Taste Ohio spirits, craft cocktails at Lily’s Bistro event

“In addition to a number of great breweries, Ohio has some amazing distilleries,” Emily Mendenhall, owner of Lily’s Bistro said. “We want to focus on some of our favorite spirits being made in the state, or in the case of Belle of Dayton, right down the street!

I think people are going to be impressed with the range and quality of what’s being made here, and with our bar manager Amber leading the event, she is going to introduce folks to the spirits, and also how to mix them into craft cocktails, which will be a lot of fun."

The Ohio Spirit Tasting will feature OYO Stonefruit Vodka, Watershed Distillery Bourbon Barrel Gin and Watershed Nocino black walnut liqueur, and Belle of Dayton Gin. Each spirit will be tasted and discussed by Bar Manager Amber Brady. Brady will then showcase the spirits in sample craft cocktails.

"I'm really excited about our 'Oaxacan Winter' cocktail -- it uses tequila, mezcal, fresh lemon, pear liqueur, and Watershed's black walnut Nocino made in Columbus. It's an unexpected combination, but ends up working together in a really unique way," Brady said.

Lily's will also be sampling their 'About Thyme' cocktail featuring Belle of Dayton gin, which Brady won first prize with at the Dayton Visual Art Center's "Artful Cocktail" contest. Brady will talk about the art of crafting a cocktail to highlight each spirits unique flavor profile and is in the process of creating some additional cocktails for the special event.

A small plate prepared by Lily’s Bistro’s Chef Amy Finch will accompany each spirit tasting and cocktail sample.

Cost is $39 per ticket and includes tax and tip. You can purchase tickets at Eventbrite or at Lily's Bistro, 329 E. 5th St., Dayton.

Want to go?

WHAT: Ohio Spirits Tasting

WHEN: 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017

WHERE: Lily's Bistro, 329 E. 5th St., Dayton

COST: $39/person (includes tax and tip)

INFO: Facebook event | Eventbrite ticket link

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