Philadelphia whiskey enthusiasts will have access to more than 100 different whiskeys when The Twisted Tail hosts its 11th annual tasting event on September 25. The Southern-inspired restaurant and blues venue in Headhouse Square will transform into a whiskey lover’s paradise from 7 to 10 p.m., with a VIP hour starting at 6 p.m.
The event celebrates Bourbon Heritage Month with whiskey tastings, a cocktail competition featuring local bartenders, and Southern barbecue from Deke’s BBQ food truck. Live New Orleans-style jazz and blues piano by Reverend Chris will provide the soundtrack for the evening. A new addition this year includes a cigar lounge housed in a renovated Airstream trailer parked outside the restaurant.
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The Twisted Tail Transforms into Whiskey Bonanza Venue
General admission tickets cost $65, while VIP access runs $85. The VIP hour offers early entry to sample rare and hard-to-find whiskeys not available during the main event. VIP guests also get first access to The Twisted Tail’s traditional suckling pig roast.
“The Twisted Tail has always been rooted in our passion for bourbon and blues, so Whiskey Bonanza feels like our own holiday celebration,” said George Reilly, Master Craftsman and proprietor of The Twisted Tail. “Hosting it during Bourbon Heritage Month is no accident—bourbon is a true American classic. And to celebrate it right here in the birthplace of America adds an extra layer of meaning and tradition.”
The event spreads across both floors of the restaurant, with distillery representatives on hand to discuss their products. Attendees can vote for their favorite creation in the cocktail competition, which features some of Philadelphia’s top bartenders crafting whiskey-based drinks.
Designated driver tickets are available for $40, allowing non-drinkers to enjoy the food and atmosphere. Tickets can be purchased at whiskeybonanza.com, at The Twisted Tail, or by calling 215-558-2471.
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Whiskey Bonanza Highlights Bourbon Heritage Month
The Twisted Tail extends its Bourbon Heritage Month celebrations beyond the single-night event. Every Friday in September, the venue hosts free happy hours from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. featuring different distilleries. These events include complimentary pours, limited cocktails, and branded merchandise.
The restaurant’s Bourbon Club program continues year-round, challenging members to sample more than 70 different whiskeys, bourbons, ryes, and scotches. Members who complete the entire list earn “Finisher” status, receiving a 20% permanent discount on all whiskeys and a custom engraved glass displayed at the bar.
September brings special promotions for Bourbon Club members, including discounted pours and the ability to customize tasting flights. The program reflects The Twisted Tail’s commitment to whiskey education and appreciation throughout the year.
The September 25 event marks more than a decade of The Twisted Tail’s dedication to American whiskey culture. As Pennsylvania played a crucial role in early American whiskey production, the Philadelphia venue continues that tradition by bringing together whiskey lovers, distillers, and bartenders for an evening celebrating the spirit’s heritage.
