounge furniture and complimentary gift bags laced the Connoisseurs Lounge. If you listened just over the conversational hum, you could hear the soft music of various artists touch your ears and you might even have hummed along while enjoying food samples that were also onsite. Pecan Lodge, never fails us with their famous Mac’N Cheese, which was DELICIOUS. I followed that with other samples from Uptown’s very own Uchi and Uchiba Private Dining, which carries Japanese whisky and Whisk Crepes Cafe for a sweet treat of warm whisky infused crepes, topped with cinnamon apples, whipped cream and almond pieces. Mmmm. Mmmm.

I was unprepared, as I mentioned from the start, and unaware that there was a method to the whisky tasting experience. I definitely did not do my homework properly or I would known that you are not to drink each sample completely. Considering there were at least 25 vendors, I was happy that after at least 5 samples which included the likes of Uncle Nearest Tennessee Gold, Rebecca Creek Texas Ranger Whiskey, Devils River Rye Whiskey, OBAN Single Malt Scotch Whisky, and Compass Box Collections (which houses Hedonism, Great King Street, a Malt Whisky Collection and Limited Editions). Compass Box was rated “The best blender…” by Forbes Magazine. Quite honestly all of the vendors were award winners for numerous categories over the years. Upon approaching the vendor table you smell, swish, sip and pour the rest in into the urn carefully rinsing your sample glass with water or sipping water after to cleanse your palette in preparation for the next sample. A few were given with mixers such as Ginger Beer, Lemon and Lime bitters, and lemonade. In fact my favorite was a Honeycomb whiskey crafted by The Dubliner Irish Whiskey. This can be enjoyed over ice and gives just enough sweet for the ladies to sip slowly.

As I wrap, I will note that as I made my way to valet I overheard conversation about whiskey infused chocolate and did a 360’. How did I miss this?? I ran back inside and next to The Singleton and Jura displays were the most delicious chocolate samples provided by Yelibelly Chocolates. I was in Heaven for certain. The provide gifts for all types of consumers (including corporate packaging with logos); but I was most impressed here with there Tumeric infused chocolate that acts as an anti-inflammatory and adds to the healthy attributes that cacao plant and chocolate already provides. A purchase here and now I am ready for valet!