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As we arrived by UBER to The Metropolitan building in downtown Rochester a few minutes after 11am, we seemed to be the only ones other than the construction workers down the alley. We walked up to a few doors, each of them were locked. We couldn’t figure out how to get in! We knew this was the location for the Spirit Tasting Spectacular event, but were dumbfounded that we couldn’t find a working door. We finally realized that our UBER dropped us off at the back of the building!
P.S. The UBER code was provided by Rochester Cocktail Revival for the event. $15 credit to new users during the week of their events!
Giddy and laughing from our mishap, we walked to the front of the building where the valet were attentively awaiting party-goers. As we walked through the big double doors, we were taken aback by the massive, bright event space with many vendors randomly throughout featuring spirits of all kinds.
We noticed the Bar Bantam on the left of us swinging early cocktails for attendees with serene music playing lightly in the background.
We checked in at the desk where we got our exclusive Rochester Cocktail Revival tote bag (only available to the first 100 people to show up). Across from the check in table was another table filled with books. Behind the table stood cocktail writers Don Cazentre and Jason Wilson signing their books and mingling with guests.
Don Cazentre is not only the author of Spirits & Cocktails of Upstate New York: A History, but he also revised and updated New York Breweries.
Jason Wilson is a contributor to the NYTimes and author of Godforsaken Grapes and Boozehound.
Each May, the Rochester Cocktail Revival brings a week long celebration of cocktail culture to the Rochester area. This year was their 5th year showcasing 23 partner bars through a series of 70 events. Event prices vary, with some events being free. This one, The Spirit Tasting Spectacular, was $15 and included 16 tastings. These tastings were counted via a punch card we received at check-in for the vendors to keep track.
After check in, we decided to start with the vendors towards the back next to Bar Bantam. We sipped on a few tastings from Honeoye Falls Distillery and tried Mezcal for the first time from Del Maguey. If you’ve never tried Mezcal before, it’s that alcohol that can sometimes have a worm in it. This one of course did not, but it had a strong smoke flavor to it. This was my first time trying Mezcal, and will probably be my last! But, if you are into that sort of thing, then by all means have at it.
Next stop was ESP to try some of their Gin. I love gin and tonics and the vendors at this stand were very personable and made the tasting fun.
Other vendors we browsed and sipped were Wild Turkey Bourbon, Aberfeldy, and High West Whiskey. We also checked out Four Roses and Dad’s Hat. Dad’s Hat intrigued me to approach them because they are actually from Bristol, Pennsylvania. Not far from where I attended college.
We were able to check out and sample Iron Smoke Distillery two days in a row. As some of you know, we attended The Craft Beverage Fest the night before where they were offering samplings as well. They are having their grand opening this month for their new location in Fairport, NY that we are dying to try.
After a few tastings, we knew we had to get some food. Sadly, there were no snacks or food vendors due to outside food not allowed in the event space, so we decided to check out Bar Bantam. The only food they were offering were bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches so we quick grabbed two and paid the price of $15. For future reference, grab lunch beforehand if you don’t want to pay. Thankfully, the sandwiches were delicious.
After eating some and taking a break, we decided to go back at it. By 1:30, there was an educational seminar by Don Cazentre, the author of “Spirits & Cocktails of Upstate New York: A History”.
Don spoke about the forgotten, vintage cocktails of Upstate New York. The event concluded by 3pm just in time for attendees to take a gamble and continue on to the evening events at places such as Good Luck and Bitter Honey.
The week long events of the Rochester Cocktail Revival not only celebrates cocktail culture, but raises proceeds to be donated to the Gilda’s Club of Rochester. The Gilda’s Club is an affiliate of the Cancer Support Community that offers free support to men, women, teens, and children affected by cancer.
Every year, these events take over Rochester, NY for a week and support a great cause. We were so happy we were able to experience just a portion of it and can’t wait to experience more next year. If you are in the Rochester area in May, be sure to plan your stay to attend at least one or two of these events. Who knows, you may learn how to make your next favorite cocktail.
Below, enjoy our gallery featuring the event photos and vendors. I do apologize if we missed anyone!
Fun idea for a date! And, I love that picture of the building! Very cool.
Hi Jocelyn, Thank you for reading. Yes, it’s a fantastic idea for a date.
Looks like a fun event and for a good cause, too. Not sure if I would do much more than look around and taste one or two, or I’d find myself on the floor looking up!
Haha! I agree with you Candi! Thank you for reading! I only tried a few and I was done.
I’m not much of a drinker– but it looks like a fun day out!
Hi Laura, Thank you for reading. I’m not much of a drinker either, but it was a nice event to mix and mingle with the vendors.
This looks like a wonderful time!
Hi Jennifer, Thank you for reading. It was a blast 🙂
This looks so fun! That’s hilarious about your Uber. And those sandwiches looked delicious…yum!
Ashley recently posted…Wee Blessings Review
Hi Ashley, Thank you for reading! Yes, no date is ever complete without one mishap! 🙂
That sounds like an awesome day, I’d definitely try it one day
Hi Rae, Thank you for reading! Events like these are definitely worth a try!
This an event I have never heard of before. Sounds interesting.
Hi Shawniece, thank you for reading! It’s a great week of events that happens once a year here in Rochester, New York. If you ever come for a visit around this time of year, make sure to check it out!
Looks like an amazing time! Great photos.
Thank you, Nicole. It was a fantastic time!
Sounds like such a fun date and a nice experience. Thanks for sharing!
Karen recently posted…First Birthday Gift Guide for the Organic Toddler
Thank you for reading Karen! Events like these are always a great date idea!
What a fun event! I always learn so much and end up with a new favorite drink 🙂
The vendors mixed some of the liquor samples with different juices to give you ideas for cocktails that you can do at home with their liquor. It was very educational! Thanks for reading, Gail!
Not much of a drinker but this looks like fun!
Neither am I, but it was fun and a great networking event! Thanks for reading 🙂
Very cool about the $15 credit for Uber!
Melina recently posted…Toddler Chores Ultimate Guide for Parents
Yes, it was very handy especially for the guests at a drinking event. I love when businesses give out credit for UBER. It shows that they are conscious about their guests and their needs.
Great networking event and lovely pictures.
Yes, it was a great networking event. So great that I ran out of business cards! Thank you for reading Bola!
Oh spirit tasting sounds like so much fun! And that sandwich looks amazing!
It was a blast, and the food was delicious!!! Thank you for reading!
Oh how I wish I could attend to an event like this! This event looks so fun and to mention the sandwich looks so good.
Thank you Kyla! Yes, this event was such a blast. You should keep an eye out for other events like this in your area.
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