8th Annual Whiskey Bonanza
The annual ticketed whiskey-tasting event celebrates Bourbon Heritage Month by offering guests access to a smorgasbord of whiskeys. Established Philadelphia bartenders will incorporate the whiskey offerings into original cocktails for attendees to vote on in a cocktail competition. The participating distilleries include Buffalo Trace Distillery, Chicken Cock Whiskey, New Liberty Distillery, Woodford Reserve Distillery, Heaven Hill Distillery, Few Spirits, Widow Jane Distillery, and many more.
“I look forward to the Whiskey Bonanza every year because we allow whiskey-lovers to try a variety of spirits with the experts,” said George Reilly, Master Craftsman, and proprietor of The Twisted Tail. “After a two-year gap, we’re taking it up a notch for the eighth anniversary with the largest variety of whiskeys we’ve ever hosted. It’s also not a coincidence that we host the Bonanza during Bourbon Heritage Month; there are very few things more American than bourbon, and having the privilege to hold this event in the birthplace of America, the celebration is imbued with virtue and nostalgia.”
Bonanza attendees can opt for a special VIP hour with early admission at 6 p.m., enabling access to rare and hard-to-find whiskeys unavailable during the main event. The VIP hour also guarantees guests the first-hand opportunity to enjoy The Twisted Tail’s traditional Suckling Pig Roast. Adding to the fun, a Philadelphia-based food truck will be on-site from 8 to 10 p.m. in front of The Twisted Tail to satisfy any food cravings between whiskey tastings for an additional price.
Tickets for the Whiskey Bonanza are $60 for general admission and $75 for VIP, with a $40 Designated Driver option also available for those looking to only enjoy the victuals and not imbibe. Tickets can be purchased at whiskeybonanza.com, in person at The Twisted Tail, or via phone at 215-558-2471.
"The history of American whiskey began in 17th century Pennsylvania,” said Reilly. "Settlers from Eastern Europe set up their homesteads and farms in Pennsylvania and started planting rye seeds en masse, distilling any extra grain into whiskey. The Twisted Tail aims to honor this history and celebrate the spirit’s evolution with the vast offerings of Whiskey Bonanza and an extensive brown spirits selection boasting over 70 whiskeys, available year-round.”
Already several years in the running, The Twisted Tail offers a free-to-join Bourbon Club program, perfect for amateur and seasoned whiskey enthusiasts alike. Members receive a membership card that is kept at the bar and contains a list of 70+ bourbons, whiskeys, ryes, and scotches, all offered at The Twisted Tail. If a member manages to drink 2 oz of every spirit on the list, they become a Bourbon Club “Finisher”, granting them a permanent 20% discount on all whiskeys and a custom engraved class kept at the bar atop a special shelf.
As part of Bourbon Heritage month, The Twisted Tail also hosts weekly Meet the Maker events every Friday in September, featuring two to three whiskey brands and opportunities for one-on-one conversations with experts and master blenders. The events are free to attend with RSVP and are kept intimate with limited space.
The Twisted Tail is conveniently located near Penn's Landing and is easily accessible from I-95 or I-76.
