Our “First” bourbon tasting fellowship event was a smashing success. Forty-five FATC members and guests attended our bourbon tasting night at the Rack House Kitchen Wine Whiskey restaurant in Cottleville, MO. The guys were greeted by a friendly staff who led us to a large banquet room just for us. The owner and Sommelier Josh French greeted each of us and welcomed us to his restaurant for a night of food and learning the finer art of bourbon tasting.

I would be amiss if I did not first thank Matt Thal for putting this event on for our fellowship. Matt is also a “bourbon connoisseur” and provided three great bottles of bourbon for our raffle. John Muckerman, Steve Stipanovich and Kenny Klimes were the lucky winners of some great bourbon (yes, I won something – finally!) Another thank you goes to John Muckerman who donated a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle 12-year bourbon for a special raffle with the proceeds going to our three charities. This bourbon, if you can get it, runs for around $1000 on the open market – IF you can find it. The winner was Peter Harre. Congrats to Peter and all of the winners. Actually, everyone attending was a winner as we learned about bourbon and were able to see old friends again.

After our meal of beef and pork tacos and much laughter and ribbing, we settled down to learn about bourbon from Josh. A wealth of information was given out and a few things that we did not know about bourbon and the men that made it was truly interesting. We all got to taste four different bourbons from wheat bourbons to rye bourbons. We learned how to “breathe”, “taste’ and “smell” bourbon. I know that I will appreciate the little nuances of all bourbons a little more now.

Ok Gang, we have a lot of events coming up in the future besides trips. So please join us and remember to vote for our two Board positions that are up for election!