5th Annual Whiskey Bonanza on Headhouse Square

The annual ticketed whiskey-tasting event celebrates Bourbon Heritage Month by offering guests access to a bevy of whiskeys, including Seattle’s Westland American Single Malt whiskey (not currently available in PA), Louisville’s Angel’s Envy and Lititz’s Stoll & Wolfe, among the mix. Five established bartenders will incorporate the whiskey offerings into an original cocktail for attendees to vote on in a cocktail competition. The participating bartenders are:

• Jon Spencer of Union League
• Sean McGuire of a.bar
• Mary Woods of The Franklin Bar
• Caitlin Welge of Stove & Tap
• Ian Adamczyk of Mission Tacqueria, last year’s winner  

“Whiskey Bonanza is an exciting event I look forward to each year because we give whiskey-lovers the opportunity to try a variety of spirits with the experts,” said George Reilly, Master Craftsmen, and owner of The Twisted Tail. “We are taking it up a notch for the fifth anniversary with the addition of the colossal Monkey Shoulder Monkey Mixer.”

The Monkey Shoulder Monkey Mixer, a larger than life cocktail shaker inspired by a cement truck, will be outside The Twisted Tail mixing cocktails using Monkey Shoulder.

Festival-goers can opt for a special VIP hour with early admission at 6 p.m., enabling access to rare and hard-to-find whiskeys not available during the main event, such as Jefferson’s Sauternes, Lux Row Distillery’s Rebel Yell 10 Year, Limestone Branch Distillery’s Yellowstone Limited Edition Bourbon and Amador’s Ten Barrels. The VIP hour also guarantees guests the first-hand opportunity to enjoy The Twisted Tail’s traditional Suckling Pig Roast.

Adding to the fun, Philadelphia-based food truck, Chewy’s, will be serving up comfort food, smoked meats, and fried chicken from 8 to 10 p.m. in front of The Twisted Tail to satiate any food cravings between whiskey tastings for an additional price.

“I’m passionate about bringing together a vast collection of whiskeys and whiskey-lovers under one roof,” said Reilly. “Our festival-goers can share their experience with one another and discover a new spirit or brand to their liking.”

Tickets are $60 for general admission and $75 for VIP. Tickets can be purchased at whiskeybonanza.com or in person at The Twisted Tail or via phone at 215-558-2471. As part of Bourbon Heritage month, The Twisted Tail hosts Free Whiskey Tastings every Friday at 6 p.m. throughout September. Those interested can RSVP here.

September’s Free Friday Whiskey Tasting Schedule:

• September 7^th—Wild Turkey
• September 14^th—Teeling Whiskey Co.
• September 21^st—Widow Jane
• September 28^th— 1792

Attendees who loved the tasting will receive $1 off per ounce of each whiskey in the week following the free tasting. The Twisted Tail is conveniently located near Penn's Landing and is easily accessible from I-95 or I-76.