Noel Night in Motown

Hi kids! LoudGuy here. I spent an unseasonably warm (above freezing) Saturday night in downtown, Detroit at my first Noel Night. First rate entertainment (for free!), great (and packed!) restaurants and bars with drink specials (!) for all.  If you're in town next year, check it out, and let us know what you find.

 

The Rhythm Society Orchestra play big band hits in front of the Diego Rivera Murals at the Detroit Institute of Arts.

 

McSorley's Bar (1912 - John Sloan) at the DIA

The Five Lakes Silver Band plays traditional British carols at the Cathedral of St. Paul.

 

Artsy's Backyard: William Hallett.

William Hallett.Artsy Guy here, on a break from the desk on a drippy day in Astoria. Pretty recently, my 'hood was graced with a gem of a gastropub: William Hallett. Named for a pioneer of these parts, this place is also blazing trails in the way of comfort food: the turducken sandwich and foie gras sliders give just a hint at what awaits.  This evening, I opted for their brilliant mac and cheese and side of the bacon brussels sprouts.

The wine list is varied and interesting, and there's a full bar.  But of course the beer taps are what catch my eye, and the regular selection here includes Founders Centennial IPA, Stone Smoked Porter, Coney Island, Kelso, Sly Fox, and more.  Yes and yes.

So, if you're in Astoria, Queens, in the NYC, get thee to William Hallett.  They're open late with an after hours menu until 2am.  That's what's HOPpenin!

4 Roses Bourbon Luncheon, December 5th @ 5 Napkin!

 

Here at The Happy Hour Guys we're all about getting our fans to the most exclusive events out there; and we've got a great one for you.  Our friends at Four Roses are heading to New York for an exclusive Bourbon Luncheon at 5 Napkin Burger in Midtown on December 5th.  Interested?  To make a reservation, email y.bushoy@5napkinburger.com .  

Just $30 gets you a bourbon pairing lunch featuring a 3 course meal, 4 bourbon tastings (including some VERY special bourbons), all in an intimate setting 4 Roses' "Rock Star" Master Distiller, Jim Rutledge.  Here's a bit about Jim:

 

Jim Rutledge, Four Roses Master Distiller, has a resume that reads like a Distillery’s dream.

Master Distiller at Four Roses since 1995, and a member of the inaugural class of the Bourbon Hall of Fame, Rutledge began his long career in the spirits industry with Seagram’s Louisville Research & Development operation in 1966.  That's more than 45 years in the Bourbon Industry.

In 2007, Rutledge was presented Malt Advocate Magazine’s Lifetime Achievement Award at WhiskyFest New York, and the following year, the leading liquor industry publication, Whisky Magazine, declared him Ambassador of the Year for American Whiskies as a part of their annual Icons of Whisky Awards.  

And here's a teaser of what's on the Menu!

Four Recipes Artfully Mingled in New Limited Edition Bourbon

Four Roses 2011 Limited Edition Small Batch Blooms

LAWRENCEBURG, Ky. (August 15, 2011) – Four Roses Distillery is adding to its collection of limited edition small batch bourbon expressions this September which mingles four recipes – aged between 11 and 13 years - of the distillery’s 10 unique recipes.

The 2011 Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon presents aromas of honeysuckle, toasted oak, almond toffee, and spicy hints of nutmeg and cinnamon, with subtle fruit flavors of dried apricot, ripe plum, plus brown sugar, honey and dark chocolate covered cherries. 

Four Roses’ limited edition bourbon offerings have historically sold out quickly and been highly acclaimed by spirits critics.  Last year’s 2010 Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon was rated third by Paul Pacult amongst the top 140 Five-Star Rated Spirits of the world in his renowned liquor industry publication The Spirit Journal.

Email y.bushoy@5napkinburger.com for reservations!

Keep it? Or PASS THE CROWN!

 

Hey all,

We need your help! ( And there could be something in it for you!) Crown Royal has asked us to be part of their1st ever digital gift swap. Essentially, it's a "Yankee swap", where you keep the gift bag you're given or "steal" what the person before you got. Great gifts!

So far, 2 iPads and a Happy Hour for 40 friends have been given. The best part: we receive 2 of whatever we get and will be giving one to a lucky one of you guys!

So--- let us know why YOU should be the person to share our gift. Video entries get extra credit! Our day to choose is Tuesday, Nov. 22nd.

 

Hit our Facebook Page, or our Twitter Feed (use the hashtag #passthecrown), and let us know if we should keep this gift, or take a risk on the next one.  Let's have some fun!

 

 

Ninkasi: A little Oregon in NYC.

The bounty Ninkasi has bestowed upon us.Artsy Guy here.  It makes me happy to type these words: I enjoyed some Ninkasi brews in NYC last night.  Ninkasi Brewing Co. is in Eugene, Oregon, just a short jaunt from my hometown.  It's one of those fantastic local craft beers you can find everywhere on the local market but rarely elsewhere.  Well, the Ninkasi folks were in town (at Blind Tiger) to commemorate a collaboration brew (Allies Win the War) with San Francisco based 21st Amendment Brewing (which is lovely).  I love the stuff coming out of 21st Amendment, and they're incredibly worthy of their own feature.  But you know how it is with the amazing stuff that comes from your own neighborhood, and my 'hood is the Willamette Valley.  I've gotta shout it from the rooftops a li'l bit.  It's part of the magic of the diverse craft community.

In addition to the collaboration, we tasted five beers that made their way across the country: Total Domination IPA, Believer Double Red, Otis Oatmeal Stout, Maiden the Shade (hoppy summer ale), and Sleighr Dark Double Alt (holiday).  Fantastic, all!  I've also got to mention their Tricerahops Double IPA which is stunning as well.  They make this hophead happy, but their brews are always incredibly well-balanced and interesting.

Oh, and FYI, Ninkasi is the name of the Sumerian goddess of fermentation.  These folks are doing it up right, and I hope we see their stuff in the Big Apple again soon.  Until then, get thee to the west coast!  That's what's HOPpenin', y'all!