With the explosion of the craft cocktail movement, many major cities have cocktail weeks – New York, Portland, New Orleans to name a few of the larger ones. These events are for industry professionals and cocktail enthusiasts alike. Some events are purely social and fun, but most are educational. Yes, tasting booze at 10:00 a.m. on a Tuesday is what the pros do.
This year for the very first time, Baltimore gets to play along with the big kids. Baltimore Cocktail Week, the first-ever celebration advocating and educating the Baltimore service industry, is March 22-29, 2015. Tickets are $15-35. More info is available at BaltimoreCocktailWeek.com.
Programs and classes include wellness and restoration, money management for cash-based incomes, master craft, trade-show style mini-tastings, and cocktail contests. There will also be a conversation on coffee and tea at Dooby’s Coffee and a happy hour and hospitality “exploration” hosted by one of Baltimore’s most talented baristas, Lindsay Difabbio of the Foreman Wolf Group.
Here is a run down of the week’s events so far – and more events are being added.
BALTIMORE COCKTAIL WEEK 2015 EVENTS
SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 2015
COCKTAIL CONTEST AND LAUNCH PARTY
Pen & Quill
1701 North Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
6:00pm-10:00pm
Open to the public
$20.00
This evening will host a cocktail competition between participating bars and restaurants. The winner will be awarded a $250 prize and a $250 contribution to the charity of their choice and be featured in an upcoming issue of Baltimore STYLE magazine. Lite fare and a welcome cocktail will be provided.
MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2015
MONEY MANAGEMENT AND FINANCIAL HEALTH
Sticky Rice Baltimore
1634 Aliceanna Street
Baltimore, MD 21231
11:00am-1:00pm
Open to service industry professionals
$20.00
A licensed councilor and self-employment consultant will discuss strategies for wise money management and long-term financial planning for cash-based incomes. This course will feature strategies for balancing income fluctuation as well as implementing structured savings. Breakfast and cocktails will be provided.
BALVENIE MASTER CRAFT CLASS
Pen & Quill
1701 North Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
7:00pm-9:00pm
Open to service industry professionals
$35.00
National Balvenie Brand Ambassador David Laird will provide a whisky 101 introduction followed by a discussion of the history of Balvenie. This conversation will be followed by profile tastings of four Balvenie marks (12, 14, 17, & 21). Lite fare and a welcome cocktail will also be provided.
TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015
WELLNESS & RESTORATION
Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore – Umber Room (Fourth Floor)
200 International Drive
Baltimore, MD 21202
12:00pm-2:30pm
Open to industry service professionals
$15.00
A wellness seminar focused on sustaining health against the strain of long shifts, late nights and heavy lifting. A nutritionist will discuss supplements for stamina and recovery. This discussion will be followed by a restorative yoga class specifically designed for those who stand for a living. There will be a mix and mingle post-class reception.
SIP & SCREEN TRADESHOW MOVIE SCREENING – BCW PRESENTS “CHEF”
Landmark Theaters
645 South President Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
6:00pm-10:00pm
Open to the public
$20.00
Four craft spirit suppliers will host a mini tradeshow-style spirit tasting and cocktail hour followed by a screening of the film CHEF. Lite fare will be provided. 20% of the proceeds will be donated to Ride for the Feast.
THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015
TASTING THE TERROIR OF COFFEE AND TEA
Dooby’s Coffee
802 N Charles St.
Baltimore, MD 21201
10:30am-12:00pm
Open to the public
$15
This cupping class will feature three coffees and three teas from a different country, and will give a brief explanation on tasting coffee and tea, the origin of the featured coffees and teas, as well as how they are grown. The conversation will explore the “terroir” of coffee and tea, different notes based on geographic origin, climate, and elevation of the producers. By the end of the class, attendees will be able to explore the differences in profiles and characteristics, similar to wine bodies.
“GETTING FRIENDLY” Happy Hour and hospitality exploration – presented by National Bohemian and Jamison Irish Whiskey
Sticky Rice
1634 Aliceanna Street
Baltimore, MD 21231
2:00pm-5:00pm
$15
Open to service industry professionals
Lindsay Difabbio of the Foreman Wolf Group will explore the difference between service and hospitality. From conversation options that exclude the weather and traffic to remembering your guest’s “usual” to anticipating their preferences. Members from all aspects of the hospitality industry are welcome to join this exchange and share their unique perspectives.
During Baltimore Cocktail Week, participating bars and restaurants will offer Frederick Wildman signature cocktails. With each purchase, $1.00 will be donated to charitable organizations chosen by the participants. The highest donating participant will have the donation matched by Baltimore Cocktail Week, and will be featured in an upcoming issue of Baltimore STYLE magazine, a media sponsor of the event.
Get more information on the Baltimore Cocktail Week website and follow on Facebook and Instagram.
