Want to be in on the best semi-kept secret in Seattle for the weekend and next week? The Seattle Cocktail Week Preview is almost here.
Focusing on Speed Rack, a competition for the best lady bartenders in Seattle, and branching out to Mezcal and Japanese whisky, these events all over town are going to make you glad you decided to go out on a Tuesday evening.
Don’t just take my word for it: check out the events calendar below. They’re free to the public to attend unless noted.
Saturday, February 9th:
Sun Liquor Distillery, 4-6 pm: Join in for a special happy hour with Speed Rack contestants and the Rat City Rollergirls. Even without the $6-$7 cocktails you know it’s going to be awesome.
Rocco’s, 9-11pm: Guest bartender Colin Appiah takes over for the night, slinging $6 cocktails with London flair.
Vessel, 7-10 pm: Novo Fogo’s Bars on Fire is back at Vessel, with Cachaça cocktails, Alex Negranza of Liberty (aka Negranzino!), and Chris Goad of Canon (aka Huesos!), hosted by Jim Romdall (aka Peaty!). Yes, the nicknames are real – as are the strong drinks.
Speed Rack at Century Ballroom, 3 p.m.-7 p.m: That $20 ticket ($25 at the door) gets you drinks, snacks, and the chance to watch some amazing bartenders do what they do best.
After-Speed-Rack party at Liberty: With $5 cocktails all night, you’ll celebrate the victor in style.
Monday, February 11th:
Vessel, 6-9 pm: Check out the vermouth-cocktail contest and try some of them yourself for $8.
Rumba, 8-11 pm: Taste some of the oldest aged rums for only $20.
Japanese Whisky – A Rare Treat, 3:30pm (tickets at link, $40)
Join Suntory’s Neyah White as he leads a truly rare discussion on the history & brands available to America of Suntory.
Also speaking will be Maurice Chevalier IV, representing Nikka Whisky for the first time in Washington. He’ll be bringing by some wonderfully rare treats.
Tuesday, February 12th:
Mezcal: A Love Story, 12:30 pm ($50)
This may be the first time that so many of the industry’s hand’s on leaders have been in one discussion on this great spirit. Speaking will be:
Ryan Fitzgerald, Del Maguey Single Village Mezcals
Stephen Meyers, Ilegal Mezcal
Jon Smolensky, Los Siete Misterios Mezcal
Eduardo Belaunzaran, Wahaka Mezcal
Spike Mafford, Photographer and expert on Oaxacan & Mezcal Culture
Mike Ryan, Prolific Chicago Bartender & Educator
Following this discussion, there will be a tasting starting at 4pm with perhaps up to 16 brands, from Ilegal Mezcal to El Jolgorio Mezcal.
Thank you, Washington Bartenders Guild and Novo Fogo!