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I have partnered with I.W. Harper to celebrate the return of I.W. Harper Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey back to the United States after a 20-year absence. As part of this collaboration I hosted a small dinner with several of my good friends to experience a night of great food and drink and experience a chance to “Live Like Mr. Harper.”
Although the guys that I brought together have vastly different backgrounds, they all have a passion for what they do. So this group was just the right mix to share such an amazing evening. Enjoying the whiskey helped us to understand what it is to actually “Live Like Mr. Harper.” Simply put, to live like Mr. Harper is a lot like the actual whiskey itself, bold and terrific on its own but complimentary and yet inviting when mixed. Just like my friends unique and individual on their own but combined, a great group of guys with an awesome rapport.
My passion is fashion so the I.W. Harper dinner was held at the Blank Label Pattern Room. Blank Label makes great made to order clothing and I thought the Pattern Room, with its warm and inviting layout would make the perfect backdrop for this unique evening. I’ll be showcasing my Blank Label style in an upcoming post but a dinner set among clothing samples and patterns is a one of a kind experience that I was happy to share with my friends.
The evening began with the education of the I.W. Harper brand from Brand Ambassador, Ashley Campbell. Two whiskeys have been brought back to the U.S., I.W. Harper’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and the Limited Edition 15 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. The first was smooth and mellow with hints of vanilla and caramel. The Limited Edition was a little sweeter and smoother with those same hints of vanilla and caramel with a little oak mixed in and a nice lingering finish. Accompanying the  lesson were fantastic appetizers including prosciutto wrapped asparagus, cocktail shrimp and smoked salmon served with a dark pumpernickel bread and hearty mustard.
Shifting to dinner, we were eager to move from tastings to cocktails. In the last few years, dark liquor cocktails have been in vogue so we were excited to see what was in store for the evening. We were treated to two different choices, the first, the Old Fashioned, harkened back to the days when I. W. Harper was first established in the U. S. and the second, the Harper’s Bet, a fruiter lighter cocktail perfect for those just being introduced to whiskey.
Cocktails
Old Fashioned
I.W. Harper Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Brown Sugar
Orange Bitters
Aromatic Bitters
Cherries
Harper’s Best
Courtesy of  Mark Corley, The Silver Dollar in Lousiville, KY
I.W. Harper Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Grenedine
Lime Juice
Grapefruit Juice
Orange Bitters
Dinner Menu
Salad
Organic Greens w/Sliced Fresh Strawberries, Crumbled Feta, Toasted Almonds & Raspberry Vinaigrette
Entrée
Marinated Slice Beef Medallions w/ Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
Lobster Salad
Potatoes Fontecchio
Eastern Shore Asparagus
Dessert
Chocolate Decadence w/Raspberries
Feasting on a dinner of fresh locally sourced foods, the guys and I had a chance to kick back and enjoy an incredible meal with rediscovered cocktails. It was a night of lively conversation, amazing camaraderie and in a warm and relaxed environment. We got a chance to hang out and let guys be guys. This is truly what to “Live Like Mr. Harper” is all about.
Shop my look/Details
Navy Blue Seersucker Suit –Â Armani Collezioni (Blazer/Pants); Striped Dress Shirt – Polo by Ralph Lauren; Lapel Pin (similar); Bow Tie – Harrison Blake (similar); Monk Straps –Â Jimmy Choo (similar)
Photography by John Robinson Photography – Check him out!!!
I am working in partnership with I. W. Harper Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and I am being compensated for my participation in this campaign. All thoughts/opinions are 100% my own. Whiskey is intended for those whom alcohol is legal and appropriate. Please Drink Responsibly.
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