When it comes to fine spirits, Denis Lynch (showne here) feels like Indianapolis gets the short end of the stick.
“We get passed by a lot of the time,” Lynch, spirits buyer for Vine & Table Gourmet Market, said. “Big events go to big cities.”
Last year, Lynch developed Indianapolis’ first Whisky and Fine Spirits Expo. Vine & Table organized the event that included more than 300 different spirits available for tasting. The expo was so popular that Vine & Table will hold another tasting extravaganza this year on Oct. 15.
Lynch predicts that about 250 people will come to enjoy two hours of spirit tasting, a gourmet meal and alcohol seminars. Reaction to last year’s event was so positive, in fact, that many of the pourers this year will be the actual spirit makers.
There will be about 350 spirits from all over the world to taste. Lynch, a native of Cork, Ireland, and a major whisky aficionado, shared 10 that should be sampled:
- De La Motta Acholado Pisco
Lynch deems this Peruvian brandy “unusual.” “Pisco” means the liquor is distilled from grapes. However, you can’t exactly taste the fruit in this drink as much as the menthol-like aftertaste. Vine & Table price: $29.99/bottle. - Bruichladdich
This single malt whiskey (pronounced “Brookladdy”) is one of the most popular liquors in Scotland. Bruichladdich comes from a distillery on a small Atlantic isle called Islay. $71.99/bottle. - The Arran Pomerol Cask Single Malt
Arran whiskey comes from Scotland’s newest distillery on the Isle of Arran. The distillery just celebrated its 15th anniversary. Arran regional sales manager Andrew Hogan will be on hand to pour this rare liquor. $89.99/bottle. - Wasmund’s Single Malt Whisky
Rick Wasmund’s unique whiskey, distilled in Sperryville, Va., at the Copper Fox Distillery, is made with apple and cherry wood chips. This allows Wasmund’s whiskey to taste, as Lynch described, “like fall.” Wasmund will make his first trip to Indiana to be at the expo. $39.99/bottle. - Sombra Mezcal
Mezcal, a rare type of spirit, is made from maguey, a plant found in Mexico. Though mezcals are associated with tequila, they taste nothing like it. Mezcals are generally received poorly in the United States, but Lynch urges everyone to try the well-made Sombra version. $44.99/bottle. - Old Pogue “Master’s Select” Bourbon
Peter Pogue, a lawyer in Carmel, worked with his family to resurrect this brand of whiskey after operations were shut down during Prohibition. The Old Pogue Kentucky distillery was established in 1869, and Pogue said it has been wonderful to carry on this family tradition. $32.99/bottle. - The Bitter Truth Bitters
This assortment of cocktail flavorings and bitters comes all the way from Germany and offers a vast selection of flavors, including lemon, grapefruit, orange and celery. The Bitter Truth bitters have become popular throughout the United States. $17.99/bottle. - Aperol Aperitivo
Aperol ranks as one of the most popular and best-selling liqueurs in Italy. It boasts a unique blend of orange, gentian, rhubarb and various herbs, and regularly serves as a bitter to mix with cocktails. $21.99/bottle. - Orangerie Whisky Infusion
The Compass Box Whisky distillery in Scotland specializes in high-quality, small-batch whiskeys. Orangerie fuses orange zest, cloves and cassia bark. $47.99/bottle. - Smokehead Islay Single Malt
Smokehead scotch whiskey mixes the contradicting flavors of sherry, iodine, toffee, smoke and sea salt. Drinking Smokehead is a memorable experience because its taste is immediately severe. $48.99/bottle.
Going?
Indy’s Whisky and Fine Spirits Expo is from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 15 at Montage at Allison Pointe, off of 82nd Street and Allisonville Road. Doors will open at 5 p.m. for VIP ticket holders (sorry, important drinkers, but VIP tix are sold out). General admission tickets are $50, and designated driver tickets are $35. For more information, visit the Vine & Table Gourmet Market website:
www.vineandtable.com.
