Whiskey and Politics attends Whiskey Washback

21 Nov 25

Whisky Advocate Magazine used to host WhiskyFest in Washington, DC - a yearly whisk(e)y extravaganza that truly had to be experienced to be believed. I attended every DC event and learned something new each time. It was always a great night. Unfortunately, Whisky Advocate eventually decided the DC market wasn’t profitable and stopped bringing the event here despite plenty of protests on my part.

About a month ago, I stumbled across a Facebook ad for Whiskey Washback, another large-scale whisk(e)y tasting, and decided to give it a try.

The event took place at The Hamilton Hotel, just north of K Street near Franklin Park. VIP guests could attend whiskey tasting seminars prior to the start of the main event.  Tickets ranged from $145 to $195 for four full hours of sampling. The organizers will also be taking the event to Atlanta, New York, Dallas, and Chicago.

A variety of restaurants joined in to share their signature dishes:  Buddy’s DC, DCity Smokehouse, Devyn's Kitchen, Florida Avenue Grill, Food & Fire DC, Pure Kitchen Culinary Concept, Taqueria Habanero. The food was excellent, though often a little spicy for my whiskey-tasting palate. Plus being the yankee that I am, I love but cannot abide hot foods (ketchup is too spicy!).  I needed a quick break after a delicious but fiery chicken dish. Probably for the best: a moment to rehydrate before diving back in.

Beyond food and whiskey, there were some engaging vendors. Scissors & Scotch set up an active display highlighting their modern haircuts paired with a lounge where you can enjoy a quality pour before or after your trim. The Daily Pour, an adult-beverage review and rating app, was also on-site. I downloaded it and have been enjoying the features—review browsing, building a personal liquor library, tracking new releases, and more.  

On the Fly Tapsters, a mobile bartending service, was also there showcasing their upscale offerings for events of any size. If you reach out to Mark Greenlief, let him know Whiskey and Politics sent you.

Old Fitzgerald or Heaven Hill whiskies have been very difficult to come by.  Recently, hard-to-find bourbons have been popping up in liquor stores.  I was happy to see them there and made them my first stops of the night so I could taste them with a fresh palate, and now I understand why they’re in such high demand. Right next to them was Widow Jane Bourbon - a new one for me as well - and I was genuinely impressed. I’ll be picking up a bottle soon and happily recommending them to other whiskey fans.

Our friends from the Song Dog Distillery  made a strong showing as well. They’re one of the best distilleries in the DMV, just about an hour from the city. Their tasting room has something for everyone - kids, dogs, and sippers alike.  The folks manning their booth were friendly and chatty - as usual.

A long list of additional whiskies rounded out the evening. I saved the scotches for last, knowing my weakness for a great pour. Once I reached the combined Ardbeg and Glenmorangie booth, I more or less settled in. I would have liked to sample more Michter’s, but their line never seemed to shorten. Widow Jane also drew long lines, but it was worth the wait. I’ll be featuring them soon as a Whiskey of the Week.

• Ardbeg Anthology 14yr The Unicorn's Tale, Arthur Wheeler Cask Strength Bourbon, Blue Note Honey Rye, Bomberger's Precision Fine Grain Bourbon, Glenmorangie 18yr The Infinita, Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Bourbon, High N Wicked, Michter's 10 Year Old Single Barrel Rye, Old Fitzgerald Decanter Series,  Provenance 14 Year, Widow Jane Decadence Bourbon & Widow Jane Vaults Bourbon

I handed out all the business cards I brought - everyone received one along with the spirit (both literal and figurative) that Whiskey and Politics aims to bring to these events. With an early morning ahead, staying out until 10 p.m. was a stretch. Overserved, overfed, and feeling it, I decided I’d enjoyed plenty. I’ve had nights where even ordering an Uber felt like a challenge, and I wasn’t looking to repeat that.  

Whiskey Washback - a good time.  The next time it comes around, I recommend attending.  I’ll see you there.

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