National Bourbon Day is officially Tuesday, June 14. And for those looking to imbibe, we are offering up some of the best spots around Philly to celebrate the spirited holiday.
Bank & Bourbon
Bank & Bourbon’s innovative barrel-aged cocktail program offers an extensive collection of bourbon, whiskey and rye—all of which is overseen by their experienced Bourbon Masters. The establishment, located inside of the Loews Hotel also puts its own spin on fresh and creative seasonal cocktails using the finest house-aged spirits, while also managing the private barrel-aging locker membership program. Those who are looking to indulge in the spirits here can pair them with seasonal interpretations of classic dishes, or, look into a private bourbon tasting to really soak it all in for the holiday.
Additionally the restaurant also is in partnership with Bruno Mars’ award-winning SelvaRey Rum. According to their site, offering a destination-specific spin on summer, Loews Philadelphia’s signature “Summerfest Cocktail,” pairs SelvaRey with locally sourced ingredients and garnishes. The drinks will be available until Labor Day.
1200 Market St., bankandbourbon.com
Village Whiskey
Village Whiskey has been known for its vast whiskey selection of over 200 bottles since it opened in 2009, and it comes right from its owner and creator, Jose Garces. “I’ve always been a whiskey lover,” said Garces in a statement when Village Whiskey opened. “It can be enjoyed in so many ways, whether as a cocktail or just sipped on the rocks. Village Whiskey is the kind of place I personally would want to go to unwind after a long day at work.”
And while there, those who sit down to enjoy the vast assortment of the spirit can also munch on some of the elevated bar fare (their burgers are always a go-to), or, check out the establishment’s happy hour.
118 S. 20th St., philadelphia.villagewhiskey.com
New Liberty Distillery
According to a release, the South Kensington craft distillery and home to award-winning spirit lines such as the revived heritage Kinsey brand, offers two “powerhouse bourbons meant to be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or expertly mixed in a craft cocktail.” The Bloody Butcher Bourbon is a flaming blend of corn, barley, rye, then paired nicely with notes of milk chocolate, butter, leather and stone fruit on the palate, finishing with a dash of dry spice. Another Philly-favorite is the Kinsey Bourbon – warm and complex on the palate, infused with the notes of honeysuckle, toffee, unripe orange and grass culminating in a sweet spice for a finish.
1431 Cadwallader St., newlibertydistillery.com
Shake Shack
So, it’s not exactly bourbon from a glass here, but there are some unique ways to celebrate National Bourbon Day in Philly at the popular chain, and it was all created in partnership with Maker’s Mark. First, the Bourbon Bacon Cheddar Burger is made with a white-cheddar cheeseburger topped with a bourbon bacon jam made with Maker’s Mark Bourbon, crispy shallots and ShackSauce on a toasted potato bun. The second option comes in the form of the Bourbon Bacon Cheddar Chicken and is made with a crispy chicken breast topped with white-cheddar cheese, the bourbon bacon jam made with Maker’s Mark Bourbon over pickles on a toasted potato bun.
“We love crafting fun, delicious menu items in an elevated way, inspired by our fine dining roots and always with an emphasis on premium ingredients. The star of our new summer menu is a bourbon bacon jam that we make in-house with Maker’s Mark Kentucky bourbon. The Maker’s Mark taste profile and bold flavors are what makes it special,” explains Mark Rosati, Culinary Director for Shake Shack. “The jam is sweet and savory with the addition of applewood smoked bacon, honey, raisins and jalapeños, offering woodsy, smoky flavors with some heat and texture, which we know Shack fans love. We can’t wait to show off our new Bourbon Bacon Cheddar Burger and Bourbon Bacon Cheddar Chicken Sandwich and kick off summer the right way.”
Various locations, shakeshack.com
