Join the Robert Hall Secret Supper Society for a Bourbon Tasting

Are you bourbon curious? Join the Robert Hall Secret Supper Society on Thursday, May 2nd as we explore a curated selection of premium spirits, thoughtfully crafted by Winston-Salem’s very own Broad Branch Distillery. 

“I am excited for our Society members to learn more about bourbon and one of Winston-Salem’s most iconic distilleries,” said Kristopher Walter, Event Manager at Robert Hall. “Members who may be a little more apprehensive about attending a bourbon tasting should know that we’re aiming to provide a truly unique, but warming environment—one that mimics an exceptional glass of bourbon.” 

In anticipation of next month’s event, we’re highlighting Broad Branch Distillery, their history, and some of the spirits Society members are soon to get a taste of. 

 

 

From Grain to Glass, Bourbon the Broad Branch Way

Located on Trade Street in downtown Winston-Salem, Broad Branch is a grain-to-glass distillery that creates award-winning whiskeys, rums, and other specialty craft spirits. 

With a mission deeply rooted in the Old World craft heritage and artisanal Blue Ridge Mountain distilling practices, Broad Branch has blended innovation with tradition to create spirits worthy of your time, attention, and taste. 

“Our dad, John Fragakis, and long time family friend, Nick Doumas, envisioned bringing world class spirit production to Winston-Salem,” said Anna Windham, Managing Partner at Broad Branch Distillery. “They found an old tobacco auction house on Trade Street to set up shop. My dad always said if we don’t enjoy something neat, we don’t put it in a bottle. We believe life is too short to make things that are easily forgotten.”

Broad Branch prides itself on working with a small group of carefully selected farmers and growers who share their passion for high-quality, responsibly grown goods. And when it comes to the production of their spirits, nothing is outsourced. 

 “Whether grinding grains or hand-selecting barrels, each step occurs on site,” said Anna. “Our motto has always been ‘53 gallon barrels and a lot of patience.’ That patience has led us to one of the oldest stocks of whiskey in the state.”

 

Award-Winning Flavors That Will Pique Your Curiosity

When asked which spirits Anna is most excited to showcase to Society members at next month’s event, two came to mind. 

“We recently released a barrel finished version of our Big Winston Bourbon which is a low rye bourbon,” said Anna. “This six-year bourbon lived its last three months in a port wine barrel from RayLen Vineyards. Guests will be reminded of a danish with notes of raspberry jam, vanilla, coconut cream, and a drizzle of honey.”

The second spirit, Rye Fidelity, just won the coveted Double Gold Medal at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The competition consists of 5500 entries and is the first, oldest, and largest competition of its kind. 

“Our six-year-old Rye Fidelity is made from 100% Washington State Heirloom Rye,” said Anna. “It opens with copious amounts of coffee, toffee, caramel, baking species, and vanilla with a dark chocolate finish. Rye Fidelity won Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits competition last year which means over 60 judges awarded us a gold medal in a double blind tasting.”

Have we piqued your curiosity? 

Tickets for this event are currently on sale for all Secret Supper Society members. Not a member, but interested in learning more? Send an email to our Event Manager, Kristopher Walter, at kristopher.walter@roberthallwsnc.com or inquiry via our website at www.RobertHallSecretSupperSociety.com. 

We hope to see you soon!

Images courtesy of Broad Branch Distillery.