Distilled & Aged to Perfection - Bourbon Themed Birthday Party

This year for hubby's birthday I threw him a bourbon tasting party.  He has always been a bourbon fan so I knew this party would be right up his alley.  I think he had just as much fun researching, buying and sampling all the bourbons as he did at the party.  He even made a new friend at the local liquor store.  

The dining room was set up for the actual bourbon tasting.  We had 10 different bourbons for the tasting, each with it's own set of tasting notes.  We chose a few small batch bourbons, single barrel bourbons and craft bourbons each with different flavor palates.   

I purchased tulip shaped tasting glasses from World Market.  The tulip shape of the glass helps to showcase the bourbon's flavor.  I also put out slices of fruit and different chocolates to help bring out the different bourbon notes.  

We played a game called How Refined is your Palate?  Four different bourbons were put into plastic cups with lids.  I had tasting notes for each bourbon (along with a few hints about each) and a list of 6 bourbons for the guests to choose from.   Looking back I should have only listed the 4 bourbons for the guests to choose from, 6 was too many.  The person who got the most correct won a prize.

The best part of the party was the food.  Almost everything on the menu had bourbon added to the recipe.  Unfortunately, I only got a picture of the ribs when they were on the grill.  In addition to ribs I made honey bourbon wings, Jack Daniel's bacon mac and cheese, green beans, baked beans and a green salad.  

I also made lots of desserts, including Hubby's Chantilly birthday cake and lemon meringue cheesecake bites.  I've recently started making mini cheesecakes and I'm in love with them.  

I also made chocolate bourbon cupcakes and Kentucky bourbon balls.  The bourbon balls were delicious and had quite a kick!

In addition to all the bourbon, we served spiked Arnold Palmer's in mason jars and wine.  

The party was a huge success.  After playing the game, tasting the bourbons, eating dinner and dessert we sat on the deck and smoked cigars.  Everyone had a great time, especially hubby.  All of our friends brought him bourbon so we ended up with almost 20 bottles!!!  I guess we'll be having another bourbon party soon :-).

Renee