Greenville Gears Up for a Celebration of Bourbon, BBQ, and Bacon!
Hey there, Greenville residents and food lovers! Are you ready to indulge in a weekend filled with mouthwatering flavors and unforgettable experiences? Mark your calendars for the Hog & Barrel Festival, happening on November 1st and 2nd at the fabulous Events at Judson Mill. This is one event you won’t want to miss!
What’s the Buzz About Hog & Barrel?
The Hog & Barrel Festival is truly a celebration of all things Southern — we’re talking about our beloved staples like BBQ, bacon, and yes, the star of the show, bourbon! But this festival isn’t just about tasty treats. Proceeds from the event will support the Culinary Institute of the Carolinas at Greenville Tech, specifically benefiting their scholarship and equipment funds. It feels good to know your indulgences are helping aspiring chefs get a fantastic education, doesn’t it?
Two Days of Deliciousness!
Get ready for two days packed with exciting activities! The festival will feature bourbon tastings, live music to get you in the spirit, and signature dishes from some of the best culinary talent in the area. If you consider yourself a foodie, you’ll love watching chefs and mixologists go head-to-head for prizes in categories like best dish and best bourbon cocktail. And guess what? We got to sneak a taste-test of some of the potential cocktails that will be showcased!
Cheers to Unique Cocktails!
One of the standout drinks in the mix is a classic cocktail reimagined with a splash of brown-sugar simple syrup and just the right amount of pecan wood smoke for that nutty flavor we all crave. With the added depth from bitters and a cherry on top, it’s a drink you’ll want to savor. Then, there’s the Holy Smokes! cocktail, a delightful refreshment made with bourbon, peach schnapps, blackberry syrup, and ginger ale, perfect for those who enjoy a fruity twist!
And how can we forget about fall flavors? There’s a special apple and bourbon mix that’s a must-try. This combo brings out the best of autumn and, believe us, you won’t regret being tempted by that juicy apple!
The Main Event: Bourbonpalooza!
The highlight of the festival is sure to be Bourbonpalooza, which takes place on Saturday, November 2nd, featuring two sessions. This is where all the excitement happens as chefs and mixologists prepare their best dishes and cocktails starring the three B’s: bourbon, BBQ, and bacon. But that’s not all! You can also enjoy a fun craft market, live music to jam to, and even catch college football on the big screen. And for those feeling adventurous, why not take a ride on a mechanical bull? It could be the highlight of your day!
More Fun with the “Bourbon Experience”
Curious about bourbon? The festival offers an hour-long guided tasting called the Bourbon Experience, where you can explore a range of spirits from more than a dozen distilleries. It sounds like a perfect opportunity to expand your bourbon knowledge while sipping on some spectacular drinks!
If you want to kick off your festival experience in style, check out “Taste of the Barrel: A Bourbon Dinner” on Friday, November 1. Renowned chef Michael Sibert of White Wine & Butter will whip up culinary delights paired with bourbon cocktails curated by the fabulous Tammy Johnson, CEO and Chief Mixologist for High Spirits Hospitality. It’s sure to be a culinary evening to remember!
Don’t Miss Out!
Now that you know all about the fun and flavors awaiting you at the Hog & Barrel Festival, make sure you get your tickets early! Gather your friends, and let’s celebrate the delicious flavors of our Southern heritage. For tickets and more information, be sure to visit hogandbarrelfestival.com. This event is sure to be the talk of the town, so you don’t want to miss out!
