It’s Peat Week at Brandy Library

This post originally appeared on Manhattan Style on April 7, 2010. You can view the original post here.

Whether throwing a corporate gala or a soiree for someone you love, Brandy Library is the ultimate spot for both

Ahh, the weather is warm and whiskey is in the air.  Through Saturday, Brandy Library will be celebrating Peat Week on behalf of the fermented grain.

This Tribeca bar is something of an imbiber’s dream.  With ample wood paneling and leather, Brandy Library substitutes books for spirits—they have an ample collection of brandies (ranging from the $12 VS Hennessy to the $340 Richard, Very Rare), whiskeys, and rum.  It’s precisely the kind of setup to make a non-smoker wish for a cigar in one hand and a smartly made Sidecar in the other.  Brandy Library also offers Dark & Stormy’s, Bermuda rum and ginger beer, which are perfect for sunny days as well.

The hors d’oeuvres are elegant with a healthy sense of humor.  They don’t serve wings, because “we could never match the ones at Hooters,” the menu declares.  Instead, there’s foie gras (scandalous!), prosciutto wrapped figs (“pigs and figs”), gougeres, and lambs in a blanket.  For dinner, tuna and steak tartar and more foie gras.  Brandy Library even makes the burger classier by offering two 2.5 oz sliders with bacon.  For dessert, what else but a crème brulee or Dulce de Leche topped éclairs?

But, of course, you’re here for the whiskey.  Tonight there’s the enigmatically named Whisky Live NYC and there will be tastings of Isle of Jura Scotch, Connemara Irish Whiskey, and single malts through the end of the week.  Check out their Web site for a full listing of what’s going on when.  Of course, there’s always the recurring “Single Malt Saturdays” from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Read up on the dos and don’ts of mixology etiquette from the Village Voice’s interview with Brandy Library beverage director, Ethan Kelley.

Sailors, step aside.  Peat Week is here to stay.

Brandy Library 25 N Moore St (between Varick and Hudson).

[Photo by flickr4jazz]

Tickets for the Manhattan Cocktail Classic go on sale tonight

This post originally appeared on Manhattan Style on March 31, 2010. You can view the original post here.

Humphrey Bogart is quoted as saying, “The problem with the world is that everyone is a few drinks behind.” It’s no coincidence that the Manhattan Cocktail Classic cites this bon mot on their web site.  This “festival, fete, conference, and party” brings together those who take their sousing seriously.  Tickets for the event, which will take place from May 14-18, go on sale tonight.  They are not to be missed.

If the bevy of press around their two-day preview last fall is any indication, theManhattan Cocktail Classic will unite many of New York’s top bartenders and imbibing enthusiasts to swap stories and lectures over a few exquisitely made drinks.  Seminars (each $50) will be held by the Clover Club, Death & Company,Brandy Library, Pegu Club, Mayahuel, Little Branch, PDT, and still more of New York nightlife’s top spots—without the 40 minute wait outside.  Other appealingly named events include Discovering Le Cognac for the Francophiles, From F-Stops to Flickr for the budding photographer,  The Spirited Whey: Monk-Inspired Cocktails and Cheeses for the devout, and Vermouth: Misunderstood for the Martini-minded.

Founder Lesley Townsend also told Diner’s Journal by e-mail that they will be adding more events as the week goes on, so stay on your toes for, perhaps, an absinthe in aspic wrestling competition?

It all kicks off with a gala at the New York Public Library on May 14.  Events are scattered throughout the city, though a significant number are concentrated at NoHo’s Astor Center.  For those trekking in from out of town (or those in the outer boroughs having a tough time navigating a subway), the Ace Hotel will offer 15 percent discounts to Manhattan Cocktail Classic patrons (with the code MCC).

For those who like it shaken or stirred, there will be revelry of all stripes.

[Photo by Southern Foodways Alliance on Flickr]