We really didn’t know exactly what to expect after we accepted this invitation that involved both Texas whiskies and a big Las Vegas horse rider-themed event:
I am excited to be reaching out on behalf of TX Whiskey, the award-winning brand from Fort Worth, Texas who has partnered with American writer, producer, director and actor, Taylor Sheridan, to be the exclusive whiskey sponsor of The Run For A Million event. As the richest event in the history of reining and the most exciting and thrilling new event in cow horse and cutting, The Run For A Million is a truly western experience that will be hosted by the prestigious South Point Arena and Equestrian Center in Las Vegas, Nevada from August 12-17.
I went straight to the TX Whiskey website and learned that they produce several bourbons, including barrel proofs, a blend as well as a port, sherry, and a cognac finish: https://txwhiskey.com/products/
Also went to The Run For A Million website to learn a little more, especially about the Million Dollar Competition event we would attend on the last day, while sipping on TX Whiskey:
Sixteen riders, including some of the most accomplished NRHA Professionals in the history of Reining, will compete for a purse of $1,000,000. In addition to the MILLION DOLLAR Competition, there is the Cow Horse Challenge, Cutting Horse Challenge, Youth Reining Challenge, Youth Working Cow Horse Challenge, Rookie Level 1 Challenge, Rookie Level 2 Challenge, Non Pro and Amateur Challenge, Open Shoot Out, Cowboy Heritage Ranch Challenge, and $150,000 Bareback Buck Out Invitational.
How Were the Whiskies
When we arrived at the event, we ended up checking in right at the Bosque Ranch booth (where some competitions are held in Texas) to receive our wristbands and tickets for seating. We lingered in the booth for some time as that was where our tasting was. We sampled:
TX Whiskey blended bourbon, for only $39 retail, we enjoyed the notes of toasted corn (39% corn is in the blend) and pecans. It was sweet enough to be a wonderful gateway bourbon for men and women alike.
TX Whiskey straight bourbon, approachably priced at $49 retail, was four years old, didn’t have too much heat but also had that sweet spot in the flavor like the blend. Very easy to drink.
TX Whiskey bottle stoppers are topped with repurposed leather, from saddles and boots, and make a distinctive and colorful top to the bottles. More on the caps can be read here.
(We also scored tastes of Ghostwood blended bourbon, Horse Soldier Straight bourbon and a lovely crémant from France by Faire La Fete all via the Cinch Saloon VIP bar.) Follow @TXWhiskey on Instagram
How Was the Event
Taking one of our whiskies to go, we found our very good seats for the show. This was our FIRST time seeing anything like it. The horses sprinted to quick solid stops, walked backwards, ran in small circles, large circles, and figure eights. We weren’t sure why some riders received thunderous applause over others as it all looked the same to us. Our takeaway was that this was an entire new world, and the people in it – the riders, the horses, and the audience – were fully vested and engaged in the exciting competitions. Very cool stuff and we would go again! Follow @TheRunForAMillionOfficial in Instagram
More From the Event Website
Reining is a judged event designed to show the athletic ability of a ranch type horse within the confines of a show arena. Cow horse: The cow work is an adrenaline-fueled stage of reined cow horse competition. Cutting: is a western-style equestrian competition in which a horse and rider work together before a judge or panel of judges to demonstrate the horse’s athleticism and ability to handle cattle.
Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in the first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Proof Awards, Cellarmasters, LA Wine Competition, Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.
