Whiskey Jam Blackberry Bread Pudding
Ward Guenther and Pal Patrick Davis give “Mama’s” Bread Puddin' a kick with their new Blackberry Whiskey.
Ward Guenther and Patrick Davis are stumbling around the kitchen trying to make Ward’s mama’s bread pudding. Photographer Brooke Stevens steps in to help. The objective: try their new Whiskey Jam Blackberry Whiskey in a favorite dish from Ward's mom. They hope to come up with a signature dish for their passion project: Whiskey Jam Whiskey.
Ward Guenther started Nashville’s Whiskey Jam as an alternative to the typical, subdued song writers night. "We didn’t want to be “shushed” any more," says Ward. So, seven years ago, Ward, a musician himself, organized an informal beer-infused music night that was just a tad rowdier. Today, Winners Bar & Grill serves as the venue with Ward serving as Whiskey Jam’s host. It provides a platform for local songwriters to soak in their first spotlights or for established acts to step on stage and surprise the crowd. For over 350 consecutive shows featuring over 2,000 unique acts – artists, bands, and songwriters – Whiskey Jam has become an iconic cultural institution and Ward its humble host.
Whiskey Jam did not remain bound to music alone. Following the enthusiasm for the iconic Nashville event, Ward took the opportunity to create a berry-infused liquor, Whiskey Jam Blackberry Whiskey, with pal Patrick Davis, a successful singer/song writer/musician who was more than happy, he admitted to “cook up some fun and play.”
Back in the kitchen, Ward focused on his cooking duties. After all, his grandfather won second place in the Dole Recipe Contest with a pineapple congealed salad. He in turn inspired Ward's mom. With one taste of the bread pudding, you’ll know what kind of cook she is.