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Rattlebag Whiskey Cocktail Workshop | Belfast Whiskey Week 2023
On a warm Sunday afternoon in July 2023, Ann Street's own Rattlebag opened its doors for one of Belfast Whiskey Week's most hands-on, historically rich sessions: a deep dive into the art and heritage of the whiskey cocktail. Pairing the expertise of co-founder and head bartender Matthew Knight with Wild Turkey brand ambassador Dylan Jacob, this two-and-a-half-hour workshop wasn't just a masterclass in mixing — it was a journey through the very roots of modern drinking culture.
About This Event
Rattlebag, 61 Ann St Sunday 23rd July, 15.30 - 18.00
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and elevate your cocktail skills with our exclusive Whiskey Cocktail workshop.
Whether you're a seasoned whiskey enthusiast or a curious beginner, this immersive experience is designed to unlock the secrets of crafting exceptional whiskey cocktails. Hosted by Rattlebag’s co-founder & head-bartender Matthew Knight and Wild Turkey ambassador Dylan Jacob this master class will take you on a remarkable journey through the world of American whiskey and cocktails. Gain insights into the art of utilising whiskey in cocktails and learn to balance flavors like a true cocktail bartender.
Rattlebag and Wild Turkey whiskey team up to deliver an exciting workshop on the origin of the great American cocktails, learning how bourbon whiskey was crucial in the development of the classic cocktail movement of the late 19th century. You will also have a chance to make your very own cocktails instructed by the bartenders at Rattlebag, Belfast’s leading cocktail bar, teaching you the different techniques of stirring and shaking your way to flavorsome cocktails.
Workshop includes:
- An immersive tasting session from Dylan Jacob, Wild Turkey Brand Ambassador, on the history of Bourbon and Rye Whiskies
- A history of the Old-Fashioned, Sazerac and Whiskey Daisy, some of the original cocktails to spawn modern day drinking culture.
- Get behind the bar and learn how to make great tasting drinks yourself
- An intimate Q&A with your hosts to answer any questions on whiskey or cocktails.
Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of whiskey cocktails!
Whether you're a hobbyist, a professional bartender, or simply someone who appreciates the finer things in life, our Whiskey Cocktail workshop promises to be an unforgettable experience.
About Rattlebag:
Rattlebag launched in March 2020 as a “spirit forward” contemporary cocktail bar presenting the best of local and international spirits, with a focus on cutting edge innovation, exceptional service and an inviting, friendly atmosphere. With a passion for the art of hospitality we strive to create unforgettable experiences that inspire, educate, and delight cocktail enthusiasts in Belfast and those from further afield who visit our beautiful city.
Looking Back
There's a particular kind of magic that happens when a bar like Rattlebag turns its full attention to teaching. Since launching in March 2020 as a spirit-forward cocktail bar on Ann Street, Rattlebag has carved out a reputation as Belfast's destination for serious drinking done with warmth and wit — and that spirit was very much alive in the room that Sunday afternoon. Attendees settled in knowing they were in good hands: this wasn't a passive tasting, it was an invitation to get behind the stick themselves.
Dylan Jacob, Wild Turkey's Irish ambassador, opened proceedings with an immersive exploration of bourbon and rye — the uisce beatha of the American South, if you will. His tasting session traced the lineage of Wild Turkey's whiskies with the kind of easy authority that made complex history feel like good craic. Wild Turkey is a brand that wears its Kentucky heritage proudly: bold, characterful spirits built on high-rye mashbills and long barrel maturation, and Dylan brought that story to life with evident passion. For those curious about how American whiskey fits into the broader whiskey world, our whiskey map offers a useful sense of how the global landscape connects.
The historical portion of the workshop was where the seanchas — the old knowledge — really came into its own. Matthew and Dylan walked attendees through the origin stories of the Old-Fashioned, the Sazerac and the Whiskey Daisy: three cocktails that didn't just emerge from 19th-century American drinking culture, but in many ways shaped it. Understanding that bourbon was the backbone of the classic cocktail movement gave a new dimension to every sip that followed. These weren't just recipes; they were artefacts.
Then came the moment everyone had been quietly anticipating: time behind the bar. Guided by Rattlebag's bartenders, attendees learned to stir and shake their way through three bespoke cocktails, picking up technique alongside confidence. The Q&A session that rounded off the afternoon gave space for the kind of honest, curious conversation that rarely happens in a conventional tasting — questions ranged from the practical to the philosophical, and neither host seemed to tire of them. This was the duchas of good hospitality: sharing what you know because you genuinely love it.
If you missed this session, it's worth knowing that a companion event ran alongside it — the earlier Rattlebag cocktail workshop offered a similar experience for those who caught the afternoon slot. Both sessions reflected what Belfast Whiskey Week does best: bringing together the finest local venues and international brands to create events that are educational, convivial and genuinely memorable. Sláinte to Matthew, Dylan, and everyone at Rattlebag who made it happen. You can explore more from the festival's brand partners at our full collection.
More from Belfast Whiskey Week
Explore the full programme on the Belfast Whiskey Week Whiskey Map.
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