The event, a fundraiser for West Hartford’s The Town That Fund and Camp Courant, was held on Oct. 18.

A crowd gathers around the Pernod Ricard pavilion for a tasting of Chivas Regal. Submitted photo

Submitted by Barbara Thomas, Metro Communications

The 2nd Annual WeHa Whiskey Festival, a fundraiser for two local charities, drew a crowd of over 250 people who came to enjoy the tastings and lend their financial support. Although the final tally is still unknown, the event’s organizers say it was a success.

“We started the festival last year because the whiskey category has shown significant growth and we thought it would be of interest to the community,” said Seth Goldstein, managing partner of Maximum Beverage, one of the event’s sponsors. “Camp Courant and The Town That Cares Fund will each receive a portion of the proceeds.”

Tastings of more than 250 brands of whiskey, bourbon and scotch were available to those who attended the festival, held at the West Hartford Town Hall Auditorium. Hors d’oeuvres were provided by Highland Park Market and five local restaurants prepared dishes that had Jameson Black Barrel whiskey as one of the ingredients. In a battle between them, Grant’s won for their Local Butternut Squash Soup with Jameson Crème Fraiche.

The Winebow Group’s Connecticut Sales Manager Frank Haas pours a sample of Catskill Provisions Honey Rye for West Hartford Mayor Scott Slifka. He expressed thanks that The Town That Cares Fund was chosen as a beneficiary of the fundraiser again this year. Submitted photo

A view of the festival from the Town Hall Auditorium balcony shows the spirits and food tastings in process. Submitted photo

Town of West Hartford employees Mio Santiago, left, and Suzanne Oslander volunteered their services at the festival, a benefit for The Town That Cares Fund and Camp Courant. Submitted photo