Rare Pappy Van Winkle Dinner Announced for May 16 at The Chef’s Table
An exceptionally rare bourbon experience is coming to the Eastern Shore this spring as The Chef’s Table at Touch of Italy hosts a Pappy Van Winkle Dinner on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 6:30 PM—an evening centered around one of the most legendary and difficult-to-find names in American whiskey.
For one night only, guests will have the opportunity to experience a remarkable vertical lineup of Pappy Van Winkle bourbons, including the 10 Year, 12 Year, 15 Year, 20 Year, and the elusive and highly coveted 23 Year—a collection rarely presented together in a single evening.
Tickets are available now at thechefstablede.com, and seating is extremely limited.
A Bourbon Name That Defines Rarity
Few spirits carry the mystique of Pappy Van Winkle. Produced in extremely limited quantities and released only once each year, these wheated bourbons have achieved near-mythic status among collectors and enthusiasts. Allocations are tightly controlled, retail availability is scarce, and secondary-market demand routinely drives prices far beyond their original release value.
The brand traces its roots to Julian “Pappy” Van Winkle Sr., a pioneering figure in Kentucky bourbon history who began working in the whiskey business in the late 1800s. His philosophy—“We make fine bourbon. At a profit if we can, at a loss if we must, but always fine bourbon.”—continues to guide production today. That dedication to patience and craftsmanship is reflected in the extended aging process that defines the Pappy lineup and contributes to its famously smooth, layered character.
Today, bottles bearing the Van Winkle name are among the most coveted releases in American whiskey culture—often described as the pinnacle of wheated bourbon.
An Italian-American Family-Style Celebration
Rather than a traditional tasting format alone, the evening will unfold as a family-style Italian-American dinner, reflecting the culinary heritage at the heart of Touch of Italy Hospitality.
Guests will enjoy a menu featuring beloved house specialties that showcase the restaurant group’s commitment to traditional preparation methods and imported ingredients. Highlights include:
- House-made sauces prepared from scratch
- Fresh mozzarella stretched and formed by hand
- Signature house-made meatballs
- Premium meats and cheeses sourced from Arthur Avenue and Italy
Arthur Avenue in the Bronx—often called “New York’s real Little Italy”—remains one of the country’s most respected destinations for traditional Italian ingredients, and its influence is a defining part of the Touch of Italy kitchen identity. 🇮🇹
Together, these elements create a dinner designed not only to complement the bourbons, but to celebrate the warmth and abundance of classic Italian-American hospitality.
A One-Night-Only Experience
Events featuring Pappy Van Winkle are rare nationwide and even less common in intimate dining settings like The Chef’s Table. Organizers say the evening is intended to be both educational and celebratory—bringing together exceptional bourbon, handcrafted cuisine, and the communal spirit of a shared table. The evening will be led by celebrated bourbon steward Michael Stanley.
With seating limited, early reservations are strongly recommended.
Tickets are available now at thechefstablede.com.
