The Phoenician Tavern is kicking off its annual Taste of Tavern dining series on Saturday, May 31, from 6 to 9 p.m., with an unforgettable evening of fine spirits and gourmet cuisine. The evening features a multi-course dinner expertly paired with selections from Elijah Craig, “The Father of Bourbon.” 

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Elijah Craig bourbon stars in this elevated dining experience

The evening begins with a cocktail hour, followed by a three-course dinner with Elijah Craig Bourbon (Craig was the first to char oak barrels to make bourbon). 

The reception features a welcome cocktail, an Elijah Craig Straight Barrel-aged Sazerac. Guests will enjoy small bites of steak tartare with egg yolk and gochugaru on marble rye; vegetable tart with pea and mint puree, radish, asparagus, and whipped ricotta; and smoked salmon topped with red onion, dill goat cheese, and chive on cucumber. 

For the dinner, a starter of poached pear salad with spinach-frisee, red wine poached pear, crispy prosciutto and citrus vinaigrette is complemented with Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon. 

Three courses, four pairings, one unforgettable night

The main course is a venison chop served with blackberry coulis and Brussels sprouts, coupled with Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon. 

The evening is finished with a dessert of honey cake with bourbon ice cream and honeycomb brittle, accompanied by Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon. 

Dine with a whiskey ambassador and taste bourbon history

During the evening, guests learn about the different types of bourbon from Lynn House, national spirits specialist with Heaven Hill Brands. A notable bourbon expert, she is an American Whiskey Ambassador of the Year, as well as a U.S. Brand Ambassador of the Year. 

The Phoenician Taste of Tavern details

For the ultimate take-home souvenir, dinner participants can purchase a bottle of Elijah Craig and get customized bottle engraving. 

The event will take place in the restaurant’s Roundhouse private dining room. The dinner is $108 per person, which includes tax, gratuity and parking. 

The Phoenician Tavern is located at The Phoenician: 6000 E. Camelback Rd., Scottsdale, Ariz., 85251. For reservations, call 480-423-2445 or visit thephoenician.com/events/taste-of-tavern.