Recently writer Dana McMahan joined us on a trip to Buffalo Trace to do a Single Barrel Selection. We had an enjoyable morning tasting from four barrels of Eagle Trace and ultimately chose #4. Click here for the article and be sure to scroll through the picture slideshow for more of the story on the barrel selection process.

Sip single barrel selections at Westport Whiskey and Wine. For a buck or less per sample you can choose from  a variety of bourbons hand-picked by owner Chris Zaborowski, and buy a bottle of your favorite.

The recent issue of Market Watch highlights the store and discusses their unique approach to educating their customers by providing a significant number of tasting opportunities. “We need a way to drive people to our store,” Zaborowski as quoted in the article. “Tastings are the best means of doing that. Our suppliers tell us that nobody else teaches and tastes like we do. We’re proud of that distinction.”

Market Watch is the primary resource for business information for the drinks industry, providing extensive analysis of industry trends, data, statistics, on- and off-premise operations, as well as coverage of business strategies, merchandising promotion and wholesale news.

Click here to read the full article.

Louisville celebrates with classes, cocktails, contests and more.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (March 27, 2013) – It’s time to hone your mint julep-making skills, sample classic and innovative juleps created by some of the Derby City’s best mixologists and even enjoy a julep cupcake – because it’s Mint Julep Month. The mint julep has famously been the official drink of the Kentucky Derby since 1938. While there is some debate on the proper way to prepare a mint julep, there is no doubt that Louisville is the best place to enjoy one of these refreshing cocktails and with Derby fast approaching, the month of April is the perfect time to do so.

To learn the nuances of fine julep making, you can join Joy Perrine, the Bad Girl of Bourbon, at Locust Grove (4-11-13), Equus & Jack’s Lounge (4-15-13), Westport Wine & Whiskey (4-17-13) or the Whole Foods Wine Shop (4-23-13) as she conducts demonstrations and tastings. You can also take a Bourbon Enthusiast class at the Distilled Spirits Epicenter (4-13-13) for a course that will cover Derby entertaining with Kentucky’s signature spirit or attend the 10th Annual Rose Julep Contest (4-18-13) to see how competition brings out the best in the season’s favorite cocktail.

For special Mint Julep Month cocktails and edibles try a “For the Birds” Julep at Proof on Main, a Trifecta Lavender-Honeysuckle Julep at the Village Anchor, Mint Julep Lemonade at Doc Crow’s or Mint Julep Gelato at Ghyslain among others. And certainly don’t forget the ever popular mint julep cupcakes that make an appearance for Derby season at The Bakery at Sullivan University.

For a complete list of events and juleps around town please click here.

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Here are a few links to some recent posts about us:

Gifts for less than $100 at Westport Village

http://www.whas11.com/great-day-live/video/fashion-beauty/Gifts-for-less-than-100-at-Westport-Village-181848741.html

WFPL – What were you drinking last night?

http://wfpl.org/post/what-were-you-drinking-last-night-probably-not-pappy-van-winkle

MEGABITESLOUISVILLE

http://www.megabiteslouisville.com/2012/08/westport-whiskey-wine/

Consuming Louisville

http://consuminglouisville.com/2012/10/localbitters.php

Delta’s Sky Magazine

http://deltaskymag.delta.com/Destinations/Louisville/Shopping/Westport-Whiskey-Wine.aspx

Sign up for Painting Classes at Westport Whiskey & Wine, taught by Gena Neumann. ARTaFx.com: National and Internationally Exhibited Artist

• Friday, November 9, 7-9 pm “Wild Fleur De Lis”  

FUN, follow along, take home that night’s paintings. Wine, Beer, Sodas, Water will be for sale to enjoy while we work. (A lite snack provided). All supplies included. PERFECT Girls Night Out; Come Early/Stay Late!

The cost is $35 per class, everything included except drinks. Class participants receive a 10% store discount that night. Limited to first 18 pre paid per class. Call to reserve your spot (502) 708-1313.

The Silver Oak Tower Tour 2012 Westport Village Stop, Friday, July 13

Napa River Grill Silver Oak Wine Dinner

Westport Whiskey & Wine VIP Tasting Event

Napa River Grill and Westport Whiskey & Wine announce The Silver Oak Tower Tour 2012 is coming to Westport Village in Louisville, Kentucky. The Silver Oak Team and Tower will be on site for commemorative photos in the parking lot Friday, July 13, during the two events. Napa River Grill will host a special Silver Oak Wine Dinner while Westport Whiskey & Wine will host a VIP Tasting Event of the Silver Oak 40^th Anniversary package and the remainder of the Silver Oak and Twomey Cellars portfolio.

The Silver Oak Tower Tour 2012 is now underway. The 12,000-mile journey across the United States began June 5, 2012 from the winery in Napa Valley, California. The 60-day trip will conclude on August 4, 2012, with a special celebration of the winery’s 40th Anniversary and the release of the 2008 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

The Napa River Grill 5-course Wine Dinner begins at 6:30 pm with pan seared sea scallop with cauliflower puree, honeydew melon “glass”, and micro greens paired with 2010 Twomey Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc. The second course features oven roasted pork tenderloin wrapped in prosciutto and stuffed with figs, topped with balsamic peach foam paired with 2008 Twomey Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir. The third course is Duck Wellington with roasted beet and arugula salad paired with 2007 Twomey Napa Valley Merlot. The fourth course is a Maitake mushroom stuffed beef tenderloin with black plum and white soy demi glace and vegetable fried wild rice paired with 2007 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. The fifth course cheese tasting will feature Grafton Cloth Bound aged cheddar, Beemster Xo, and Fourme J’Amber with accompaniments and paired with 2006 Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Tom Johnson, Silver Oak Brand Ambassador will be the featured presenter. The cost of the Wine Dinner is $95 per person plus tax and gratuity. Seating is limited. For reservations, call (502) 423-5822. Westport Whiskey & Wine will be the retail partner for this event. At the dinner, guests will have the opportunity to order bottles and/or cases of the featured wines at a 15% discount. Orders will be available for pick-up beginning Monday, July 16 at Westport Whiskey & Wine.

The Westport Whiskey & Wine VIP Tasting Event also begins at 6:30 pm and will feature Michael Solway, Silver Oak/Twomey Cellars Regional Sales Manager, presenting the Silver Oak and Twomey Cellars portfolio. Westport Whiskey & Wine will have the Special Limited Edition Silver Oak 2008 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Anniversary Package ($79.99 retail price) in stock for the event. Special pricing will be available for the VIP Tasting participants, plus happy hour pricing on all appetizers at Napa River Grill following the event. Seating is limited. The cost is $25 per person, or $20 for Tasting Club Members. For reservations, call (502) 708-1313.

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Silver Oak has been producing wine since 1972. The winery produces Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, both exceptional, food-friendly Cabernets that are extensively aged to be drinkable upon release. Follow the road trip:  www.SilverOak.com/TowerTour2012.

by Joy Perrine of Jack’s Lounge/Equus

Monday, June 25, 7 to 8 pm. Cruzan Rums Cocktail Class with Joy Perrine, co-author of The Kentucky Bourbon Cocktail Book and bar manager of Jack’s Lounge/Equus. She will be conducting a class on her favorite rums, Cruzan. We have sold-out Joy’s classes in the past and this is sure to be another. $15 per person or $10 for Tasting Club Members. Here are the recipes she will demonstrate:

Westport Whiskey & Wine offers tastings to let customers try before they buy