Carnival season is a time of traditions. But when Mardi Gras was canceled in 2021, New Orleans had to get creative with how they celebrated. And more importantly, artists that make Mardi Gras so special were out of work at a time that they needed it most.
Krewe of Red Beans came up with a plan that would keep artists working, keep traditions going and keep the spirit of Mardi Gras alive. The solution? House floats. From porches to balconies, residents commissioned artists to decorate the front of their homes.
In partnership with Krewe of Red Beans, we commissioned a house float in the lobby of the Sazerac House. The float was designed and created by a team of local artists including Caroline Thomas, Dana Buehler, Sarah Bastacky, Ryan Blackwood, Ariel Troxclair, Lindsey DeBlieux and Joey Mercer. Then, we sat down with Krewe of Red Beans founder Devin De Wulf to talk about the history of house floats, his Mardi Gras tips and the most important question of all: why beans?
Visit the Sazerac House before 3/1 to see the house float for yourself.
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, CYPB, Full Proof Single Barrel, 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.
House of Cocktails Class
Discover how a well-chosen liqueur can transform a simple drink into a show-stopping cocktail. Guests will explore the history of classic cocktails while unlocking endless possibilities with the Sazerac House of Cocktail line of liqueurs. Learn simple techniques, flavor-building tips, and creative applications that will transform the way you mix. Sip. Experiment and leave inspired to elevate every cocktail you make with your very own, personal favorite, bottle of liqueur.
Meet the Distiller: Small Group Tour & Tasting
Step behind the scenes with the artisans who bring Sazerac’s legendary spirits to life. “Meet the Distiller” is an exclusive, hour-long experience that begins with a private VIP tour through the Sazerac House distillery and historic Apothecary. Guests will enjoy insider access, behind-the-barrel stories, and a rare glimpse into the craft and science of our production process. Following the tour, you’ll join our distiller in their private tasting room for a curated guided tasting of four Sazerac expressions — hand-selected and presented by the distiller. This intimate setting allows guests to explore the flavors, techniques, and traditions that define our spirits.
