THE ART OF WHISKEY TO HOST 2ND ANNUAL STAR STUDDED BIG GAME WHISKEY TASTING EVENT IN NEW ORLEANS BENEFITING THE RAU FOR ART FOUNDATION
New Orleans, Louisiana – New Orleans, Louisiana – On Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, the highly acclaimed Art of Whiskey will host its 2nd Annual “Art of Whiskey” Tasting Event at the prestigious M.S. Rau in New Orleans—renowned as one of the world’s largest fine art, antiques, and jewelry galleries. The distinguished guest list includes Ron Isley, Kid Silver, Yaz, Doc Curry, Hue Jackson (NFL Head Coach), current and former NFL players such as Super Bowl Champion TJ Ward, Bub Means (Saints), Dylan Laube (Raiders), Kristian Wilkerson (Raiders), Eric Metcalf (former All-Pro, Cleveland Browns), Nate Hobbs (Raiders), and many more.
Taking place on the Thursday before the Super Bowl in the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter, this exceptional and luxurious event promises an unforgettable experience, seamlessly blending the artistry of whiskey, cigars, and culinary delights within the opulent setting of M.S. Rau.
Guests will be immersed in a celebrity-filled evening featuring authentic live jazz, celebrating the artistry of fine spirits and cigars amidst priceless works of art and historic treasures.
Prepare to be captivated by the world’s most exclusive whiskeys, surrounded by legendary art from Picasso, Renoir, Monet, Rockwell, Sinatra, Lebasque, and more. It’s a night where craftsmanship meets culture in a truly unforgettable setting.
“We are delighted to welcome Whiskey EDU’s ‘Art of Whiskey’ to M.S. Rau’s gallery during Super Bowl Week,” says Bill Rau, CEO and third-generation owner of M.S. Rau. “This event offers guests an extraordinary opportunity to savor the finest whiskeys while surrounded by our world-renowned collection. Guests can sip a rare single malt in the presence of a museum-quality Monet and even try on some of the world’s rarest gemstones. This unique experience will blend the art of whiskey with the art of collecting, creating an unforgettable evening.”
Proceeds from the event will benefit the “Rau For Art Foundation” which supports arts appreciation and education in the schools of greater New Orleans by assisting talented young artists in reaching their academic and professional goals.
What to Expect:
- Whisky Extravaganza: Over 150 exquisite whiskies from global renowned distilleries, including Signatory, Gordon & MacPhail, Compass Box, GlenAllachie, Kilchoman, Isle of Raasay, Port Askaig, Penderyn, Fukano, Nc’nean, Pokeno, Ardnamurchan, White Heather, Old Pulteney, Old Potrero, Isle of Arran, Old Pulteney, Morris, Kavalan, Nikka, Balblair, Speyburn, The Irishman, Writers Tears, Dingle, Old Potrero, HIRSCH, Gold Bar Whiskey, Frey Ranch, Lost Sprits and many more, will be available for sampling. Enthusiasts and novices alike can explore a diverse range of whisky styles and profiles.
- Cigar Oasis: Step into a world of premium cigars with a wide variety to choose from. Enjoy the perfect pairing with your favorite whisky while indulging in the luxurious ambiance.
- Masterclasses: Elevate your whisky and cigar knowledge with expert-led masterclasses on pairing these two timeless pleasures. Learn from the best in the industry and discover the secrets to enhancing your tasting experience.
- Food and Whisky Pairings: Delight your taste buds with carefully curated food and whisky pairings, expertly crafted to complement and enhance the flavors of each dram.
- Celebrity Attendees: “The Art of Whiskey” is not just about exceptional libations; it’s also a gathering of stars. Be on the lookout for notable attendees including:
RSVP’ed Guests:
- Bub Means, WR New Orleans Saints.
- Dylan Laube, RB Oakland Raiders.
- Ella Markovsky – Mrs. Universe 2022-2023, Mrs. Classic International 2024.
- TJ Ward – 3X Pro Bowler, Super Bowl Champion.
- Hue Jackson – NFL Head Coach.
- Gerald Smiley – MLB former Texas Rangers pitcher- World Series 2023 Champion
- Tommy Habeeb – American Television host
- Mike Sherrard – NFL Dallas Cowboys, Super Bowl Champion.
- Kenny Gant – NFL Dallas Cowboys, Multi-Super Bowl Champion.
- Damien Robinson – NFL Jets, Seahawks, and Buccaneers.
- Taylor Mathis – Sports Betting Analyst and Podcaster, DraftKings Personality, and Model.
- Ron Isley – Lead Singer of the Isley Brothers, Grammy Winner, and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer.
- Kandy Isley – Member of JS Band, Grammy-Nominated Singer.
- Kidsilver – 9-Time Platinum Producer/Engineer with 2 Billion Spotify Streams.
- Yaz – Hit Music Producer for Justin Bieber and Usher with 33 Million Streams.
- Tully Banta Cain – NFL Super Bowl Legend and Founder of Beach Football League.
- Doc Curry – Hip Hop / Rap legend. NWA member / Dr. Dre Partner / Co-Founder of Death Row Records, first Rap/Hip-Hip to hit #1 on Billboard chart.
- Aaron Gilbert– Hollywood movie producer, and producer/owner of Joker, with Joaquin Phoenix and Robert De Niro.
- Nick Ferrara– TV Host/Interviewer for NFL televised games.
- Lisa Dinero/Lisa Crawford– Grammy Award winner.
- Kristian Wilkerson (Raiders)
- Eric Metcalf – Former All-Pro Cleveland Browns legend
- Nate Hobbs – Las Vegas Raiders
- Madison Chase -3x ESPN Women’s Fitness Champion/Pozz TV Red Carpet Host
- More coming
The Art of Whiskey” is a celebration of art in all its forms—visual, liquid, culinary, and auditory. Whether you’re a seasoned whisky connoisseur or beginning your journey, this unique experience promises an unforgettable evening of discovery.
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, February 6, 2025
Time: 7:00pm to 11:00pm
Location: 622 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Tickets: Available at https://TheArtofWhiskey.eventbrite.com
For more information and updates, please visit https://whiskyedu.org/theartofwhiskey
For media credentials and Sponsorship information: Douglas Smith doug@whiskyedu.org 408-799-6242
About “The Art of Whiskey”: The Art of Whiskey is an annual Whisky and Cigar Festival held during Super Bowl week. With a wide selection of whiskies, cigars, masterclasses, celebrity attendees, and gourmet pairings, it offers an unmatched experience for whisky and cigar enthusiasts. Learn more at https://whiskyedu.org/artofwhisky/
About M.S. Rau: Founded in 1912, M.S. Rau stands as one of North America’s most respected fine art, antiques and jewelry galleries. Led by third-generation owner Bill Rau, this family-owned business operates globally, discovering items around the world and placing them in international collections, both public and private alike. The 40,000-square-foot flagship gallery in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana features carefully selected works from a diverse array of museum-quality artists and artisans. Over the last decade, M.S. Rau has also produced museum-quality exhibitions annually, both in its New Orleans gallery and at a selection of prestigious art and antique fairs around the world, including TEFAF. www.msrau.com
