Denver Food + Wine Festival 2016: A Grand Tasting & Cocktail Extravaganza Recap

It’s hard to believe it’s already time to write this recap of the Denver Food + Wine Festival 2016. The entire experience flew by in a blur of exquisite flavors, innovative cocktails, and incredible culinary discoveries! If you followed my adventures on Instagram and Snapchat (@megbassett23), you witnessed the sheer volume of deliciousness I managed to consume over just two days. It was an epic journey for the taste buds, a true testament to Denver’s vibrant and ever-evolving food scene.

Yes, I know I shared this photo this week already, but I truly adore it. I mean, just look at it: a perfectly crafted cocktail, the stunning blue skies of Colorado, and the iconic Denver skyline stretching out before you – it perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the festival. This is the kind of consumption I train all year for, people! Every bite, every sip, was savored and appreciated.

Kicking Off the Festivities: The Shakedown Cocktail Competition

The culinary adventure began on Friday night with The Shakedown, a high-energy cocktail competition that brought together some of Denver’s most talented mixologists. As a self-proclaimed cocktail enthusiast, this event was absolutely my jam! The atmosphere was electric, filled with the clinking of ice, the shaking of shakers, and the enthusiastic chatter of attendees eager to sample the latest in mixology innovation. Many of my favorite local bars and restaurants were present, each vying for the top prize, pumping out an astonishing array of creative drinks and delectable treats all night long.

Undoubtedly, the absolute highlight of The Shakedown was witnessing (and tasting!) the flaming doughnut from Habit Doughnut Dispensary. Imagine: a perfectly crafted, melt-in-your-mouth doughnut, dramatically lit on fire with a splash of whiskey. The sight was mesmerizing, and the aroma of caramelized sugar and smoky whiskey filled the air. Served piping hot, each bite was an explosion of sweet, boozy goodness that truly melted in your mouth. It proved that sometimes the simplest, yet most theatrical, combinations are the most unforgettable. Can it get much better than doughnuts and whiskey? I think not!

Apparently, I was on a serious dessert kick that night, because my other favorite bite came from the renowned Williams & Graham: their Brown Butter Eclairs with Salted Caramel Bavarian Cream. These were pure decadence. The delicate pastry, the rich, nutty brown butter flavor, and the luxurious salted caramel cream created a symphony of textures and tastes. I honestly wanted to hoard about 20 of them, but I figured that would be a tad selfish considering the eager crowd around me. Williams & Graham, already celebrated for their cocktails, proved they excel in the sweet department too.

But it wasn’t just about the sweets. I also managed to down this massive, succulent short rib dish. It was slow-cooked to perfection, falling apart at the touch of a fork, rich with savory flavors that lingered on the palate. A truly hearty and satisfying offering amidst the sophisticated sips.

And let’s not forget this perfectly crispy fried chicken bite, elevated with a dollop of creamy, spicy pimento cheese. It was a delightful contrast of textures and a comforting, yet refined, taste. Each bite at The Shakedown offered a new surprise and a testament to Denver’s culinary versatility.

My favorite sip of the night, hands down, was a concoction called “Irishman’s Delight.” As a whiskey girl at heart, this drink spoke directly to my soul. It was expertly balanced, showcasing the warm, complex notes of Irish whiskey without being overpowering. It was the perfect end to a thrilling evening of cocktail innovation and gourmet bites.

The Grand Culmination: Denver Food + Wine Grand Tasting

Then, it was onto the main event on Saturday: the highly anticipated Denver Food + Wine Grand Tasting. Every year, I gush about this particular event because it truly is one of my absolute favorite foodie gatherings in Denver. Picture this: a magnificent outdoor setting, a bustling atmosphere, and an unparalleled lineup featuring culinary masterpieces from over 40 top-tier restaurants, complemented by an astounding selection of over 700 wines and spirits. It doesn’t get much better than that for an enthusiast of fine dining and libations.

The Grand Tasting offers a unique opportunity to revisit old favorites, discover exciting new culinary talent, and sample a vast array of wines and spirits I might never encounter otherwise. This year, the highlights were simply too numerous to count, but I’m going to do my best to break down my absolute favorites, guiding you through a sensory journey of the best the Denver Food + Wine Festival had to offer in 2016.

From the moment you entered, the attention to detail was apparent. Getting hooked up with a genuine Riedel glass? That’s classy AF, and I’ll gladly take it! It immediately sets the tone for a premium tasting experience, allowing each wine to truly express its character.

My sweet tooth was definitely challenged in the best way possible by The Noshery, which presented an unexpected yet utterly delightful treat: vanilla and ROOT BEER macarons. Seriously, root beer! The combination of classic vanilla with the nostalgic, effervescent notes of root beer in a delicate macaron was pure genius. It was surprisingly refreshing and incredibly addictive – *swoon* is an understatement!

One of the true joys of these festivals is discovering new favorites, and this year, I stumbled upon my new go-to bourbons. I had never tried Elijah Craig or Evan Williams before, but their offerings at the Grand Tasting left a lasting impression. The Elijah Craig Small Batch, with its rich caramel and vanilla notes, and the smooth, complex Evan Williams Single Barrel are an absolute must-try for any bourbon lover out there. They represent excellent craftsmanship and incredible value, quickly cementing their place in my top spirits list.

La Patisserie Française had everyone in attendance melting with their exquisite caramel apple pie bites and delicate key lime cheesecake bites. Each mini-dessert was a perfect rendition of classic flavors, executed with the precision and artistry one expects from a top French bakery. They offered a sweet, comforting respite amidst the savory and spirited offerings.

Not to mention the pure culinary art that River & Woods put out. Their dish was visually stunning, a true masterpiece on a plate. THAT COLOR THO! Beyond its vibrant appearance, the flavors were complex and harmonious, showcasing the chef’s innovative approach to fresh, seasonal ingredients. It was a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

Then, a truly transportive experience: being whisked away to the French Riviera courtesy of Grey Goose and St. Germain. Their cocktails were light, refreshing, and exquisitely balanced, perfectly evoking the elegance and charm of a European getaway. It was a delightful sensory escape within the bustling festival grounds. Pinch me already, this culinary dream felt so real!

Another stop for the irresistible Habit Doughnut Dispensary? Yes, please! Because, well, doughnuts. Their presence at both events underscored their popularity and the undeniable allure of their sweet, comforting creations.

My absolute favorite bite of the entire day was, hands down, this confit chicken thigh taco from Degree Restaurant. It was a masterpiece of flavor and texture: tender, succulent confit chicken thigh, perfectly complemented by a vibrant chimichurri, a smoky molcajete salsa, and the bright, zesty kick of pickled fresno. Each component played off the others beautifully, creating a harmonious and utterly delicious experience. Degree Restaurant wasn’t on my radar before this festival, but they certainly are now – a definite must-visit for anyone seeking innovative and flavorful cuisine in Denver.

Aside from the glorious bourbons I discovered, my favorite sip of the day was Patron’s mango margarita. This wasn’t just any margarita; it was a perfectly balanced concoction that tasted incredibly delicious, bursting with fresh mango flavor, and packed just enough punch to give you a delightful buzz without being overwhelming. Talk about a cocktail that’s both refreshing and will pleasantly knock you on your butt!

And for a final, unexpected discovery: Moscow mules in a can are a thing, and they surprisingly taste freaking AWESOME! Perfect for convenience without sacrificing flavor, these pre-made cocktails were a pleasant revelation, proving that quality and ease can indeed go hand-in-hand.

Plan Your Visit to Denver’s Premier Foodie Event

If you’re in the Denver area, or even if you’re looking for an incredible culinary adventure, make sure to mark your calendar for the week after Labor Day next year. That’s when this insane foodie week of events, anchored by the Denver Food + Wine Festival, takes place. It’s an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the best of Colorado’s vibrant culinary and spirits scene, from cutting-edge cocktails to gourmet bites and world-class wines.

And if you aren’t currently living in Denver, isn’t it about time you started planning a trip out here? The Denver Food + Wine Festival alone is reason enough to visit, but the city’s broader food landscape, mountain views, and lively culture make it an unforgettable destination. I’m just sayin’, your taste buds will thank you!