MAXWELTON W.Va. (WVDN) – Smooth Ambler Distillery is pleased to announce, “Bourbon, Bites and The Beard”, a bourbon pairing experience with Chef Paul Smith, West Virginia’s own 2024 James Beard Foundation Awards Winner, on Oct. 11 at the distillery. The evening will feature five of Smooth Ambler’s expressions paired with delicious appetizers prepared by Chef Paul, including two live demonstrations.
Ashley Vickers, Smooth Ambler Tasting Room Manager says, “Chef Paul has been a friend of the distillery for many years. We are so excited to have him here to kick off the TOOT weekend in the Greenbrier Valley with this bourbon pairing. It will be a treat for those who have yet been able to experience his culinary excellence and enjoy our finally crafted libations.”
The evening will kick off with a VIP tour/tasting with Chef Paul and Smooth Ambler’s blending and processing manager, Andrew Robinson. The tour/tasting will provide an insight into the use of local ingredients to produce award-winning products in both the distillation and culinary industry, and how closely the two are related. Those guests will be treated to a special tasting flight and hors d’oeuvres prior to the main event.
Andrew Robinson loves Chef Paul’s passion for the state saying, “Chefs have an indelible effect on the communities they provide for. We are lucky that Chef Paul considers the entire state his community.”
Chef Paul and Robinson have crafted an incredible menu paired with Smooth Ambler bourbons and whiskeys. Guests will nosh on rye braised short rib sliders paired with contradiction rye. Empanada with peas, ramp and potato with whiskey curry/ramp pesto along with founders cask strength rye whiskey. A live demonstration featuring Nashville hot chicken with ramp ranch and bread and butter pickle paired with contradiction bourbon. One of 1010 Bridge’s most popular appetizers, bacon-wrapped dates accompanied by an old scout port cask finish. For dessert, another action station, featuring old scout 7 with s’mores.
There will be a limited amount of tickets sold. VIP tickets are available for $120 and event tickets are $75. VIP Tour/Tasting Experience 4:30-5:30 p.m. Bourbon Pairing 5-7 p.m.
To reserve your tickets please call 304-497-3123 or email Ashley.vickers@pernod-ricard.com
