It was an evening to remember as whiskey lovers—enthusiasts and newcomers alike—mingled with spirit industry titans Thursday night, March 27, at an exclusive happy hour event hosted by Bourbon+ magazine.

Held at Gerties’ Whiskey Library at The 404 Kitchen in Nashville, TN, the event aimed to connect Bourbon+ subscribers with industry leaders for a night of curated pours, specialty cocktails, and small bites while exploring a library of over 700 whiskeys.

The evening, with a touch of early spring in the air, kicked off as invitees filled the upstairs patio of The 404 Kitchen, conversing over plated bites, savoring pours of tasty spirits—including the 2023 limited release of Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series BEP, Old Kirk Single Barrel Straight Bourbon, and Bhakta 2013 Armagnac Cask Finished Bourbon Whiskey.

Behind the bar, Brandon Creech stirred up signature cocktails like the tropical and spiced Bellbird—a banana-washed Maker’s Mark 46 creation with cacao-infused Aperitivo, pineapple, falernum, and lime—and the smoky, complex Dead Nettle, featuring Penelope Barrel Strength Bourbon, Sfumato Rabarbar, watermelon, serrano, and Elakamule tiki bitters.

Following happy hour, guests were invited to enjoy a sit-down dinner led by Matt Blous, executive chef of 404 Kitchen. Those who participated in the dinner were treated to a four-course meal that included Tabouleh Salad paired with Woodford Reserve Double Oak, single barrel; fried Mississippi Catfish paired with Woody Creek Colorado High Rye Bourbon, single barrel; Slow-Roasted Pork Loin paired with Woodinville Straight Bourbon, single barrel; and S’mores for dessert paired with Woody Creek Straight Colorado Rye, single barrel.

With Chef Bolus at the helm, 404 Kitchen infuses Southern heritage cooking with a modern European sensibility. As for Bourbon+, we strive to capture the essence of a lifestyle, from grain to bottle, and all points in between and beyond. Our mission, quite simply, is to raise the glass.

That was accomplished as the evening ended with guests sharing stories and clinking glasses to toast a successful celebration of the bourbon community. It was a night rooted in camaraderie and the love of whiskey, and we are certainly looking forward to the next round.

Cheers!

Photos by Sam Calderon Photography
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