It’s always Whiskey Day in New Orleans
In New Orleans, there’s no shortage of unique cultural traditions and flavorful culinary delights. But one of the city’s most storied claims to fame is its rich ties to whiskey.
As the gateway to the Mississippi, New Orleans has always been a hub for commerce. In the 1800s, that meant vast quantities of Kentucky whiskey poured through its port. But New Orleanians weren’t satisfied to simply drink the stuff – we had to turn it into something entirely their own.
Enter the Sazerac. This iconic cocktail originated in New Orleans in the mid-1800s, and it quickly became a staple of the city’s bustling bar scene. Made with rye whiskey, sugar, absinthe, and bitters, the Sazerac is a bold and complex drink that perfectly captures the spirit of New Orleans.
But whiskey’s importance to the city extends beyond our signature cocktail. We’ve been the home to The Sazerac Company for more than 150 years. Whether it’s sipping a smooth and spicy glass of Buffalo Trace neat or enjoying a classic Old Fashioned made with EH Taylor, Sazerac’s whiskeys are a signature part of any Sazerac House visit.
But what really sets New Orleans apart is the way we blend our whiskeys with other aspects of our culture. Whether it’s a Whiskey Mule, a Manhattan, or a Sazerac, wherever we gather, we come up with creative ways to savor our favorite whiskeys.
In the end, whiskey is just one more piece of the puzzle that makes New Orleans a city unlike anywhere else. And for those who know and love us, it’s an essential ingredient in the recipe for a truly unforgettable experience. So, if you’re ever in New Orleans, join us at the Sazerac House and raise a glass to our city’s rich whiskey heritage.
Events
The Weller Classroom Experience
Step into the story of one of bourbon’s most enduring families and discover how William Larue Weller helped pioneer the wheated style that would later inspire the Van Winkle legacy. This guided tasting explores four expressions—Special Reserve, Antique 107, Full Proof, and 12 Year—tracing Weller’s journey from the days of the Stitzel-Weller Distillery through the industry’s quiet decades of the 1970s and 1980s to its modern revival under Buffalo Trace. Guests will nose, taste, and compare each whiskey in an elegant classroom setting, uncovering how proof, age, and history intertwine to shape the signature richness of Weller and the heritage of American bourbon. Open to guests 21+ only.
Bourbon County to Bourbon Street – Classroom Experience
While Kentucky may be the home of bourbon, New Orleans has played an important part in its story. Whiskey traveled down the Mississippi to New Orleans, where bartenders used it to craft classic cocktails. Travelers to the city have enjoyed whiskey, especially when sipping it on Bourbon Street. Join drinks historian Elizabeth Pearce and learn how to make signature whiskey cocktails, while hearing how whiskey became America’s spirit. 21+ only.
The Weller Classroom Experience
Step into the story of one of bourbon’s most enduring families and discover how William Larue Weller helped pioneer the wheated style that would later inspire the Van Winkle legacy. This guided tasting explores four expressions—Special Reserve, Antique 107, Full Proof, and 12 Year—tracing Weller’s journey from the days of the Stitzel-Weller Distillery through the industry’s quiet decades of the 1970s and 1980s to its modern revival under Buffalo Trace. Guests will nose, taste, and compare each whiskey in an elegant classroom setting, uncovering how proof, age, and history intertwine to shape the signature richness of Weller and the heritage of American bourbon. 21+ only.
The Weller Classroom Experience
Step into the story of one of bourbon’s most enduring families and discover how William Larue Weller helped pioneer the wheated style that would later inspire the Van Winkle legacy. This guided tasting explores four expressions—Special Reserve, Antique 107, Full Proof, and 12 Year—tracing Weller’s journey from the days of the Stitzel-Weller Distillery through the industry’s quiet decades of the 1970s and 1980s to its modern revival under Buffalo Trace. Guests will nose, taste, and compare each whiskey in an elegant classroom setting, uncovering how proof, age, and history intertwine to shape the signature richness of Weller and the heritage of American bourbon. 21+ only.
