Johns Hopkins'
Homewood
Museum will strike the perfect balance between
libations and
learning at its 13th annual "Evening of Traditional
Beverages" from 6 to 8 p.m., on Friday, June 5. This
year's theme, Scotland's Single Malts, was inspired by the
bicentennial of the birth of Scottish poet
Robert Burns (1759-1796).
The event will be held on the lawn of Homewood Museum
(or Glass Pavilion in the case of rain).
At the annual museum event, which combines history
with an al fresco cocktail party, 23-year
spirits specialist Craig Howard from Reliable-Churchill
Distributors will discuss the history, culture
and taste of single malt whiskies from the Islay, Highland,
Speyside and Lowland regions.
Guests will sample five wee drams of single malts
produced along Scotland's famous whisky trail,
including Glenfiddich 15 Year and 21 Year, Balvenie 12 Year
Doublewood, Aberfeldy 12 Year and
Compass Box The Peat Monster. John Walsh of wine and
spirits importer William Grant & Sons will
assist in the presentation of the Glenfiddich and Balvenie
selections.
A splash of Scottish spring water will bring out the
distinctive aromas and flavors of each, as
will hors d'oeuvres and chocolate pairings provided by
Neopol Savory Smokery in Belvedere Square and
Edible Favors of Waverly Market. White wine and
nonalcoholic beverages also will be served.
Andy Bienstock, program director of WYPR-FM, will
serve as master of ceremonies. Christopher
George, local poet and member of the St. Andrews Society of
Baltimore, will read excerpts from
Robert Burns' rousing drinking song, "Scotch Drink," and
will autograph copies of his book, The Scots
in Maryland and a History of the St. Andrew's Society of
Baltimore, 1806-2006, which will be available
for sale in the museum shop.
The single malt whiskies will be available at a
discounted price at the Wine Source in Hampden,
the event's retail sponsor. The media sponsor for the event
is 88.1 WYPR-FM.
Admission is $20 for Homewood members and $25 for
nonmembers. Due to the popularity of
the event, reservations (410-516-5589) are required.