Saturday was a day to write home about for sure – sunny skies, just enough clouds to cool it down, and a whiskey tasting at one of my local pubs, The Celtic Tavern. I enjoy tasting events, especially when they bring in a mix of big and small distillers and distributers that I wouldn't usually encounter. It's like a music festival – there are a few bands I know I want to see, but I also get introduced to a bunch of artists I can explore in depth later. This tasting was hosted by TastingFestivals.com and there was a good selection of whiskeys and other libations to try out. Sadly, this was the last event they'll have in Denver for a bit, but I'm sure they'll come back soon. Until then, they host events all over the country so check if there's an event near you.

Before I discovered 'tasting events', I'd get one or two friends together on a week night, and we'd simply wander from bar to bar, introducing ourselves to the bartender and explaining we are there to try the whiskeys they have to offer. After a little discussion, they'd inevitably offer up a special bottle from their hidden stash, and we'd get to share and appreciate a whiskey someone truly likes, not just what was on the menu. I would write notes, but by the end of the night they looked like a secret code without a key. Nevertheless, we had a great time and made many friends on those journeys.

A challenge I have with tastings is I'm not a sophisticated connoisseur with a finely tuned palate or flavor memory. My tasting notes are still in the "like/don't like" and "more/less burny feel" range. I'm working on that. That's one of the reasons I like Pour Friday. I enjoy getting to take time with a few friends and a bottle of something new. I enjoy how other people describe a dram, and am learning how to define the layers and aspects I find. For me the key to enjoying whiskey and music is to seek out the adventure, try the new stuff, and grow along with the experience. Swim the river, or become the stagnant pool.

Which do you prefer? A quick taste of a wide variety, or a more in-depth taste of one or two options?

Here's what was on deck at this tasting, with a few notes of my basic notes. I'll be exploring a few of these in more detail in the future.

Altos Distribution

A Colorado distributor pouring the De La Torre range.

Selections: De La Torre Blanco, Reposado and Anejo.

I wasn't in for tequila this time, but this group had a steady series of happy reactions. I'll have to try them out on a tequila night.

Anderson & Link Whiskey Company

Veteran owned, 100% malted rye.

Selection: Their 90 proof and 100 proof, with the 122.7 proof cask strength in the VIP hour.

I like rye, so I tried all three of these and put them in the like category. The 90 proof has a cinnamon or anise flavor that the 100 proof did not have, and the 122 proof was deceptively smooth. They were kind enough to offer a per bottle discount, so I'll be using that to get more familiar with their lineup.

Bulleit

A well known name in bourbon and rye.

Selections: A full range of their bourbon and rye.

First, Bulleit and their parent company Diageo have both personnel and business practice controversies that have triggered boycotts in several areas. After reading the details, I try their offerings, but more often put my support elsewhere. You make your own choice. Past that, they do make a good range of whiskey and rye. Their Rye 10 Year and Bottled in Bond Bourbon had good flavor and a balanced heat.

Clear Water Distilling

A Utah craft distillery.

Selection: Wednesday Whiskey, Canela Cinnamon, 7 Year Cask Strength Rye.

I tried the 7 Year Rye and the Wednesday Whiskey, and put both in the Like category. The rye was 118 proof and had the heat to prove it, while the Wednesday was 90 proof and a much smoother blend. Others tried the Canela Cinnamon with positive response.

Gardenista Cocktails

Ready to pour craft cocktails.

At this table I had a very interesting premade gin cocktail that had a great flavor. Would be a perfect base for a summer cocktail with ice and cucumber. I liked that their business cards have seeds in them, so I can go home and plant them. Maybe in the neighbor's yard first, because I don't know what the seeds are.

Milestone Brands

Founded by ex-Deep Eddy executives, Milestone has a wide range of spirits in their catalog.

Selection: Dirty Monkey Peanut Banana Whiskey and American Born Bourbon (apple pie flavored).

I didn't go in on these this time – not what I'm usually looking for. Others shared that these both leaned to the sweet side, which isn't surprising for these non-traditional offerings. If you're into it, give 'em a try and let us know what you think.

Pure Distilling

A self distributed Colorado Springs distillery with an all-glass distilling process, and only natural, organic, and locally sourced ingredients.

Selection: Ma Deuce Bourbon (finished in tequila barrels), St. Bernard Mountain Whiskey, and Dead Canary Mountain Gin.

I had the Ma Deuce and Dead Canary, and both are worth a future try. I skipped the St. Bernard mountain whiskey.

Salida Distillery

Family-run Colorado distillery out of Salida.

Selection: StagRabbit Bourbon Whiskey, The Chase Rye, The Courtship, and their Water Rights Botanical Gin.

This crew was my winner for the day. The Chase Rye is a four-year rye with a good feel, the Courtship is a wheated bourbon, and the StagRabbit is a rye/bourbon blend. I'd also be happy with a Water Rights Gin and tonic. I'll be looking to spend more time with all of these.

Suavecito Tequila

Small batch, hand crafted tequila.

Selection: Blanco, Reposado, Cristalino, Anejo, and Extra Anejo.

Still wasn't in for tequila, but they had a good crowd around them. Will check 'em out soon.