You’d imagine that popular spirits such as Tennessee whiskey and Fernet wouldn’t need much advertising. Tennessee whiskey is one of the state’s most iconic exports, and Fernet is so esteemed by bartenders and drink enthusiasts that it’s often given as a salute or parting present across the bar, referred to as a “secret handshake.”

However, these two beverages didn’t achieve their immense popularity without keeping their recall value high, so brace yourself, Nashville, because things are about to get spirited!

First on the agenda is the 2024 installment of Tennessee Whiskey Week, brought to you by the Tennessee Whiskey Trail. This consortium of whiskey makers in the state is actually extending the festival this year beyond a single week, with celebrations planned in East Tennessee from May 3 to May 11, Middle Tennessee from May 12 to 23, and West Tennessee from May 20 through May 25.

They’ve scheduled exclusive distillery viewings, live entertainment, and deals on local cocktails and food at partaking eateries, as well as ticketed Master Distiller-Chef dinners where chefs from select restaurants will design specialized menus to honor the yearly celebration, inspired by a native Tennessee spirit brand. However, unless you’re planning to travel to the far-flung corners, it’s perhaps best to focus on our local scene.

Nashville is set to host this year’s key event, Top of the Rocks, a cocktail competition akin to Chopped. The competition encourages mixologists to use bold flavors and native spirits to concoct unique cocktails. The venue for the event is Acme Feed & Seed, and it is scheduled to commence at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 19. The event will also feature cocktail tastings, a people’s choice competition, light bites, and live music from Timbo and Boo Ray. Tickets can be obtained from the event’s website, with a few competitor slots still available for professional bartenders who wish to participate.

Here’s a catalog of Middle Tennessee restaurants and bars that will be offering Whiskey Week specials on cocktail creations featuring Tennessee spirits, whiskey pours, and specialty drinks between May 12 and May 23:

Dinner collaborations between Master Distillers and Chefs will take place at numerous restaurants across the city, so choose from these amazing options:

For details on specific events and ticketing information, visit the Whiskey Week website.

Fernet Branca has embarked on their Secret Handshake Tour at noted cocktail markets like Miami, Chicago, Brooklyn, San Francisco and Los Angeles, and they actually started the tour here in Nashville beginning on April 25. What, you didn’t know about it? It’s a secret!

They have been setting up special events at local bars, distributing cards that patrons can get stamped and send in for prizes when the tour leaves town on May 23. But where will they be popping up exactly? That’s a secret. However, if you register at the Fernet Secret Handshake Tour website, they’ll send you all the necessary details.

They have announced one event, a special concert at Third and Lindsley, starting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 23. The exact performers remain a mystery. But, Third and Lindsley’s performance calendar reveals that Kody West with Jason Scott and the High Heat will be taking the stage that evening, so you won’t be completely in the dark.

Cheers!

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