Great Whiskey Debate 2013 – Minneapolis
Last week on June 5, The Graves 601 Hotel in Downtown Minneapolis played host to a lively conversation about world whiskeys know as The Great Whisk(e)y Debate (or just The Great Whiskey Debate). The event was hosted by Beam Global spirits company and included samples of the entire Beam portfolio, cocktails by Mixologist Bobby Gleason, hors d’oeurves, and a chance to talk with the four Ambassadors from Beam Spirits.
Once attendees had their fill of mingling and sampling, the debate got underway. Dan Tullio represented Canadian Whisky, Simon Brooking represented Scotch, Master Distiller Fred Noe represented American Whiskey (specifically bourbon), and Minnesota’s own Kieran Folliard defended Irish Whiskey. The entire conversation was lighthearted and taken in good fun, yet shone considerable light on what makes each whiskey brag-worthy. Particular highlights included kilt cheap-shots directed at Simon, Fred Noe not-so-subtly reminding the others that he sells them his leftover lumber (nearly all of the other spirits spend time in a used oak barrel), Simon Brooking demonstrating the two-handed Scotch rub-and-smell, the constantly boisterous audience, and countless Canadian jokes.
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The night ended with a round of lively toasts as the entire audience was announced the winners of the debate. Afterward, everyone was invited to the after party at Butcher and the Boar to share more drinks and more conversation.
Whiskeys vying for preeminence // Photo by Jeff Seidenstricker
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