Austinites don’t let chilly weather stand in the way of a good time, particularly when the good time is for a good cause. Local lovers of whiskey, charitable giving and mustaches joined Woodford Reserve at Kunst Gallery on December 1 to celebrate the end of Movember in style.
Facial hair was out in full force at the exclusive event, which should be no surprise to those familiar with the mustache-centric mission to raise awareness for men's health. As part of the festivities, a handful of top Austin bartenders committed themselves to ‘stache cultivation for charity. On Monday night, they came together to share in the glory (or the shame, depending on who you ask) of a full month of whiskers.
Chris Lewis decided to go bushy this year, a departure from the mutton chops and other daring styles of Movembers past. Eddie Portillo had some second thoughts about the end-of-month shave. “This is the first time I’ve let it get so long,” he said, stroking a full beard. “I think I might keep it a while, see how it goes.”
Featured mixologist Darren Makowsky created two drinks for the occasion, putting a fresh spin on the classic Manhattan cocktail. A spirit-forward concoction featured Amaro Nonino and Fee Brothers' Aztec Chocolate Bitters. A sweeter, subtler mixture included Mathilde Framboise, raspberry jam syrup and sublime Carpano Antica vermouth. Makowsky built his inspired creations — “one masculine, one feminine” — on a sturdy foundation of Woodford Reserve bourbon and garnished them with classic Maraschinos and wedges of cloved lemon.
Deejay Big Mike and DJ Seven kept the jams live, while a chair from Finley’s Barber Shop awaited any Movember participants ready to start the new month off with a clean shave. Texas lounge dining enterprise J. Black’s provided bites for the evening, including wagyu beef sliders on Hawaiian buns and bacon-wrapped shrimp brochette.
At the end of the evening, guests took home gift bags provided by Baxter's of California featuring men's facial products. Among those seen on Monday were Bijoulea Finney, Anup Mistri, Jesse Minton, Michael Sanchez, Shaun Harris, Jessica Cox, Jason Steward, Diana Lopez, Eddie Kaufman, Brittney Hitzfelder, Rocio Morales, Rachel Novak, Erin Shorts, Ross Bennett, and Ashley Gregg.
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CRAFT CAREFULLY. DRINK RESPONSIBLY.
Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 45.2% Alc. by Vol.
The Woodford Reserve Distillery, Versailles, KY ® 2014
Shaun Harris, Hannah Rodriguez, Holly Rodriguez.
