The Water of Life event is the first annual whisky fundraiser hosted by LRG member, Dr. Mathew J. Lurin (co-founder of the Whisky Nerds). The word whisky (or whiskey) comes from the Gaelic uisce/uisge, a shortened version of uisge beatha meaning “water of life.” Dr. Lurin is a whisky aficionado whose stepfather is a GIST patient.
Dr. Lurin was recently asked about his inspiration to create the Water of Life event. He stated, “I’ve been going to whisky tastings for over a decade, traveling to several countries in the process. I’ve always enjoyed meeting the people in the industry, including those that make, market, and appreciate this wonderful elixir. When the Whisky Nerds were founded the mission was both education about, and appreciation of, whisky. After attending many wonderful events, the Whisky Nerds wanted to create a unique event to allow for this to happen. And thus the “Water of Life” was born. The event will be a sit-down ‘speed-dating’ type of event, consisting of several tables, each one their own mini-masterclass. It was equally important that this event also be used as a fundraiser to benefit a charity. My stepfather is from Scotland, and played a big role in my early whisky education. He was diagnosed as a GIST patient several years ago, and the Life Raft Group is an organization that helps patients like him through this difficult time. The choice was easy. I hope you can be a part of what should be a wonderful evening. Slàinte Mhath!”
The Water of Life event will be unique in that it will have a seated speed dating format, where pourers host short sessions with five guests at a time, and share drams (a small amount of whisky) and stories for 12 minutes, before they move on to their next ‘whisky date’. Over the course of the evening, guests will have the opportunity to try over 25 whiskies, accompanied by food pairings at each table, passed hors d’oeuvres, buffet dinner and desserts.
Participant Pourers
Some of the pourers will include: Aberfeldy, Amrut, Balblair, The Balvenie, Benromach, Blackadder, Brenne, Bunnahabhain, Compass Box Whisky Co., Craigellachie, Deanston, Dewar’s, The English Whisky Co., The Famous Grouse, Glenfiddich, Glenmorangie, Gordon & MacPhail, Highland Park, Hudson Whiskey, Kilchoman, The Macallan, Single Cask Nation, Still Waters Distillery, Sullivan’s Cove, Tamdhu, and Tullamore Dew.
If cigars are your thing, a VIP ticket will be just what you need. There will be two terraces open at the event where VIPs will get the chance to sit outside for an hour straight with one brand, enjoying a pairing of their whiskies and cigars. There will be VIP pours and a special commemorative glass as well.
The Water of Life event will be held on Wednesday, May 6 at 6pm at Battery Gardens, 1 Battery Place in NYC. For more information and to register for this event, please visit our website.
