Great Drinks and a Great Cause: The Distiller’s Showcase of Premium Spirits

Dan Aykroyd is bringing his Crystal Head Vodka to this year’s Distiller’s Showcase of Premium Spirits on November 6. Photo by Mike Pont

Picture this: It’s a chilly fall evening, and, within the friendly confines of Manchester’s DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, representatives of more than 130 distillers wait to warm you up with their finest spirits. Some of the state’s best restaurants serve you their top-notch eats while you sample the distillers’ 400+ varieties. You learn the back-stories of Lagavulin Scotch and Tito’s vodka. You pick up recipes and pairing suggestions to wow friends with at your next holiday party. And this year, special guest Dan Aykroyd, writer, actor, musician and owner of Crystal Head Vodka, will also be in attendance to talk about his unique, award-winning vodka renowned for being filtered through Herkimer diamonds, and the beautiful, skull-shaped glass bottle designed by famed artist John Alexander.

Still not sold? Then get this: You’re also helping New Hampshire’s cats and dogs find medical attention and loving forever homes.

This may sound like something you conjured up in a dream, but it’s real — and it’s happening on November 6 at the Seventh Annual Distiller’s Showcase of Premium Spirits.

The showcase features tequilas from Mexico, whiskeys from Ireland, and products from nearly every other corner of the globe, along with samples from local producers as well. All told, the fête is one of the largest spirits tasting events in the country.

But it’s not just about the alcohol; it’s about the animals. Attendees of this event are helping the the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire, which provides services to more than 2,000 animals each year, and 85 percent of their budget comes from events and donors.

You could call the Rescue League a full-service shelter, but as their slogan — “we’re more than a shelter” — says, that doesn’t quite capture all that they do for the New Hampshire community. While sheltering animals and facilitating adoptions are among their services, the Rescue League also assists with pets’ one-time medical needs or adoptees’ behavioral issues, offers low-cost spay/neuter and health clinics, and operates pet-food pantry for people struggling to afford food for their furry friends.

This November, jump-start your holiday philanthropy and find the booze you’ll stock up with for your holiday buzz at one unforgettable event.

New Hampshire Magazine is a proud sponsor of this event.