When you mix a cocktail, open a bottle of wine, or tap a keg—or in the case of the Alys Beach Crafted festival (October 25–28), an eleven-gallon firkin cask—you’re pouring a story along with the drink. “It’s so inspiring to not only learn how the distiller makes a liquor, but then watch how the bartender uses it,” says Alexis Miller, director of events. Anchored by the Friday night Firkin Fête, in which brewers share a beer no one—including the makers—has tried before, this year’s festival will be peppered with seminars and demos. Hear from the likes of Neal Bodenheimer of New Orleans’ Cure and Miles Macquarrie of Atlanta’s Kimball House, who will discuss Macquarrie’s theory that creating a cocktail is a lot like piecing together a Mr. Potato Head. Also on the schedule: a maker’s market featuring art, pottery, and jewelry. “We want people to take things home with them, whether that’s cocktail tips for their next party or a treasure from the market,” Miller says. “It extends the story.”
Southern Agenda