Heaven Hill Whiskey Dinner at Upper West (10/26)

If you like whiskey and are known to eat food now and then, the Heaven Hill whiskey dinner next Wednesday night (October 26th) at Upper West might be just the thing you are looking for.  The $55 five course dinner is paired with a different American whiskey for each course.

The dinner is limited to 40 people and will be hosted by Andie Brokaw from Heaven Hill who has collaborated with Nick Shipp, the Executive Chef of Upper West.  The pairing I am most excited about is the Chicken & Waffle made with jidori chicken and coffee spiced waffle that is paired with Elijah Craig 12 Year Bourbon Whiskey.  I may not usually be a dessert fan, but finishing up the meal with a fennel apple cobbler paired with Rittenhouse Rye might just make me a convert.

Heaven Hill is the largest independent whiskey producer in the United States and has a portfolio of brands that are none too shabby.  Brokaw will speak about the history of the whiskey brands served with the meal, how and where they are produced, and what the rules are that govern whiskey, rye, bourbon etc in the US.

To make a reservation contact Upper West at (310) 586-1111.

Upper West: 3221 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica.  Website:http://www.theupperwest.com/

Faster than a Speeding Bulleit: A New Rye from Bulleit

Bulleit has been making its signature bourbon for a dozen years since founder Tom Bulleit resurrected his family's namesake brand and product.  This month, the company launched Bulleit Rye, made with 95% rye mash and 5% barley.  Rye whiskey only has to be 51% rye mash to be called rye, so Bulleit is not shy about its very high rye percentage, calling it out three times on the label.  The rye is 90 proof, 45% ABV.  The rye bottle has the same embossed lettering on it as the Bulleit bourbon and a similar label too, except green in color.

The liquid itself is amber colored and has some spice to it.  It is quite smooth but lacks some of the intensity and wallop of products like Rittenhouse 100 or Old Overholt.  It has a sweeter flavor profile than most ryes I have tried.  This rye whiskey worked nicely when I used it as a base for an Old Fashioned.

I am a big fan of Bulleit Bourbon as it is delicious, a good value and has good distribution (you can even find it in Trader Joes), so I was excited to try their rye.  The rye's smoothness and mellow character makes it work as a sipping spirit, in a way that most ryes do not.  Will it replace one of my default's?  No.  But it will now have its own spot in my liquor cabinet.  The rye resurgence continues.  Long may it live.

Available in California at Hi Time: $19 and K&L: $22 (for the 750 ml bottle).

Note: I am friends with Hollis Bulleit, namesake of the brand & Global Brand Ambassador, but I liked the product long before I knew her.