It was American Whiskey theme night over at the Larder House this time (11 Nov 2016). No major structural fabrications this time like there was for the World of Whiskey or the Rum nights, but the fun and games were still there in spades.

On entry, we were actually entering an old Cowboy Saloon to be met by a shot of Rittenhouse Rye whiskey to chased by a shot of pickle juice, a pairing called a Pickleback. Slightly acquired taste but at least I know the leftover pickle juice from those jars have another use. Something oddball to try with your next set of dinner guests methinks.

Whilst the Cowboy Saloon music played on, we were treated to a couple of mixed cocktails in the form of a mint julep made with Evan Williams Extra (a Bourbon), and also a Mellow Corn Blinker (a whiskey made from corn). OK, the night is getting interesting.

With all this alcohol flying around the platters of chicken wings, cured salmon and frickles (fried pickles for the vegetarians) came out at the right time.

Here we have Camp James leading us into Camp James!

Now we had to venture outside into the Frontier, well the courtyard decorated like the inside of a Wild West tent, to be met by so many goodies on the tables. The team spent all afternoon in the cold to get it ready for us all. Brave souls.

We were given a jam jar of warm Bulleit Bourbon fruit tea punch on the way in, and were told to keep onto the jar that also had a lid in the paper bag so we could make our own cocktail later. We were actually drinking out of paper bags.

Inside our little white sack was a thick slice of rye bread topped with beef jerky. Lashings of Coal and Caraway Butter was on hand to spread on the bread, but the bread was so moist that it didn't really need it but made it luxurious all the same.

After we filled up on the bread which, after having been to a few theme nights, I view as a much needed safety measure for the rest of the night, we were given the story of Bulleit Bourbon and Rye whiskeys. We had a shot of Bourbon and a lovely little flask of Rye to taste.

Next we we able to make our own whiskey based cocktail from the array of fresh fruit on our tables and mixer. A quick shake in our jars topped with ice, with the lid on, and our Foraged Shrubb was done. Wow, you even get some of your 5-a-day here. Actually, the fresh fruit was a welcome touch.

Errr, some people just had to take it too far didn't they, Mark! it was going to be a long night for some, and a short one for others. That was the theme for the night, free-flowing whiskey! Here we have Cameron doing the honours.

When we first came into the tent, we caught sight of the final butchering of a deer, which went into our venison hot pot for our main course. All sorts of crazy stuff going on, but strictly not for vegetarians. I remember them doing one at a Scottish Whisky night as well.

Even Mr Rum, Peter Holland, was in on it with a triumphant Donald Trumph. Well, we didn't let that lying idiot put us off our night.

Next was when the games begun, literally. Back into the main part of the Larder House for a Bourbon Coffee and a fantastic slice of cheesecake. Or was it pie, or a tart? Anyway, it was great. I was a bit worried with the candles and all the straw bales at this time of the proceedings to be honest.

First up was Escalado, a horse racing game where people choose a horse and the lovely assistant Pedro Ramos would crank the handle and first past the post was the winner. The winner/s won a shot of Michters whiskey. Great fun indeed but I didn't want to win too many times....

You've heard of beer pong, but we had whiskey pong on the next table. Like a posh student party it was.

My friend won many times on the horse racing and lost a few times on the whiskey pong, which meant he had to down those shots at a high pace of knots as well. No wonder he was falling asleep upstairs when we were in the Library to listen to Jon Lister, from Speciality Brands, give his knowledge on American whiskey.

Jon gets a little bit excited as you can see in the photos above, but that's because he knows his stuff and is absolutely passionate about it all and wanting us to learn and appreciate it all. He explained about the strict rules for Bourbons, the one time use of barrels, when the term American whiskey is used, different expressions via single barrel and so on.

A final set of three drinks of Michters Bourbon, Michters American and a Burnt Exploded Corn Old Fashioned. All done and I was back home at a sensible mid-nighty time for a change.

Yet again the Larder House pulled out all the stops and created a fantastic evening where we didn't stop laughing all night. Even I was taken aback when I walked through the door even though I've been to a fair few theme nights. It may have something to do with James Fowler rushing me in his leatherwear shooting his gun off in my face and then seeing Salvatore with a horrid Trump mask on!

I noticed that a few people had a slow day on Saturday, whilst I had to get ready for a charity night out at the Hilton in town.

So, if you still haven't been to one, what's stopping you? It might cost a few £££ but once you factor in cocktails and spirits tasting, this is truly a bargain by far, a blooming great night out and you might get a little freebie along the way. Got a couple of whiskey flasks out of it now. They have done whisky, whiskey, gin and rum so far - and I am waiting to see what the next one is. Time for Mardi Gras....?

If you do book up because of this, just give old Fong UK website a mention when you do please.