Ready to sip, savor, and shake up your cocktail game? On September 18th from 6:30 to 8:30 PM, the Bird’s Nest at Blackbird is THE place to be for whiskey lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike. Why? Because we’re hosting a Cook’s Mill Whiskey Cocktail Class with none other than mixology expert Kelly Murphy, and it’s going to be an evening of liquid magic you won’t want to miss.
Cook’s Mill Whiskey: A Bourbon with Deep Roots and Bold Ambition
Cook’s Mill Whiskey is anything but your average bourbon, with a story as rich as its flavor. It began when a Raleigh couple bought a historic 1700s grist mill in Alamance County, North Carolina, planning to turn it into a weekend retreat. While scouring the mill’s forgotten corners, they unearthed sacks of corn and old mill supplies, likely left behind when the mill ceased operation over fifty years ago.
Inspired by the mill’s incredible history and connection to the American Revolution, the couple embarked on a new mission: to craft bourbon with a purpose—one that honors local heritage and supports the ongoing renovation of the mill. Today, a portion of proceeds from Cook’s Mill Whiskey sales contribute directly to its restoration.
And the bourbon? It’s more than living up to its legacy. With smooth, rich flavors, Cook’s Mill Whiskey has racked up awards, including:
- Best North Carolina Whiskey by Corn Growers Association of NC (2024)
- Platinum & Gold at the Ascot Awards (2023 and 2024)
- Silver at the San Francisco Spirits Competition (2023 & 2024)
- Silver at the New York World Spirits Competition (2023)
Three Cocktails You’ll Be Dreaming About
Kelly Murphy, our mixology maestro for the night, has created three original recipes that go way beyond your classic Old Fashioned. Get ready for flavor combos that will surprise your taste buds in the best way possible. Here’s a sneak peek:
- Garden Boulevardier: Think Cook’s Mill Bourbon with a twist—green bell pepper-infused Aperol, bitter Italian vermouth, and celery bitters. It’s fresh, it’s unexpected, and it’s delicious.
- White Manhattan: A bright take on a classic—Cook’s Mill Bourbon, Cocchi Americano, Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao, and Crude “Rizzo” bitters. Whiskey and elegance in one glass.
- All NC Vieux Carre: Featured at the NCRLA Chef Showdown, this cocktail brings all the NC flavors—Cook’s Mill, Fair Game apple brandy, Sanctuary Vineyards muscadine wine, Krupnikas spiced honey liqueur, and both Peychaud and Angostura bitters. It’s a local love story in liquid form.
What to Expect at This Tasting Experience
So, what’s on the agenda? Besides learning how to shake, stir, and sip like a pro, Kelly Murphy will take you behind the scenes of Cook’s Mill Whiskey—sharing the rich history of the mill and the one-of-a-kind distillation process, and what makes this whiskey so special. You’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation for what goes into crafting whiskey, plus some new cocktail skills to show off at your next gathering.
Tickets Are Going Fast!
We’re keeping this event small so that you can really soak up the experience (and the whiskey!). That means tickets are limited—so if this sounds like your kind of night, snag your spot ASAP.
Psst… Beer and wine will also be available for purchase, but when it comes to spirits, it’s all about Cook’s Mill Whiskey! Click here to sign up!