WhiskyFest New York 2023 Delivers Drams Galore, Bagpipes, and More

Whisky devotees descended upon the New York Marriott Marquis on November 9^th for this year’s WhiskyFest New York, a gathering that delivered drams, a bagpipe performance, and even a famous face. Over 300 whiskies were on offer throughout the night, in many cases accompanied by their distillers, blenders, and owners.

A VIP hour kicked the evening off, during which attendees had the opportunity to sip a number of exclusive and extraordinary whiskies. Among New York’s VIP hour pours were Ardbeg Traigh Bhan 19 year old Batch No. 5, Deanston 15 year old Tequila Cask Finish, Dewar’s 21 year old Mizunara Cask Finish, Old Pulteney Pineau de Charentes Cask Finish, Glen Moray 21 year old, Fercullen 21 year old, Fuji 50th Anniversary Single Malt, Heaven’s Door Bootleg Volume V, Kentucky Owl Batch 12, and Michter’s 20 year old.

Just as it was at WhiskyFest San Francisco in October, Michter’s 20 was very popular and VIP ticket holders were delighted by it. “We love Michter’s, and especially that 20 year old—it’s why we got VIP tickets in the first place,” said Jackie Lehner, who came in from Long Island with her friend, Pam Sommo. “It was amazing, it’s what we raced in for and started the night with, and it certainly set the tone for the evening.”

Another VIP hour exclusive that was charming guests left and right came from Japan’s T&T Toyama Distillery. “I tried something I’d never had before—Saburomaru II The High Priestess from T&T, it was clean, delicate, and perfectly peaty,” said first-time WhiskyFest goer Andrew Miller. “I’m glad we got in early, because it’s given us so much face time with the vendors, and they’re answering all of our questions.”

Among the vendors present was actor William H. Macy, who was a familiar face to many guests. Macy was there promoting his whiskey, Woody Creek, a Colorado brand specializing in Colorado-made bourbon and rye; he was especially excited about his first signature bottling, William H. Macy Reserve, a bottled in bond 10 year old rye that will be an annual release, changing each year. “It’s getting crazier by the minute here, and I love meeting people that are so serious about spirits, and so smart about them as well,” Macy said of his first WhiskyFest experience.

As the VIP hour concluded and the second wave of guests entered the ballroom, they were treated to whiskies galore, including Texas distillery Balcones’ latest American single malt, Cataleja. “A lot of people have been asking for Cataleja, and the reception’s been great; as a person who’s very close to it, I was incredibly nervous, but people have been loving it,” said blender and spirits manager Gabe RiCharde. Another American single malt cultivating new fans was New York’s own Tenmile, where founder Joel LeVangia and master distiller Shane Fraser were on hand throughout the night. “A lot of people tonight had never heard of us, but their response has been positive, and we’ve loved the chance to interact with a whole new group of whisky lovers,” noted LeVangia. “We’re you’re local New York single malt—what I’ve tried to explain to people is if you love scotch but want the homegrown stuff, we’re your guy.”

In addition to plenty of pours, guests also had the chance to attend one of five master classes being held throughout the night: “History of Heaven Hill Distillery,” “Widow Jane—The Secrets Behind Widow Jane,” “The Art of Blending Hibiki,” “Fuji Whisky—Our 50-Year Journey from the Peak of Mt. Fuji to Your Glass,” and “Maker’s Mark: Maturation; More Than a Number.”

There’s one more WhiskyFest to go this year, taking place in Las Vegas on December 2. Tickets are available here.