Portland’s TOAST Artisan Spirits Tasting: A Culinary and Cocktail Adventure

The 7th Annual TOAST 2017 Artisan Spirits Tasting event was a dazzling showcase of artisan spirits and culinary delights, featuring some of Portland’s most talented chefs.

At the Oregon Distiller’s 7th Annual TOAST artisan spirits tasting event, the spotlight shone brightly on spirits, butchery, and delectable bites.

TOAST 2017 graced the Leftbank Annex once again this year, creating an incredible experience! The Leftbank Annex is truly an ideal venue for food and drink tasting events like TOAST. It’s a personal favorite and here’s hoping the event continues to be held at this perfect location.

Celebrating Artisan Spirits

TOAST 2017 artisan spirits event crowd in Portland, Oregon — The vibrant atmosphere of TOAST 2017.

Held on February 18th, Toast 2017 artisan spirits tasting was an absolute hit. The Leftbank Annex buzzed with hundreds of attendees, all eager to sample the creations of local distillers and savor the culinary artistry of Portland’s finest chefs.

Craft distillers proudly presented their diverse range of spirits, including vodka, gin, whiskey, rum, and tequila. Complementing these offerings were a variety of syrups and tonics. Many vendors at TOAST 2017 also offered spirits and related products for purchase, allowing attendees to replenish their home bars with their newfound favorites.

A Feast of Flavors

Five of Portland’s top chefs lent their talents to craft exquisite bites for the event’s guests.

Chef BJ Smith at TOAST 2017 artisan spirits event in Portland, Oregon — Chef BJ Smith of Smokehouse Tavern.

Among these culinary stars was BJ Smith, a Season 14 Top Chef contender, representing Smokehouse Tavern. He and his dedicated team prepared a tempting assortment of smoked meats, flavorful pickles, and signature sauces.

Meat Display at TOAST 2017 artisan spirits event in Portland, Oregon — A selection of high-quality meats.

Meat definitely took center stage as a prominent offering at the Toast 2017 artisan spirits tasting event.

Proletariat Butchery’s impressive display.

The team from Proletariat Butchery seemed to be thoroughly enjoying themselves, adding to the festive atmosphere.

And, naturally, the presence of a whole pig being carved for the crowd was a captivating spectacle.

Proletariat Butchery’s skill on display.

Proletariat Butchery showcased not one, but two pigs at TOAST. These pigs were sourced from Elkhorn Farms and Forge, where they enjoyed a diet enriched with spent grain from Big Bottom Distilling Elkhorn Farm & Forge Big Bottom Distilling.

The meat-centric theme continued at various other vendor booths throughout the event…

Chicken and donut combination at TOAST 2017 artisan spirits event in Portland, Oregon — An innovative culinary creation.

Indeed, that is fried chicken elegantly perched atop a donut.

The Waiting Room made a grand appearance with their Mini Dons: a miniature version of The Don, a special dish recently featured on their brunch menu.

The “Don” consists of perfectly fried chicken served with a Meyer lemon and bacon fat donut, adorned with a candied ham glaze and drizzled with Hot Honey (a house-made hot sauce combined with local honey).

Oysters at TOAST 2017 artisan spirits event in Portland, Oregon — A beautiful oyster display.

The Waiting Room also presented Nevor Shellfish Oysters, Crawfish Hushpuppies, and Fried Chicken Oysters. The combination of flavors and presentation was simply extraordinary!

Boke Bowl contributed to the culinary diversity with their delightful dumplings at Toast 2017. Meanwhile, Verdigris Restaurant, a French-inspired establishment from Northeast Portland, offered a comforting and flavorful chicken chowder.

A World of Spirits

TOAST 2017 featured an impressive selection of over 120 spirits, represented by approximately 40 distillers from across the country.

Here’s a glimpse into some of the standout spirits that caught my attention.

Townshend's Tea Company Fernet and Coke at TOAST 2017 — Townshend’s Tea Company Fernet and Coke.

Townshend’s Tea Company shared their unique Fernet at TOAST 2017. They crafted a Fernet and Coke that was undeniably more refined and delicious than the typical rum & coke of college days.

JVR Spirits Krupnik liqueur at TOAST 2017 artisan spirits event in Portland, Oregon — JVR Spirits’ Krupnik liqueur.

JVR Spirits showcased their Krupnik liqueur, a spiced honey liqueur that evokes a sense of warmth and longing for apple pie. Its rich flavor profile includes notes of nutmeg, vanilla, ginger, and orange.

This sweet liqueur is excellent served on the rocks, but it also pairs wonderfully with whiskey.

Walter Collective Gin at TOAST 2017 — The Walter Collective Gin bottle.

With a keen eye for marketing, PR, and branding, the labels of The Walter Collective immediately caught my attention. Their gin is crafted with a distinctive blend of Italian juniper, spices, and citrus.

Walter Collective Vodka at TOAST 2017 — The Walter Collective Vodka bottle.

The Walter Collective also unveiled its brand new alternative grain vodka, made with spelt.

Rogue Ales spirits at TOAST 2017 — A selection of Rogue Ales spirits.

Alongside the emerging distillers, established Northwest brands were also well-represented. Rogue presented a diverse line-up of its whiskey, gin, and rum.

Portland Soda Works mixers at TOAST 2017 artisan spirits event in Portland, Oregon — Portland Soda Works mixers.

A variety of cocktail and soda mixers were available for sampling at Toast 2017. Portland Soda Works offered samples of their Rose Cordial Syrup, Rose City Tonic, and Ginger Syrup. Coming Up

This marked my fourth year attending TOAST 2017 artisan spirits tasting. It was a fantastic experience, and one of the aspects I appreciate most is the balanced mix of familiar favorites and exciting newcomers in the spirits industry.

Tickets for this year’s event were priced at $65 for VIP, $45 for General Admission, and $15 for Designated Drivers. In my opinion, the VIP tickets are well worth the splurge. VIP admission includes entry, tastings, bites, a commemorative glass, 2 cocktail tickets, access to the VIP balcony with a private bar, and entry to the distillers’ after-party. General Admission includes entry, tastings, bites, and a commemorative glass. The Designated Driver ticket, priced at $15, includes entry, non-alcoholic beverages, and bites.

TOAST 2017 was not just an event; it was an immersive experience that celebrated the craftsmanship, creativity, and community within Portland’s vibrant culinary and spirits scene. From the perfectly balanced cocktails to the inventive and delicious food pairings, every detail was carefully curated to delight the senses and leave a lasting impression.

The opportunity to interact directly with the distillers and chefs, to learn about their processes and passions, added a unique dimension to the tasting experience. It fostered a deeper appreciation for the artistry and dedication that goes into creating these exceptional products.

Beyond the exquisite tastes and aromas, TOAST 2017 also provided a valuable platform for local businesses to connect with potential customers and showcase their offerings. The event served as a catalyst for growth and innovation within the Oregon distilling industry, further solidifying its reputation as a national leader in craft spirits.

The success of TOAST 2017 is a testament to the thriving culinary and beverage culture in Portland, and a reflection of the city’s unwavering support for local artisans and entrepreneurs. It is an event that not only satisfies the palate but also nourishes the soul, leaving attendees with a sense of pride and connection to their community.

Looking forward to next year’s TOAST event, with anticipation for new flavors, innovative pairings, and the continued celebration of Portland’s vibrant spirit!