Southern California Whiskey Club

There is a theory that, in order to make a Sunday night more palatable, one should attend a Sunday night whiskey tasting. We tested this theory at the first meeting of the Southern California Whiskey Club in late January and found it to be true. 

The inaugural meeting of the SCWC was held at Far Bar in Little Tokyo and featured wheated bourbons from the Stitzel-Weller distillery. The Kentucky-based distillery closed in 1991*, leaving behind an expansive portfolio, including the storied Pappy Van Winkle. 

Bar Made and 38 fellow Club members tasted our way through 1/2 ounce pours of 11 whiskies (full list below). Our friend Chris, founder of the SCWC, presented each bottle, gave a brief description, and then stopped by each table to pour and answer questions. 

The format of the club was relaxed and casual, with an interesting mix of members comprised of alcohol industry reps, casual whiskey fans, and serious drinkers. Everyone was there to drink, talk, and to learn. In order to underscore the casual vibe of the Club we'll share the Club rules with you:

1. Have fun and allow others to have fun!
2. No telling others how they should drink their whisky! (If you want to drink your whisky over fruity pebbles cereal, that is fine). It is yours to enjoy.
3. Please be respectful of the places of business that allow us to have our meetings at their location.
4. No mean drunks
5. If you are a mean drunk, please remember rule #1.

SCWC's next meeting is coming up in March and is a Tax Stamp Night. If you're interested in joining you can find out more information and contact Chris here.

Stitzel-Weller Night Whiskey List

1. Cabin Still 1989
2. Cabin Still 2012
3. Old Fitzgerald BID DSP-KY-16
4. Old Fitzgerald BID DSP-KY-1 2012
5. Very Special Old Fitzgerald BHC Louisville 1994**
6. Very Special Old Fitzgerald 12 year Current Release
7. Pappy Van Winkle 20 Year 2010
8. Pappy Van Winkle 20 Year 2012
9. W.L. Weller Special Reserve 7 year 1995***
10. W.L. Weller Centennial 10 year BHC Louisville 1994
11. Rebel Yell 90 proof Bourbon 1982 Tax Stamp

*Stitzel-Weller recently announced that they would begin distilling again, as has been confirmed by several sources.
** Mike's favorite of the night
*** Abby's favorite of the night