Wakey Whiskey: Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 15 Year

Good morning and welcome winter to South Louisiana! Snow days don't happen down here all that often, and when they do there is usually not REAL snow, just a little that barely sticks to the ground.  Yesterday morning though, the most legit snow I've seen down here, several inches all over covering the yard and cars and roofs, it was pretty awesome, so I broke out my Wakey Whiskey rule book, and sure enough, snow days call for a wakey whiskey.  If you ever want to consult the Wakey Whiskey rule book, let me know.  There's only one copy in existence as of now, but I'll be happy to share some knowledge.

Coincidentally since I didn't have to go to work yesterday I had time to head over to the brand new Bite and Booze HQ to help Jay and the crew unpack all the liquor before a party.  While unpacking a box of whiskey I stumbled upon a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle 15-Year, and I wasn't really going to take "no" for an answer.  I had already broken out a pour of Jefferson's Presidential Select 18-Year for a wakey whiskey at my place, but two pours are better than one, right?

As far as the Pappy goes... any good whiskey fan will know that it's one of the most sought after bourbons in the world.  The whiskey originated at the Stitzel-Weller distillery (now producing Bulleit whiskey), went through the Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery branding, and is now produced by Buffalo Trace (owned by the Sazerac Company out of New Orleans) to the exact recipe that was originated by Julian "Pappy" Van Winkle back in the day. It's now the signature whiskey range of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection that you'll probably see mention of coming up soon, as it's popular for stores that get some to raffle it off.

Now on to the whiskey itself, and it's amazing.  Complex, incredibly smooth, dark color with a rich oakey flavor that comes from all the time in the barrel.  There are definite fruity notes, dark fruits like cherries and strong hints of vanilla and molasses. This whiskey lives up to the hype, and I'm sure I don't have to spend time convincing anyone reading this to buy a bottle if you have the chance.  If you see one and don't want it for yourself, buy it and I'll pay you back.  Well, unless the secondary prices have gone through the roof... one of the bad things about whiskey gaining in popularity is that demand exceeds supply and the prices reflect it.

That's all for this morning, I hope everyone out there is enjoying this winter weather (we all know Chuck is) and stay safe!  Oh, and here's a bonus wakey whiskey picture of the Jefferson's Presidential Select 18-Year...

How Emeril Lagasse Throws a Party: An Insider’s Preview of Louisiana’s Biggest Boudin Bash

by Babes & Beignets

Baton Rouge listen up! It’s Babes and Beignets here – your festival aficionados and lovers of all things New Orleans. But of course, we love you too, BR! That’s why we’re here to tell you about our favorite can’t-miss fall fest coming up Nov. 3 in NOLA.

If you’ve ever wondered how Chef Emeril Lagasse throws a party, now’s your chance to find out. Celebrity chef and renowned culinary personality Emeril Lagasse puts on the biggest and booziest bash at his 7th annual Boudin, Bourbon & Beer event in New Orleans on November 3.

Yes, you read that right! Three of the South’s favorite food groups: boudin, bourbon and beer are all coming together at Champions Square, along with 65 chefs and four awesome musical acts to raise money for amazing charitable causes.

Wait, you get to party for a cause? Yes! – which is one of the many reasons we love this event so much.

Hosted by Chef Emeril’s non-profit organization, the Emeril Lagasse Foundation, Boudin, Bourbon & Beer has become one of the South's biggest outdoor food and music festivals. Cajun country’s favorite sausage – boudin – takes center stage along with top culinary talent to raise millions for children’s charities along the Gulf Coast that support culinary, nutrition and arts programs.

The all-inclusive event brings together the country’s best chefs, including Bite & Booze’s very own Jay Ducote, to create their own one-of-a-kind boudin-inspired dishes.

Pork Temple Carbonara, boudin burritos, chicken fried boudin, fois gras rice crispy treats, boudin dumplings, crawfish boudin corndogs, bacon bread pudding and even a whole hog are just a few of the 60+ creative dishes we heard will be on the menu this year.




Aside from all the boudin imaginable, $99 gets attendees 10+ open bars stocked with a variety of craft brews from Abita Beer, signature bourbon cocktails from Buffalo Trace, Nat Sherman cigar tastings and all-night musical entertainment by Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, Langhorne Slim & the Law, Kristin Diable & the City and Silverado Pickups. Other goodies include Keurig coffee to keep the party going, photobooths and cool silent auction packages curated by some of NOLA’s best chefs.



If you think that’s the best $100 you’ll ever spend, we totally agree. These all-inclusive tickets can be purchased on Ticketmaster until the event sells-out -- which trust us, it will! Get your tickets soon and make your way to New Orleans on Friday, Nov. 3 and come party with us for a great cause at Champions Square!

Make sure you’re following @EmerilOrg on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for more Boudin, Bourbon & Beer 2017 updates and teasers. See you there, Baton Rouge!

Boudin, Bourbon & Beer Benefitting the Emeril Lagasse Foundation: Whisk(e)y Wednesday presented by Lock & Key

by Sydney Blanchard

Boudin, Bourbon & Beer! Photo courtesy of boudinbourbonandbeer.com.

Boudin, bourbon, and beer? Yes, yes, and yes! 

If you're a fan of any of the aforementioned vices, or even if just love a music festival, this year's Boudin, Bourbon & Beer benefitting the Emeril Lagasse Foundation is going to be your jam.

On November 13, 50 chefs from across the country, including Cory Bahr, Jeff Henderson, Justin Devillier, Kristen Essig, John Currence, and Chris Shepherd, will join Emeril Lagasse in New Orleans for a Louisiana-inspired boudin cook-off.

Along with Abita Beer surprise brews, specialty Buffalo Trace cocktails, and cigar tastings will be fun live music performances by Silverado Pickups, Sweet Crude, Elle King, and St. Paul and the Broken Bones. 

Tickets are $99, which includes all food, beverages, and live entertainment. All proceeds benefit children's charities. It's going to be a good time!