What happens when carefully selected whiskeys meet the unmistakable sound of early jazz spun on original 78 RPM shellac records? Inside a hidden jazz den in Flatiron, rare recordings and distinctive pours come together alongside the stories, traditions, and foundations that shaped them. Get ready to sip, listen, and discover how sound and spirit can shape — and elevate — one another in real time.

Join New York Adventure Club for an immersive evening at The Hot Club of New York where early jazz history and whiskey traditions converge through guided storytelling and in-the-moment pairings. Each session highlights different artists, eras, distilling traditions, and flavor profiles — revealing how structure, innovation, and cultural context shaped both art forms.

Led by Manhattan Whiskey Club founder Kurt Maitland alongside jazz archivist Matthew “Fat Cat” Rivera of The Hot Club of New York — a jazz listening organization dedicated to exploring the many eras of jazz — our unique experience will include:

• Access inside The Hot Club of New York, home to an extensive archive of original 78 RPM shellac records and vintage playback equipment
• An exploration of early jazz foundations, tracing formative styles, influential artists, and the evolution of recorded sound in the 78 RPM era
• A guided tasting of a rotating selection of whiskeys, highlighting diverse styles, production methods, and regional traditions
• A real-time, whiskey-led listening experience on a vintage high-fidelity sound system, with 78 RPM recordings selected to reflect and respond to the character of each pour
• Engaging storytelling throughout the evening, uncovering the cultural forces, craftsmanship, and innovation that shaped both traditions

No Whiskey & 78 RPM Jazz experience is ever the same.

See you there!

*While light snacks will be provided, we highly recommend eating beforehand

About Kurt

Born in Brooklyn, with stints in PA, Boston, and DC before returning to his beloved New York, Kurt Maitland started his whisk(e)y journey with drams of Jameson, the beloved drink of a college friend. From there he moved on to appreciating Maker’s Mark and Knob Creek and has been exploring the world of whiskey ever since. He currently nurses a fascination with old books on the whiskey industry, dead distilleries, and a love of Japanese whisky that led him to be consulted by The Atlantic.

Kurt is one of the best-known faces in New York City’s whiskey circuit. He is currently the Deputy Editor of the Whiskey Reviewer website, has released a book on cocktails called Drink, and is in the process of wrapping his second book on Cocktails. Kurt was/is also the writer/editor of the dormant, not-quite-dead-yet, and perhaps starting to stir again – The Good, the Bad, and the Funky music blog.

About Matthew "Fat Cat" Rivera

The sounds of Jazz first captivated archivist Matthew "Fat Cat" Rivera at a young age, compelling him to seek out the music and dig deeper into its history. It was Sidney Bechet's "Blue Horizon," Louis Armstrong's "Potato Head Blues," and Billie Holiday's "Did I Remember?" among others, that ignited Rivera's fervent passion for collecting and sharing the music, a passion that has since led him to assemble an archive of thousands of records that he presents each week with a listening group called The Hot Club of New York and on WKCR-FM. Now, for the first time, Rivera is offering a behind-the-scenes tour of his deep and comprehensive Jazz collection and the opportunity to hear the music on a world class sound system.

Whiskey Testimonials (All Whiskey Tastings)

"The variety and quantity of whiskeys tasted" -Ruta

"Kurt is very knowledgeable!!" -Vitaly

"Kurt's expert knowledge of the history and production of various whiskies" -Michael

"Presenter does an excellent job of presenting the history and almost every aspect of the different types of whisky. Really well organized and informative and making it a Wednesday is perfect. Nice little break in the middle of the week." -Walter

"Knowledge and charismatic host in very pleasant atmosphere and good whiskey. What's not to like?" -Kristian

"I loved the whisky tasting and all the amazing knowledge about the distilleries, blends, whiskys etc that Kurt imparted from his own personal experience. It was also a fun and relaxed event." -Stephen

"Loved the wide range of whiskys that were offered, and that there were so many!" -Olivia

"Getting to try some whiskies I didn't know they even existed before yesterday." -Alex

"Good people. Beautiful space. The presenter had so much knowledge and was so engaging. Thank you so much. It was a wonderful time." -Anthony

"Knowledgeable instructor" -Daniel

"Variety of options, personable approach, learning over variety of topics. Great host, who was extremely knowledgeable! Also, great value." -James

"Great selection of whiskeys and excellent instructor." -Marilyn

"The host really added to the event with his extensive knowledge and enthusiasm about the various whiskies he poured for everyone to try." -Teresa

"It felt like I was sitting in a friends home enjoying the whisky from a curated collection" -Joseph

"Kurt Maitland is VERY knowledgeable!" -James

"Well organized, nice venue, relaxed atmosphere, good snacks, knowledgeable & engaging presenter...what’s not to like? " -Ellen

"Kurt is extremely knowledgeable and presents well." -Gary

"As always, I enjoyed the give and take with the host and other attendees! These are very informative enjoyable events and I look forward to the next one I am able to attend." -Michael

"Host was very knowledgeable" -Maureen

"The host was amazing." -Ronald

"Lots of interesting stories from a very personable and knowledgeable host." -Jeffrey

"Kurt great host and storyteller" -Marv

"The atsmosphere was friendly and cozy. Learned a lot about history of Bourbon" -Monica

Jazz Testimonials

"It was awesome" -Monica

"Loved listening to and hearing about jazz. Presenter was very nice and interesting - make you feel comfortable at his place too." -Lorraine

"Incredible, in-depth knowledge of “Fat Cat” You can ask him any question and he can answer off the top of his head, and then hand you a book with a complete history." -Michael

"It was great...listening to jazz 78s on great vintage equipment & Matthew’s deep knowledge" -Deb

"Extraordinary introductions in the world of early jazz recordings in an amazing setting, under the magic guidance of passionate host Mathew Făt Cat" -Adrian

"Fat Cat’s immense knowledge and dedication to persevering the music by sharing all the treasures collected. I’m going to make effort to attend more gatherings." -Yao

"The host was very good and obviously knowledgeable about jazz" -Kenneth

Disclaimer

Must be 21 or older. ID will be checked at door.

Ticket price is for educational demonstration with complimentary beverage tastings.

By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.

Categories: In-Person, Food & Drink