Tomorrow night, Wednesday, I’ll be working the Bourbon and Stogies dinner at Makers Mark Bourbon House and Lounge in The Power & Light District, Kansas City.  This 4 course dinner will be paired with 3 craft cocktails and 3 cigars.   I’ll be showcasing the Hudson Baby Bourbon in the reception cocktail for this event. 

Hudson Whiskies are relatively new to the Kansas City area, but have been taking off nationwide due to heralded critical acclaim, support from bartenders, and consumer excitement for one of the most original products to come out of New York in a very long time.  The micro-distillery in upstate New York is considered a new pioneer in the industry, producing the first whiskey in the state since prohibition, and the first ever Bourbon. 

The Baby Bourbon is pot-distilled from 100% corn and is aged in small American Oak casks.  The flavor can be described as mildly sweet and smooth, with hints of vanilla and caramel.  This bright, approachable, and fun Bourbon I felt was the perfect way to start off the evening.  Guests of the event are welcome to taste the spirit neat, but I will be preparing a classic Americana Cocktail using the Hudson Baby Bourbon. 

The Americana is a lively and refreshing combination of Bourbon and Champagne, garnished with a fresh peach slice.  I’ll also add a sugar cube and a dash or two of Fee Bros. Peach Bitters.   The drink is served chilled in a champagne flute.  And in the interest of full disclosure, we won’t be using true Champagne, but the Gloria Ferrar Blanc de Noir Sparkling Wine from California.  I can’t think of a better way to kick off a Bourbon paired cocktail dinner that will end with cigars on the patio! 

For the bartenders out there, remember that the Hudson Whiskies will be sponsoring this year’s Greater Kansas City Bartending Competition.  The Hudson Baby Bourbon is approachable on its own, but is wonderfully diverse and dynamic enough to make a base for a great cocktail. 

To make a reservation for this unique and exciting event, contact Makers Mark Bourbon House & Lounge at 816.442.8115 or by visiting their website at http://www.makersmarkrestaurant.com/.

Cheers!

Ryan