An event filled with whiskey-themed fun—Rye not?
The Twisted Tail’s 11th Annual Whiskey Bonanza recently announced details for the spirited affair, which is set for Thursday, Sept. 25. The activation will feature more than 100 whiskeys, a cocktail competition featuring some local talent, a southern pig roast, live music and much more.
A spirited celebration
It’s all meant to celebrate Bourbon Heritage Month (September) by offering guests access to “a smorgasbord of whiskeys”—a lot of which will be used by some of the area’s top bartenders in original cocktails for attendees to vote on in a cocktail competition.
“The Twisted Tail has always been rooted in our passion for bourbon and blues, so Whiskey Bonanza feels like our own holiday celebration,” said George Reilly, Master Craftsman and proprietor of The Twisted Tail. “Hosting it during Bourbon Heritage Month is no accident—bourbon is a true American classic. And to celebrate it right here in the birthplace of America adds an extra layer of meaning and tradition.”
The whiskey can be paired with slow-cooked fare from Deke’s BBQ and live New Orleans-style jazz and Blues piano music from Reverend Chris. And for those who enjoy a smoke with their whiskey, The Twisted Tail is also introducing a highly aerated cigar lounge in the form of a fully revamped Airstream parked right outside of the restaurant.
There are a few different ticket options to choose from: There’s a special VIP hour with early admission at 6 p.m., enabling access to “rare and hard-to-find whiskeys” not available during the main event, more one-on-one time with distillery representatives, plus the opportunity to enjoy the Pig Roast first, a release notes. The Bonanza will continue on with GA admission from 7 to 10 p.m., with tastings happening around the two-floor venue. Tickets for the Whiskey Bonanza are $65 for general admission and $85 for VIP, with a $40 Designated Driver option also available.
Honoring Pennsylvania roots
“The story of American whiskey begins right here in Pennsylvania, where 17th-century settlers sowed rye in fertile soil and transformed their harvest into something enduring,” continued Reilly. “There’s poetry in that history—grit, craft, and celebration. At The Twisted Tail, we aim to honor that legacy by curating a rich collection of brown spirits year-round and bringing people together for Whiskey Bonanza, a night that celebrates not just the spirit itself, but its journey through time.”
For those who can’t make it out on the 25th, The Twisted Tail will continue to celebrate Bourbon Heritage Month throughout September. With their free-to-join Bourbon Club program, 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 venue.
If a member manages to drink two ounces 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, the release also notes. A few additional fun promotions happening at the locale in September include: A Cross off any bourbon with a one ounce pour option (Sept. 1 to 7), $2 off any Small Batch whiskey (Sept. 8 to 14), a way to customize a flight and cross off all three (Sept. 15 to 21) and $2 off any Kentucky Straight Bourbon (Sept. 22 to 30.)
To find out more information on the 11th Annual Whiskey Bonanza and National Bourbon Month at The Twisted Tail (509 S 2nd St.), visit thetwistedtail.com
