SARASOTA – The events leading up to Thunder by the Bay have begun and they kicked off tonight with the ‘Taste of the Thunder’.
“This is our first annual taste of thunder, it’s a whiskey tasting event here at Cask and Ale in Downtown Sarasota and it kicks off the festival that runs through February 20th, all benefiting Suncoast Charities for Children which provides funding to six local agencies serving over 8,000 children, teens and adults with special needs,” said Executive Director of Suncoast Charities for Children, Lucy Nicandri.
So why Whiskey?
“There’s just such a good history with whiskeys, bourbon and rye whiskeys in the country today that people just want to follow that American tradition,” said Whiskey Ambassador, Steve Walleser.
Those in attendance got a private and intimate signature whiskey tasting experience.
“Were making the classing brown derby, its mixed with grapefruit juice, a little bit of that Florida feel also, and some honey simple syrup to make it a little bit more even pallet, for the everyday drinker,” said Cask & Ale General Manager, Eoin Farrell.
Nicandri says Thunder By The Bay wants to offer something for everyone
“The focus will always be about motorcycles that will never change, our second focus is live music, that will never change, but by adding the whiskey tasting, the fashion show, the kickoff party that has an online auction before the event even happens, we feel we are opening the festival to so many people who may not be able to come to the actual festival but want to support the charity and some of the different events we have this year,” said Nicandri.
“For the past 23 years we have raised millions of dollars for charity, the event is organized and produced by Suncoast Charities for Children so all the money stays right here locally,” said Nicandri.
For a full list of events leading up to Thunder By The Bay you can visit their website here.