Whiskey Washback Toasts and Takes a Bite Out of The Big Apple in Penultimate Festival

Whiskey Washback, a traveling whiskey and culinary festival with live music blew through New York on October 18. (Photos: Whiskey Washback/Bottle Raiders)

Whiskey Washback, a traveling whiskey and culinary festival, brought tipples and tastings of New York brands like Hudson Whiskey, Widow Jane and Great Jones Distilling Co. to thirsty attendees on October 18 in New York City.

Yet New York whiskey wasn’t the only type of tipple available at this event, Whiskey Washback featured scotches, bourbons and international whiskies from brands like Nikka and more, offering guests a tasting of whiskey around the world.

In May, Bottle Raiders acquired Whiskey Washback and its sister event, Arte Agave. The traveling tequila festival lit up the summer season, with multiple sold-out events in Washington D.C. and New York. The events allow attendees to taste various whiskey and agave brands under one roof while enjoying local cuisine. It’s a little bit of education and a whole lot of fun.

Guests who tasted various whiskeys and wanted to see what the critics thought about them in real-time could use the Bottle Raiders App, which launched in September. The Bottle Raiders app uses AI-driven technology and optical character recognition (OCR) to scan labels. The OCR analyzes labels and implements pattern recognition, linking the bottle to the Bottle Raiders review database so users can access what the critics think about each bottle within seconds. The Bottle Raiders App additionally offers its users a community of like-minded spirits enthusiasts with community reviews and access to spirits news.

The Bottle Raiders team made an appearance and offered guests the opportunity to try the new Bottle Raiders app.

In addition to trying out new tech, those in attendance at Whiskey Washback New York City enjoyed oysters — what goes better with scotch, come on — from Billion Oyster Project. Guests could additionally indulge in mini-stuffed waffles from Brooklyn Bake N Fried.

Tiki Chick made an appearance and served pink wave tiki sandwiches, while Maison Pickle served bacon steak bites with cilantro, mustard seeds, red chile oil, and maple drizzle.

Jacob’s Pickle offered guests an assortment of pickles.

Jacob’s Pickle was there with an assortment of pickled vegetables. El Gallo served pork tacos and esquites, which paired great with the jalapeño cornbread from TB Goodies. Those who had a sweet tooth could enjoy whiskey-infused ice cream from Tipsy Scoop and boozy cupcakes from the Cocktail Parlor. Guests enjoyed live music and tunes from DJ Pushbutton and could smoke cigars from Ken Hamlin’s Arrival Cigars brand outside — all while enjoying whiskey, of course.

Here is a list of all the whiskey and spirits brands that made an appearance at Bottle Raiders’ Whiskey Washback in New York City.

The Whiskey Brands at Whiskey Washback New York City

• Michter’s
• Widow Jane
• Few Spirits
• Brenne Whiskey

A bottle of James E. Pepper whiskey.

• James E. Pepper
• Hudson Whiskey
• Monkey Shoulder
• Tullamore Dew
• Glenfiddich
• Dad’s Hat
• Dry Fly
• Westward Whiskey
• Garrison Bros
• Ardray

Scotches from brands like Glenmorangie and Islay’s own Ardbeg offered guests the opportunity to expand their palates.

• Ardbeg
• Glenmorangie

Bardstown Bourbon Company offered guests the opportunity to taste through its portfolio.

• Bardstown Bourbon Company
• Green River
• Fort Hamilton Distillery
• Milam & Green
• Burnt Church
• Great Jones
• Kentucky Owl
• Blue Note Bourbon
• Hirsch Whiskey
• Nikka Whisky
• Balblair
• Old Pulteney
• Morris of Rutherglen
• Glenrothes Scotch
• Wyoming Whiskey
• Guinness
• High n Wicked

More on Whiskey Washback’s Final Stop

If you missed out on our New York event, fear not! Whiskey Washback is making one final stop in Dallas, Texas, on October 25. Be sure to use the code RAIDERS20 for 20% off tickets.

Stay up-to-date on all Whiskey Washback and Arte Agave news for our next season of events with information that can be accessed here.