Sip Scotch and Sail

I tend to be wary of booze cruises. There can nothing worse than being stranded on a boat for hours, surrounded by drunk people as provisions dwindle, waters chop, stomachs turn and restrooms fail. But since there was a promising forecast and the fun folks at Bowmore were in charge, last Saturday's Sip Scotch and Sail event with Liquor.com sounded like a great time. We couldn't have asked for a lovelier summer's day to be on the water with this fine city as a back drop, and great time it definitely was.

While most of last week NYC was covered with thick, gray clouds, the ones in the sky this day looked as though they were personally fluffed by giants. Utterly magical.

Our captain at the wheel. He found volunteers on board to help his small crew raise the huge sails that allowed for a steadier cruise.

A cheers to New York City with a glass of punch, made with Bowmore Legend, from a recipe created by cocktail historian David Wondrich.

Lady liberty in the distance among the fluffy clouds. 

Campari America Whisky Brand Manager Robin Coupar tossing messages in a Bowmore bottle. (Photo courtesy Gabi Porter and Liquor.com)

After an hour and a half of strong sunshine, oysters and Scotchy goodness we docked once again at Pier 17 and headed on foot to Demi Monde bar where the festivities continued down below.

There we were treated to Bowmore Rob Roys and a refreshing, minty Scotch cocktail by beverage director Alex Day, as well as yummy treats from the kitchen (I especially liked the sweet and salty steelhead trout and wasabi nougat bite.) We also tasted through the Bowmore line, including one of my Top 10 favorite Scotches - the Bowmore 18 Year (ever complex and the perfect balance of sweetness, smoke and brine) - as well as the fine and distinguished Bowmore 25 Year.

Steph and me at Demi Monde (photo courtesy of Gabi Porter and Liquor.com).

Robin and Whisk(e)y gal Nicola Riske of Edrington Group (photo courtesy of Gabi Porter and Liquor.com).

Head bartender Scott James Teague and Alex Day (Photo courtesy of Gabi Porter and Liquor.com).

A brief pitstop to Adrienne's Pizza Bar after the event. Then a short train ride to Clark Street made it possible to take in the view from the other side of the harbor, just as the sun had set. Nothing better than a breezy, Saturday evening stroll (and a cool shower, sorry, no photo included) after a long day of sun and fun.