Queen City Whiskey Women bringing a national trend here

I caught up with the Queen City Whiskey Women for the monthly "drink up" last night. The group, founded by NoDa maven Hollis Nixon, is a gathering of women who drink whiskey. Okay, in theory, they like to drink whiskey, but really they just enjoy craft cocktails. The group meets the third Wednesday, but Nixon says the day may change, at Heist Brewery in #NoDa.

Each "drink up" features a signature drink and a MANhattan, a male friend brave enough to drink with a bunch of women. (What guy wouldn't want to do that?) Last night's drink was Heist's version of Whiskey Sour with a Claret Snap (a port float).

Similar to Charlotte's Bourbonistas, which I am also a member, Queen City Whiskey Women gatherings often feature a visit from a liquor rep. Nixon hopes the group will catch on. Clubs for women who drink whiskey and bourbon are popping up throughout the country.
I didn't think about until I started working on this blog, but last month I toured Maker's Mark, Buffalo Trace, Four Roses and Woodford Reserve bourbon distilleries in Kentucky. Women made up nearly 50 percent of the people on the tours that I attended.

I've been drinking brown liquor - as I call it - for more than a decade. The rest of the country has finally caught up to me. According to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, vodka sales have stagnated at 1.6 percent growth in 2013-2014, but sales of single malt scotch rose 6.4 percent, bourbon 7.4 percent and Irish whiskey 9.1 percent. The Washington-based lobbying firm credits women drinking with these trends.

Nixon says you don't have to love whiskey to join the group. Here's what she sent me as the criteria for membership: The Queen City Whiskey Women want strong, dedicated, and passionate QC females to grow the group. Our ladies focus on laughter, networking, and whiskey. We nominate a monthly "MANhattan" - an adventurous and supportive male friend that is invited to attend the drink-up and regal us with his humor (and chivalry). Tiaras are strongly encouraged!

Today, I'm headed to the Imperial Life in Asheville for Negronis. June 1-7 is Negroni week. Negronis are made with gin, vermouth and Campari.

 Maybe, I'll start another trend.

Holla: sipandplayclt@gmail.com

National reggae artist performing tonight, new tiki bar opening

I'm still recuperating from an outing with the Charlotte Bourbon Club at the Maker's Mark dinner at DB's Tavern on Ardrey Kell Road last night. Morning yoga at Lenny Boy Brewing helped along with a glass of the Icebreaker kombucha. Yoga and kombucha may be my new Saturday morning remedy. Now, I'm ready hit the streets.

Let me start tonight's lineup with a correction. I listed the incorrect day for Bar 316 five-year anniversary celebration. It's tonight.  Enjoy go-go dancers, drag queens and more. 9 p.m. The Bar at Charlotte, 316 Rensselaer Ave.

If you're looking to hear great music this weekend. Check out Courtney Devores Soundbites for her music picks.

Now, let's get this party started. See you in the streets...

Beer For A Cause -  Salud Beer Shop is inviting beer enthusiasts to its holiday party. Bring lots of canned goods. Salud is hosting a competition for the person who donates the most cans. The prize will be the 3L magnum bottle of 2014 Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale.  5 p.m. 3306 North Davidson St.

More Beer - Festivus Party with live music and beer release. 6 p.m. Sycamore Brewing, 2161 Hawkins St.

Reggae Show - New York-based Kranium is blowing up with his hit "Nobody Has To Know." Don't miss a chance to see him in an intimate setting. 10 p.m. Twilight Lounge, 7030 Smith Corner Blvd.

A Tiki Bar? - Yep. Helen Schwab writes Tiki Hideaway opened Friday at the former Hef's at ParkTowne Village (beside Park Road shopping center). It's a restaurant and bar. Hours will be 4 p.m.-midnight Tuesday-Sunday; 1600 E. Woodlawn Road. 

Read more here: http://helendining.blogspot.com/#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://helendining.blogspot.com/#storylink=cpy

Music Benefit - Queen City Showcase benefits MusicCares, which provides a wide range of resources for people in the music community. Performers include Mark Lassiter, Forgive Me Not, the Feral and others. 7 p.m. Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E. 36th St. $10. Paid parking onsite and street parking. Bring cash for parking.

Enter The Wu - Enjoy all things Wu at the Off the Wall Wu Tang Forever Edition. You'll hear  Wu Tang Clan albums, solo member albums, collaobs, Clan affiliates and more! Grooves by DJ Justice & Aking. They'll also be spinning classic Hip Hop, R&B, Soul, rare grooves, reggae and Pop. 10 p.m. Crown Station Coffee House & Pub, 1425 Elizabeth Ave.

A Few Good Men host the 6th Annual Christmas Jumpoff party. Enjoy drink specials and food until 1:30 a.m. Music by the Mighty DJ D.R. 9 p.m. Fountain Blue Lounge, 7200 Albemarle Road (East Albemarle Shopping Center near Albemarle and Lawyers roads)





















Break out your ugliest sweater and you could win $100 gift card at Nan and Byron's Ugly Holiday Sweater Party. Enjoy beer and vodka specials and a late night menu. Music by DJ Bwillackers. 10 p.m. Nan and Byron's, 1714 South Blvd. Parking onsite.

Holla: sipandplayclt@gmail.com