The Pittsburgh Whiskey and Fine Spirits Festival - 11/13/09

The Pittsburgh Whiskey and Fine Spirits Festival was one entertaining happy hour of drink tasting and enlightenment on spirit appreciation. More than 1,000 guests spent the night sampling scotch — including Johnie Walker Black, Green, Gold, and Blue — single-malt, bourbon, whiskey, gin, vodka, tequila, and rum from around the world, along with specialty cocktails. Attendees learned about analyzing aroma, consistency, color, taste, and finish on each drink from some knowledgeable spirit specialists, such as “master mixologist” Bobby “G” Gleason and whiskey professors Bernie Lubbers, Steve Cole, and David Mays. The event, which was sponsored by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, benefited the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Photography by Rachel Stadelmeier