Swizzle Dinner & Drinks — Restaurant in Louisville

Afternoon,

I’d like to express some feelings I had about the bourbon dinner last night after mentally digesting my experience. First things first, the food was VERY good….I have never had octopus and must say that was amazing! Portions were a little bit on the small size but the taste made up for it in spades! ZERO complaints from the food side.

The bourbon pairing on the other hand left a little to be desired. There’s obviously no right or wrong way to do bourbon, BUT it’s usually mostly common kosher to not have a 128pf bourbon be the first thing you start out with then try to bring it back down to almost 93 pf. That’s neither here nor there, but the big thing was I was hoping for more of an “experience” here when the pairings (food and drink) were served. Instead I just felt I had to come up with the reasons of why things were done, again not a huge ordeal….was just hoping for some showmanship and story on the bourbon.

I’d say my biggest let down was the weird feeling I got at the end of the night when I saw the pricing. I was hoping to be able to purchase the bottles at a fair price, I’ve been in the bourbon community for a long time and obviously don’t expect retail prices that often…..but typically at these events, we usually see a price that’s in between retail and under what you can find them online at secondary retailers for. I was not expecting a blanket $160 for any bourbon and was kind of a let down. Especially when frankly I can walk down the street and grab a different Old Forester pick for half the price. Really wanted to support Galt House and Swizzle dinner, but that price just really turned myself and from the looks of it, about half the attendance off.

The last gripe I had, was when receiving the sheet there was offerings for two picks we didn’t even get to try (would have loved to know what that ECBP tasted like before shelling out $160) and then also the Weller and Blantons we tried were left off? When asked about seeing the weller bottle, I was told it was in the back? That seemed really weird, as the other bottles were brought up for us to look at and take pictures of. If the bottle was in the back why couldn’t it be brought up for us to see and why weren’t those two part of the offerings to purchase?

Again, dinner was great….server was great….but the pricing and availability of bourbons made this speciality event feel very “salesmen tactic” - almost like a bait and switch from what was read online and the excitement to what was delivered.

Again this is not a critique about the hotel or Swizzle Bar as an entity, more so the event organizer and the seemingly miscommunication/slight of hand. Specifically when overhearing from employees that the Weller we tasted wasn’t even the pick as advertised that night. Definitely not worth the $250!!!

Thank you...

Server Daniel ignored us •Valet was $10. Very nice people! • on top 25th floor of the Galt House, the room spins to get different views

We are big on leaving HONEST reviews, especially when a good one as they can help an establishment!

Unfortunately— for our 10 yr anniversary (which we told the server) the reservation process was smooth. We were seated on a Tuesday evening in January very quickly upon arrival. Was seated then 10min later bread & water was offered. The hostess was very friendly & gave us recommendations. Ordered cocktails, they came out after 15min & were good! Ordered entrees and came out ~25 min later. Servers name was DANIEL— he went to tables in front of us and behind us and completely ignored us. My husbands steak was supposed to be (Med-Well) came out UNDER Medium. He only ate maybe 3/4. Too tough, cold, and again… under cooked!! No sauce.

I ordered the burger with fries — came out under cooked. & fries were cold as if they’d been sitting under a heat lamp too long. The bacon was greasy, and taste like rubber! Definitely wasn’t crispy!! Lots of fat.

Had to ask AGAIN for ketchup from the gentleman that brings water & bread. This took 15 mins. Server came and said, “You got the whole coarse of ketchup, mustard, and Mayo.” Considering I asked for that during ordering……….

We didn’t even eat half of our meal. A complete waste of $200. So disappointing as it was our anniversary.

The best part of the experience was the view, bread, and drinks!

Our server could tell we didn’t eat much— (as he asked if we wanted boxes- once he finally came back to our table) I explained how neither of our meals were delivered as expected. He didn’t offer ANY type of “make this right.” He was more worried about serving drinks to other tables, with bigger parties. Speaking of drinks— my husband was planning on getting another- sever never once asked! Unfortunately… this was a first & last for us! Btw- the Galt House is INFESTED with Bed Bugs for those booking under a business trip. Find somewhere else to stay! Google if you need confirmation.

Very disappointed. We left there hungry. Upset. And didn’t even feel comfortable ordering anniversary dessert! I would be open to changing this review if reached out to & can guarantee a better...

We did a bourbon pairing event. I myself was highly disappointed and can tell you twenty others would support that statement. There was a real opportunity to connect with the local community and it missed. To start they put you in a very uncomfortable seating arrangement. The layout was tough and those sitting in the walkway were moving in and out, while 6 people at the center tables created a very tight shoulder to shoulder situation with little to no room to maneuver. They started with a barrel proof, went do a 112 proof, down to a 93 proof up to a 107 proof on the Weller. At one-point Francis was trying to explain the pick and just missed on all the questions. We finally asked for the bottle so we could find the details we were seeking. People WANT the whys and rationale and the host should know the nuances, subtleties and why they picked it. People heard that its smooth, sweet etc. Not the why did you do it, how was it, why did you pair it with this portion and not another. When introducing the Blantons pairing she even got the name and history wrong stating Col Elmer Blantons. FOr $120 a ticket, they then wanted to charge you $160 per bottle of (Angels Envy, Jeffersons, Old Forester and Elijah Craig). They didnt have 2 of their advertised pours on the tasting and didnt offer the other two for sale. We heard they didn’t get a pick via the silks club and were likely covering. They advertised a Blantons and OWA pick on the tasting, and the two bottles that came out did not have stickers and they would not bring them from the back. They showed us the other two picks for info. It was awfully sketchy to say the least, we didnt know if we were getting regular items or true galt house picks. I am disappointed enough, I will not be coming or suggesting Swizzle to anyone in any of my circles or guests.

Update: I’ve spoken with 4 guests from Florida, and 4 locally and all are in agreement with my analysis. If I were the only one, it would be a different story. When I can gather 18 to 20 of the same or similar reviews and views of the situation that presents a completely different story for those whom were present versus those who were not. I sent an email outlining the situation and encouraged others to speak up. No reply to my emails...