Not his scene

I accidentally took DD to a drinks industry party on Monday night.

DD is not a drinks industry party guy. He went to a few in the early days of my booze news career, but decided he prefers low-key, educational events where the focus is on the distiller or winemaker – sit-down dinners, masterclasses etc.

I presumed the event was a dinner because it was being held in a restaurant. I excitedly asked him to be my plus one because it was the launch of a bourbon, his favourite spirit.

Being my plus one is a bit of an ask on a Monday night as DD needs to hike down from the Northern Beaches. On this occasion he’d been out all day and arrived at my place needing to shower and change.

DD hadn’t showered at my new place before. He washed his hair and asked to use the hairdryer he bought me (for his use) at my old place. I have absolutely NO idea where that went during the move. I never use hairdryers.

He looked a little crestfallen.

He also hadn’t read the invitation, which said it was cocktail dress. He only had jeans and trainers with him, but assured me they were his “best” ones.

Fortunately he always carries a suit jacket in his car.

Anyhoo. The party was held at a glamorous venue in the city called Hinchcliff House, which features four levels of dining and drinking experiences, set within a heritage wool store in Sydney’s CBD.

The occasion was the consumer launch of a bourbon called Angel’s Envy.

Co-founded in Louisville, Kentucky in 2011 by industry icon Master Distiller Lincoln Henderson and his son Wes Henderson, Angel’s Envy has redefined the craft of bourbon production.

Unlike other bourbons, it undergoes an additional maturation process, finishing the spirit in Port Wine Barrels, which adds another layer of complexity and flavour.

Although the journey began as a father-son venture, Angel’s Envy recently appointed Owen Martin as its first Master Distiller since Lincoln Henderson’s passing in 2013.

Owen was guest of honour at the party and I was thrilled when he gave the gaggle of drinks writers in attendance – and DD – a mini masterclass.

There were also oodles of fabulous cocktails and delicious finger food on offer, including mini bowls of pasta.

We kicked off with a couple of refreshing Mint Juleps while lounging around on velvet sofas. Then DD was content to let me work the room while he observed the scene and chatted to my friend David Ligoff from The Whisky List and The Whisky Show.

The Whisky List helped bring Owen to Australia for the American Whiskey Show, which I attended last weekend.

That event included an Angel’s Envy Masterclass that saw Owen take guests through a special five whiskey tasting, including new products not yet available in the market.

DD missed out on it due to being at a long lunch with the Warrior Workout gang.