The 2010 Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Festival New York

By: Finance Foodie 

As a born and bred Texan, the very mention of the word "BBQ" sends me into a joyful tizzy. So you can imagine my emotional state when I was invited to attend the Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Festival in NYC this past Saturday, featuring an array of BBQ paired with a sampling of over 60 beers and 40 bourbons. Donning my best cowboy boots and sharpest Stetson hat, I rode off into the sunset in eager anticipation of the scrumptious feast that laid ahead.

A few highlights of the event as follows...

This lovely cowgirl was handing out delicious pieces of smoked bacon when I first entered the venue. Quote the rather crass but highly observant male attendee in line next to me, "I'm not sure which piece of meat I like better here."

A favorite booth of mine was the Ommegang Ale station, where I sampled the pale golden wheat ale, which had notes of orange, lemon, and coriander and the abbey dark ale, which was rich with aromas of cinnamon and plum.

The Tullamore Dew Irish whiskey - nothing like a smooth shot of whiskey to start the day right! (or right?)

Ethan on the left (Financefoodie.com's NY correspondent and fellow BBQ/beer/bourbon loving Texas) with friends chowing down and drinking up

Cornbread (delish but would of been better were it was served warm!)

Pulled pork sandwiches (this particular sandwich came from Justin Timberlake's Southern Hospitality restaurant. No appearance by JT - but you'd think he was serving up the goods himself by the length of the line at this booth).

Bacon sausages from The Meat Hook (look at that greasy goodness!)

Tender and fall off the bone dri-rub ribs...mmmmmm!

A celebrity appearance, natch: the always energetic and photo op ready Fireman chef John Sierp was serving pulled pork sandwiches at the M1-5 Lounge's booth.

The coolest table was hands down the Maker's Mark table, where guests could dip their tasting glass into the signature Maker's Mark wax for a one of a kind souvenir. As a bonus, shots of Maker's Mark were being poured as guests waited in line.

After almost 4 hours of eating and drinking non-stop, I walked (wobbled) out of the event with a BBQ sauce stained shirt and big smile on my face!