Coming soon on Saturday February 18 is Toast 2017. This annual event from the Oregon Distillers Guild gives ticket holders a chance to sample and learn about over 120 spirits from across the Northwest, the Country and the Globe.
I am a huge fan of this event in learning especially about locally artisan spirits, and it’s a unique chance to be able to taste these spirits without committing to a whole drink or a bottle. Each of the booths is manned by representatives of that distillery, they are very knowledgeable about their products unlike most regular liquor store employees, so you can really have a conversation to understand what makes their product unique and what goes into each bottle.
Once you’ve tasted around the world, or done a flight across multiple distillers and producers in your preferred spirit(s), you can purchase bottles from the booths right then to take home. This event is one of my biggest home bar shopping trips of the year as I buy spirits and tonics and syrups knowing exactly what I’m getting since I got to sample it beforehand.
At Toast, you’ll find a wide variety of spirit whatever your preference, be it Whiskey, Rum, Gin, Vodka, Brandy, Liqueurs, Absinthe, Aquavit, or more. You’ll also find accompaniments to spirits such flavored liqueurs, mixers, syrups and bitters.
Toast also features small bites from a variety of chefs that is included in your admission ticket – according to social media teasers, this year you’ll find offerings of
- Proletariat Butchery will be roasting two pigs. The pigs, they are coming from Elkhorn Farms and Forge where they were fed spent grain from Big Bottom Distilling Elkhorn Farm & Forge Big Bottom Distilling!
- Verdigris Restaurant offering Nicky Farms Rabbit & Oregon Truffle Pot Pie
- Boke Bowl with Cha sui pork bao and vegan Red bean bao
- Smokehouse Tavern with smoked meats with their homemade pickles and sauces
- The Waiting Room will be serving up Nevor Shellfish Oysters, Crawfish Hushpuppies, and Fried Chicken Oysters (served separately).
Even if you are not someone who imbibes often, it’s fascinating learning about the original spirits you may be enjoying in your cocktails or tasting the wide variety of flavors you might find in a spirit across different producers. Even F who I took 2 years ago and usually prefers beer, was really impressed with some ginger liqueurs he was able to taste. I loved being introduced to new local brands or new products that I’d never heard of, like Townshend’s Tea Spirit #5 a Lapsang Souchang Smoked Tea Liquor to make my own smokey cocktails at home, and so many other discoveries I made.
You can purchase your tickets from Mercury Tickets Toast 2017 webpage. Tickets are
- $45 for General Admission includes entry, tastings, bites and commemorative glass. There is a small bar here as well where you can call some ingredients they have (including several products on the sampling floor) and see what cocktail creation they mix for you – the drinks here are paid by you separately.
- Or spring $65 for VIP admission that includes entry, tastings, bites, commemorative glass, 2 cocktail tickets, access to the VIP balcony with private bar and distillers after party!
- Designated Driver tickets are $15 (includes entry, non-alcoholic drinks, and bites).
As I mentioned earlier, I think the price of admission is worth it to be knowledgeable about which bottle to purchase at the store, and it gives you an idea when you see the spirit mentioned in a cocktail what you might getting, so the adult continuing education you are getting here pays off.
The event takes place at Leftbank Annex, only a few blocks away from the MAX and street cars.I highly encourage public transportation, although there are also parking lots available in the area. Maybe combine this event with a dinner at nearby Altabira for example, or park at a garage or lot by restaurants downtown and take the streetcar back for dinner and then go home!
What is your spirit of choice? Is there one you don’t think you like and you avoid, and why? What are you favorite local distilleries or local spirit products?
What a great event – Another new one to me which I learned about through your blog Pech! You are definitely my insider source for information!
Sooo cool to see all these local brands in one place! Sounds like a great event!
I am SO excited to see it back at Leftbank Annex! That location is so great for this event. And I love how you mention it’s a great shopping trip for your at-home bar. It’s true! This is where I find my next favorite spirit or bitters!