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Taste rare whiskey, craft beer at vin48 in Avon

Robert Sickler

AVON — Master of whisky for Crown Royal, Robert Sickler, along with Jason “Shag” Hardwick, mountain ale ambassador for Avery Brewing Company, will pour at vin48 in Avon today for the finale of the restaurant’s Summer Tasting Series.

The whiskey and craft beer event will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and feature bourbon, rye and single malts along with craft beer from Avery Brewing Co., of Boulder.



Charles Hays, vin48’s chef and owner, will pair the beers and whiskey with appetizers on the restaurant’s patio. The event is the final event of vin48’s summer tasting series, which took place every Wednesday during the summer, pairing wine, beer or spirits with Hays’ cuisine. All beers and whiskies served are available at discounted prices from Beaver Liquors in Avon.

Sickler spends his days organizing whisky tastings, seminars and dinners to introduce people to all things whisky. Trained in all aspects of whisky by experts at some of the world’s most famous distilleries, Sickler takes great pride in “bringing whisky to the people” and converting new whisky enthusiasts “one dram at a time.”

Before discovering a career in whisky, Sickler taught literature, theater and composition. However, his passion for wine and spirits prompted him to change course. He became a veteran of the wine and spirits industry, crafting cocktails, studying wine, hosting spirited dinners across the country before becoming a master of whisky. Sickler now consults with bar owners, beverage directors, chefs and restaurant owners on menu development, mixology, whisky education and event marketing.

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Because of his knowledge of international cuisine and interest in complex flavor combinations, Sickler continually seeks to pair the perfect food with the perfect whisky. He views whisky as the “wine of the spirits world” and enjoys the opportunity to present whisky and food combinations that “transform hearts, minds and palates.”

“I grew up with a deep connection to the Scots-Irish side of my heritage, and as an adult, I developed a sincere passion and respect for well-crafted whisky,” he said. “Getting to combine these two interests by working as a brand ambassador for the world’s finest whisky portfolio is a genuine honor.”

Avery Brewing Co.

Since 1993, Avery Brewing Company has been committed to producing eccentric ales and lagers that defy styles or categories. Avery products are thoroughly American at heart: blending Old World tradition and expertise with ingenuity, creativity and boldness.

As a pioneer in the Colorado scene, Avery is dedicated to brewing what they like to drink — with utter disregard for what the market demands — and searches out fans with equally eccentric palates. Avery brews more than 20 different beers each year, from the assertive hop flavor and citrusy aroma of the Avery IPA to the deep russet hues of Ellie’s Brown, Avery ales offer full flavored brewing artistry to satisfy all palates.

The tasting is $25. For more information, call 970-748-9463.


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