Merriment

media release: On Thursday, June 2, 2022, ten premiere Wisconsin distilleries will be at the historic Garver Feed Mill from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. during Merriment, a new fine aged spirits tasting event with all proceeds benefiting Little John’s. Tickets are $150 per person and available at www.littlejohnskitchens.org. VIP tickets are also available for $175 and add access to a private bar and an hour of private conversations with distillers.

“Someone told me that Little John’s ‘lifted their spirits’ and the idea for Merriment struck me,” said Chef Dave Heide, founder of Little John’s, “Merriment is a combination of my love for our community and my love for fine spirits, resulting in this magnificent event with all funds supporting our mission of ending food insecurity right here in Dane County.”

Attendees of Merriment will receive their own commemorative Gleincarn glass and be treated to tastings of fine aged spirits from Blue Ash Farm, Dancing Goat Distillery, Doundrins Distilling, Driftless Glen, J. Henry & Sons, La Crosse Distilling Co., Old Sugar Distillery, State Line Distillery, Wollersheim Winery & Distillery, and Yahara Bay. There will also be cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and a live silent auction featuring rare and exclusive items. Garver Events, Celebrations Entertainment, Gallant Knight Limousine, Radisson Hotel Madison, and Swink are donating their services to help make the event possible.

Little John’s is the community’s kitchen for transforming food excess into accessible, chef-quality meals for everyone regardless of their means. In 2021, Little John’s rescued over 100 tons of grocery and agriculture excess and turned it into nutritious, delicious meals for children, adults, and seniors of Dane County. Their pay-what-you-can structure ensures that socioeconomic status is not a barrier to healthy food.