I have three exceptional opportunities for you this week, including two incredible opportunities for people living in the NYC area.

First: Be one of 24 lucky WhiskeyLovers to spend an evening with Chip Tate of Balcones Distillery, enjoying a spectacular meal at New York’s hottest new restaurant: Harlow NYC.

Balcones was founded by Chip in 2008 and, in just five years has become one of the most awarded craft distillers in the United States.

On Saturday evening, April 6th, Chip will host an intimate whiskey dinner at Harlow NYC, where Chef Danny Ye has created a special five-course menu just for the evening – each course was designed to pair with a Balcones Whiskey. (scroll down for the evening’s menu)

The cost for the evening is $150 per person, including tax and gratuity.

Seating is limited to just 24 people. Reservations are mandatory, and can be purchased here…and better make them now, because with just 24 seats available, once they’re gone…

Second: On Wednesday April 3rd, WhiskyLive NYC comes to Pier Sixty, at Chelsea Piers on Manhattan’s West Side, for an outrageous evening of whisky exploration and education. Hundreds of exceptional whiskies from around the world will be poured, while Master Classes by renowned industry thought leaders are offered along with great food and music.

Tickets for the event are:

– $149 for the VIP treatment, which includes early entrance to the event at 5:00pm, 90 minutes earlier than standard admission, a Whisky Live tasting glass, show guide, full dinner buffet and 14 drink vouchers.

– $119 for regular entrance at 6:30pm, plus a Whisky Live tasting glass, show guide, full dinner buffet and 8 drink vouchers.

But wait!..Enter coupon code “explorer” when you purchase your tickets, and receive 15% off your ticket price. And VIP ticket purchasers will also get a 1-year subscription to Whisky Magazine.

Third: This week’s featured whisky: Ledaig 10 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

Launched in 2006, Ledaig 10 YO ($45.65/ bottle) comes steeped in a rich traditional culture. The name, pronounced ‘Led-chig’, comes from the Gaelic for ‘safe haven’, which is an apt moniker for a malt distilled on the Isle of Mull, surrounded by unpredictable local seas off the west coast of Scotland.

Ledaig’s character owes its quality to many sources; the traditional 18th century Tobermory distillery, the maturation for the full 10 years in superior oak wood casks. The dark and aromatic lochan water source situated high on the mountains, the malted barley that has been exclusively peat dried and the 46.3% alcohol by volume that complements the smokiness of the palate perfectly. This is a many-layered masterpiece.

If you live within 150 miles of NYC, I urge you to attend Whisky Live NYC on Wednesday April 3rd, and then join me for an unforgettable evening with Chip Tate of Balcones at Harlow on Saturday April 6th.

Until next week, I wish you the finest of spirits!

Doug Stone
Founder
ForWhiskeyLovers.com

Chef Danny Ye’s Menu for the Dinner with Chip Tate

First Course:
Rumble cured salmon with wasabi dijonnaise
Pairing: Balcones Rumble

Second Course:
Tuna crudo with pickled red chili, prosciutto, watercress, and a Brimstone Tosazu reduction
Pairing: Balcones Baby Blue

Third Course:
Nodi marini with Brimstone braised oxtail
Balcones pairing: Brimstone

Fourth Course:
Salmon with chorizo and Asian pear salsa.
Balcones pairing: True Blue 100

Dessert:
Single Malt Churros with warm chocolate sauce
Balcones pairing: Texas 1 Single Malt

LEDAIG 10YO SINGLE MALT ISLAND WHISKY

DISTILLERS TASTING NOTES

Color: Bright lemony gold

Nose: Immediately pungent with sweet tar and creosote aromas that release wood smoked fragrances with hints of liquorice and leather

Body: Sweet, smoky flavors with an explosion of spicy pepper, then boast a savory salty maltiness

Finish: Liquorice and cloves combine into a medium length smoked pepper finish. An ideal balance of peat, smoke and wood.