Winter Bourbon Festival offers unique whiskey and craft beer for a good cause

The 6th annual Winter Bourbon Festival is returning to Long Island on Saturday, Feb 23.

Hosted by T.J. Finley’s in Bay Shore, the bourbon festival offers “an eclectic variety of whiskey and barrel-aged beer” for guests to sample, along with as much barbecue food as they’d like. The event will help raise money to benefit Gavin’s Got Heart, an Islip-based charity that provides resources and support for families with children affected by congenital heart defects.

Drew Dvorkin, owner of T.J. Finley’s, says the festival will be attended by craft beer and whiskey drinkers from all over Long Island who share a passion for flavor. More than 25 different whiskies and 10 barrel-aged beers will be served at the bar and in the heated tent behind the T.J. Finley’s Biergarten, according to the event’s website.

“People drink seasonally,” Dvorkin said. “Attendees come to see what’s new from their favorite brands and to find popular trends and newcomers to the spirits industry.”

When it’s time to warm up from the winter weather, festival goers can check out the Jameson-sponsored Irish Coffee station, or try a cigar that’s been soaked and aged in Tennessee whiskey barrels from Village Cigar Headquarters, which has locations in Patchogue and Babylon.

“It’s great to spend a winter afternoon sipping amazing whiskey, enjoying a good cigar, and eating barbeque food with friends – all while supporting a worthwhile cause,” Dvorkin said.

The Winter Bourbon Festival runs from 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. this Saturday, Feb 23. Designated drivers who won’t be drinking can attend the festival for just $15. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit winterbourbonfestival.com.