Max’s Oyster Bar and Brescome Barton hosted “Women in Whiskey,” a dinner featuring American whiskies and the women who helped “create and influence the brands.” On January 24, Sarah Alokones, Northern Divisional Sales Manager at Brescome Barton, presented featured brands and the back story. The dinner began with George Dickel No. 8 Sour Mash, served in a Then & Now Julep cocktail, paired with crispy BBQ-glazed oysters. Alokones spoke about the role of Augusta Dickel in the brand’s leadership, the history of immigrants and women master distillers, and former Master Distiller Allisa Henley. Next, Michter’s Rye was served in a Manhattan cocktail with smoked scallops, paired with a discussion on Carrie Nation and the Temperance Movement. Third, Balvenie 14-year Rum Cask Finish served in The Bahama Queen, a variation on the Old Fashioned, paired with roasted pork belly. Alokones discussed Gertrude Lythgoe, known as The Bahama Queen, the only woman to hold a wholesale liquor license in Nassau, Bahamas during Prohibition. She would send whiskey into the states all through that time. The fourth whiskey pairing was Basil Hayden served neat with coffee-rubbed ribeye, while Alokones spoke about repeal leader Pauline Sabin. Lastly, Maker’s 46 was served with bourbon chocolate pecan pie and a discussion on Marge Samuels, who led the development, wax packaging and marketing of the Maker’s Mark brand. Executive Chef Hunter Morton prepared the dinner and cocktails were created by Brian Mitchell, Beverage Director, Max Restaurant Group.