The Bodega Cat Whiskey Experience with Sam Morril

Spend an evening at New York’s celebrated Flatiron Wines & Spirits with comedian, storyteller, and whiskey entrepreneur Sam Morril for an intimate tasting dedicated to one of New York’s most distinctive new spirits: Bodega Cat Rye Whiskey.

The evening begins with a welcome cocktail as guests gather among Flatiron Wines’ renowned collection of rare bottles and discover the story behind a whiskey inspired by a true New York icon—the bodega cat. Morril shares how he and fellow comedian Mark Normand transformed countless post-show conversations, late-night drinks, and stories from the city’s comedy clubs into a whiskey brand that captures the personality of New York itself: unpretentious, colorful, and full of character. Inspired by the neighborhood cats that quietly preside over corner stores throughout the city, Bodega Cat Whiskey was created as a tribute to the places and people that give New York its soul.

Guiding guests through a structured tasting, Morril explores the craftsmanship behind the whiskey, a small-batch straight rye made from a mash bill of 95% rye and 5% malted barley, aged for a minimum of three years in new American oak barrels and bottled at 90 proof. Guests learn how the whiskey’s bold rye foundation creates layers of cinnamon spice, cracked pepper, caramel, toasted oak, honey, mint, and citrus notes, resulting in a spirit that is both approachable and unmistakably rye-forward.

The tasting progresses from neat pours to explorations with water and ice, revealing how the whiskey evolves in the glass. From there, an expert mixologist demonstrates how Bodega Cat performs in classic rye cocktails, showcasing how its spice, structure, and subtle sweetness interact with traditional ingredients. Guests enjoy a series of carefully crafted cocktails while learning the principles behind balancing whiskey-forward drinks and understanding why rye has long been the backbone of New York cocktail culture.

Throughout the evening, Morril blends humor, personal stories from the comedy world, and behind-the-scenes anecdotes from building a whiskey brand, creating a lively atmosphere that feels more like an insider gathering than a formal tasting. The experience concludes with a final toast, opportunities for conversation and photos, and a signed bottle of Bodega Cat Whiskey to take home—a spirited reminder of an evening where New York comedy, whiskey, and culture come together in one unforgettable glass.