Since opening in Bellevue a little more than a year ago, Whiskey by John Howie has quickly developed a reputation as the destination for whiskey and craft cocktails on the Eastside.
Now, thanks to the addition of two new programs developed by Whiskey’s in-house-curator, it is also the headquarters for one-of-a-kind whiskey experiences that will elevate the knowledge and enjoyment of this spirit for everyone – from the curious to the connoisseur.
Tim Lodahl, John Howie Steak’s general manager who also oversees all things Whiskey at John Howie’s establishment of the same name, has collected more than 1,000 bottles of rare and well-done whiskies for both locales over the past 11 years.
He has also developed relationships with the industry’s most respected distilleries and purveyors and wants his guests to benefit from his access to both. This is how the Angels Share monthly tasting series and the weekly Thirsty Thursday events were born.
The Angels Share series was created for anyone interested in taking a deeper dive into different whiskey styles, brands and distillation methods. Each month, a new purveyor is featured and numerous special whiskies are tasted. The series has so far highlighted Sazerac, Garrison Brothers, Teeling and Michter’s, with Heaven Hill, Maker’s Mark, Brown-Forman and William Grant & Sons on deck in the months ahead.
The Angels Share events include samples of 4-7 whiskies and the opportunity to learn about the spotlighted distillery from an estate manager, ambassador or master distiller.
Tickets are limited to 12 per event and cost $30 (plus tax and 20 percent service charge). This popular series sells out quickly and is currently booked through August.
The next opportunity to reserve a spot is in September, when Angels’ Envy will be featured. In October and December, the tasting series will spotlight John Howie Steak’s private selection barrels.
The weekly Thirsty Thursday program highlights one special bottle of whiskey that you might not normally have the opportunity to taste at a heavy discount. These events include a one ounce pour and one pour per guest on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Some bottles recently featured include EH Taylor Uncut Barrel Proof, Michter’s Toasted Barrel, Laphroaig 30 Year, Willett Family Estate 6 Year Private Barrel Selection, Weller 107 Antique Private Barrel Selection and Yamazaki 12 Year. To complete the tasting experience, Lodahl recommends trying some of Whiskey’s new fun and creative shared food items.
In addition to Whiskey’s weekly and monthly tasting opportunities, Chef John Howie and Lodahl have some larger events in the works.
In November, the popular Rare & Well Done event – last held in November 2019 – will return. This annual showcase of the world’s best whisk(e)y, scotch and bourbon features the finest and most highly prized bottles from around the world and served with perfectly paired fine bites. More information on this event will be released in early fall.
Another special event planned is a Yamazaki 55 Year Dinner that will feature an incredible menu and an extremely rare bottle of 55 year old Yamazaki whiskey. This event, scheduled for September, will be attended by the brand’s ambassador and will include additional rare, sought-after whiskies from Beam-Suntory’s Yamazaki distillery.
For more information on or to be put on the list for this once-in-a-lifetime event, contact Tim Lodahl (tlodahl@johnhowiesteak.com).
Whiskey by John Howie is located inside the Shops at the Bravern, adjacent to John Howie Steak. Whiskey is open Fridays and Saturdays from 5:00-10:30 p.m. and Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from 5:00-10:00 p.m. with a Whiskey Hour Wednesday-Sunday from 5:00-6:00 p.m. that features popular items from the beverage and food menus. Whiskey can also be reserved for private events.
