OB3: Orlando Bourbon, Beer n’ Bites
1711 Jake St.
4-8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24
eventsforchangeinc.org
$40
Riding the heels of last week’s annual ode to “America’s official native spirit” in Bardstown, Ky., Baldwin Park plays host to Orlando’s iteration of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail with OB3: Orlando Bourbon, Beer n’ Bites. OB3 will transform the lot behind Paddy Murphy’s into a makeshift bluegrass region of sorts, and your event admission ($40) lands you a souvenir tasting glass for unlimited sips of more than 30 varieties of smooth and spicy bourbon, along with craft beer samples from both local and regional outlets. (A $50 VIP session that includes two extra sampling hours and a $20 designated driver admission are also available.)
According to fest organizer Linda Christensen of Events For Change Inc. (a two-year-old Orlando-based nonprofit that’s raised more than $50,000 for area charities), you can expect an appearance by the Orange Blossom Pilsner truck, while chefs from five eateries – Brianto’s, Paddy Murphy’s, the Gastro-Truck, La Bella Luna and Harper’s (formerly Boathouse of Winter Park) – cook up bite-sized variations of signature dishes to be judged by festival attendees for the “people’s choice” award. Cooking demonstrations and brewing talks take place in the Tasting Theater, college football plays live in the sports lounge, and Savi Fernandez Band, Catfish Alliance and other bands fill the stage. A portion of event proceeds will support the Wounded Warrior Project’s veteran services.
