Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival 2015: heaven on earth for the booze and pork enthusiast

This festival is exactly what it claims to be and more: beer, bourbon, and food; all three of which are unforgettable. The event, which took place in Chelsea at The Terminal, a seemingly endless railroad-style warehouse of vendor after vendor, was divided into three deservedly sold out sections. Upon arrival, some of the exhibitors were familiar names, but the tastings they provided were, by and large, of limited availability or distinctly new. Neighboring Long Island brewery Blue Point offered a tasting of No Apologies, a flavorful 10.0 percent alcohol-by-volume ale with a caramel sweetness, making it not only strong, but dangerously drinkable. 

The American obsession with bacon has become increasingly prevalent in recent years, and more and more unlikely hosts are incorporating it into their products. Whether it be a candle, a salve, a drink or a scoop of ice cream, the palette of this culture has long since realized that bacon goes well with just about everything. A festival favorite was the Bacon Jams vendor, which served samples of bacon-based spreads infused with flavors like red chili, garlic and black pepper. Could bacon’s potential for being so delicious justify its presence in jam? The obvious answer to everyone in attendance was a resounding “yes”!

The crowd that this event caters to are undoubtedly there for a booze and pork-filled good time, but they’re also there as connoisseurs in their own right. At $109 per ticket, this event is not cheap, and attendees came to explore their preferences. If that meant standing in a 40-minute line for a life-changing piece of bacon, then they were obliged to do so. Overall, everyone was in good humor and the atmosphere was extremely casual, fun and relaxed. From time to time you’d hear a tasting glass smash on the concrete floor of The Terminal and surrounding attendees would let out a single “Ohh!” in perfect unison, playfully disgracing the offender.

Every representative was extremely passionate about their product, making the tastings not only delicious but informative as well, especially in the bourbon and beer categories. The food was outstanding across the board. All who tasted the pork loin will compare it to every less impressive pork loin they encounter for the rest of their lives. New York City patiently awaits this festival’s return.  

Lea Weatherby

For further information about the Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival visit here.