It’s officially brown liquor season! But some people (like me) enjoy it all year long. That said, it’s finally cold out, we got some snow and it’s perfect weather for sipping a little rye whiskey - and the Walters Art Museum is hosting an event that is sure to warm you right up.

The Women’s Committee at the Walters invites you to a special cocktail party on January 31 at the museum featuring rye whiskey, the American classic that launched the Walters family fortune. The evening celebrates a new installation, From Rye to Raphael: The Walters Story. Sample the original straight-up rye loved by founders William and Henry Walters, enjoy signature rye cocktails from the super talented folks from the Baltimore Bartenders Guild, and hear a talk at 7:15 p.m. about the revival of rye distilleries from James Beard Award Winner and Esquire Magazine’s resident cocktail historian David Wondrich. (He is a really big deal!) Roaring 1920s dress encouraged!

The evening includes jazz music and hearty artisan fare. Beer and wine options will also be available. Tickets are $75 and proceeds benefit the museum’s special exhibitions and education programs.

Participating bartenders:
Brendan Dorr - B&O AMerican Brasserie
Doug Atwell - Rye
Briana Carlson - Bookmakers
Anna Welker - B&O and Bad Decisions
Aaron Joesph - Wit & Wisdom
Will Escalante - Ouzo Bay
Erin Harper - Pazo
Jesse Thompson - Maisy’s

Spirit Sponsors:
Angels Envy Rye
Catoctin Creek Distilling Roundstone Rye
Leopold Bros. Maryland Style Rye
Lyon Distilling Co. Rye
Templeton Rye
Tuthilltown Distillery Hudson Manhattan Rye
Redemption Rye
Wasmunds Copper Fox Rye

And…just for fun: Punch Brothers, Rye Whiskey (take a listen!)


Photo: Garden & Gun