While Scotfest is a family event, there are certain aspects which are not meant for children. A whisky tasting is no exception. Not only due to the alcohol involved, Rubright & Hardagain bring a presence to the stage who some might demand require a set of trigger warnings all on their own. Trust me, if you try to bring your child to tag along, they will warn you from the stage in front of everyone, the event is not intended for children. These true born Scotsmen bring an uncanny wit to the stage which can’t be scripted.
I have had the privilege or unfortunate task – depending on whom you may ask – to attend several whisky tastings hosted by the dynamic duo. The reviews may be a mixture of positive and negative feedback but I can tell you first hand, those in attendance are in for an unforgettable experience. No one can deny Rubright & Hardagain is a whisky tasting like no other you can find in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma or even in the surrounding area. Their expertise may not hail from any reputable source but their knowledge and off the cuff remarks are sure to surprise you.
I’ve attended several tasting events. From vodka to wine to beer and bourbon, but no experience has compared to what Rubright & Hardagain bring to their own special whisky tasting.
They’ve been accused of a number of irredeemable characteristics. From being called sexist, misogynistic, arrogant, uncouth – Steve and Eric have certainly not cowed down to the woke crowd. Not to mention Eric’s wife, Donna. She’s the one off to the side pouring out all the samples making sure things run smoothly. But just try to pull a fast one on that woman and she’ll have you running away with your tail tucked between your legs. The young woman passing out samples in a mini kilt, Eric and Donna’s daughter, Katrina? I dare you to try and make a pass at her; you’ll regret every decision leading up to that moment.
But this bunch is not just a team running a whisky tasting. Eric and Steve are board members. The Chairman and Executive Director to be exact. When you talk to them after a whisky tasting, you’re talking to two people part of the team in charge of ensuring the festival even happens year in and year out.
As someone who struggles getting to know new people – especially in new situations – I can tell you I was instantly intimidated by every member of the Scotfest team, and these four are no exception.
My first time attending a Scotfest volunteer appreciation party, somehow I ended up drinking with Donna and despite the numerous people attending, I spent the majority of the evening hanging out with her. I thought she was just a kind and approachable woman. I’m a wall flower – kind and approachable is my comfort zone. I didn’t have to make small talk with anyone else and still had a good time. But then I saw her handling a whisky tasting; that woman can be downright scary. She’s not afraid of anyone or anything. But Lord help any person who tries to cross her or her daughter.
When it comes to the self proclaimed Rubright & Hardagain, Eric is certainly more cordial with his calm demeanor and easy smile. But Steve is the definition of abrasive with a stern look and no nonsense way of handling things. I may joke about their different personalities but the two make a team in which you can’t have one without the other. Just as you can’t have Scotfest without them. What is a Scottish festival without drinking, without scotch?
In the years I have been doing Scotfest, these two have always been there. They were there long before I even knew what Scotfest was. I’ve seen them at the festival, whisky tastings, Burns Night, and board meetings behind the scenes. They love the festival and have worked harder than I may ever know. But any time I have ever come to them with questions, requests, concerns, they listen and provide help or feedback as needed. They have grown to be people I would consider friends.
I know how they come across on stage: blunt and ill-mannered. But when you get to know them, when you have a conversation with them one on one, they’re just honest and genuine. I have seen and heard them have a number of conversations with guests after a whisky tasting. I’ve heard them answer the same question about a scotch or whisky time after time within the span of an hour. And while it may get tiresome, they never judge or belittle anyone. They approach each guest as if that person is the first one to talk to them.
In my bar hopping days, I used to brag saying, “I drink with professional Scots.” Even now at my job as a manager of a liquor store, if someone asks about my opinion on scotch I still state, “I’ve been spoiled with good scotch” and then proceed to talk about Scotfest as if it were my baby. I’ll talk about the whisky tastings and even brag that my recommendation of taking Writer’s Tears to Shamrock the Rose District this past St. Patrick’s Day was a hit and it ended up being the crowd favorite. A fact which I will never let Steve live down. Even Eric liked it so much he’s bought at least two bottles of it for himself since then that I know of. And while they may be reluctant to admit they enjoy something from Ireland – not Scotland – they know I’m right. (I have video and photo evidence to support this claim so don’t let them deny it.)
As much as I joke and brag about my minimal whisky knowledge, it pales in comparison to listening to Steve or Eric speak at one of their whisky tastings. They’re able to find the perfect balance of crass humor and informative reviews when presenting a good bottle of scotch. But they don’t hog the limelight all for themselves. They love to include their guests. They’ll bring people up on stage to make a toast, having everyone raise their glasses in honor of military, police, medical workers, first responders – men and women who deserve at the very least a nod and a thank you.
They’re not afraid to push your buttons. Each of them has made a joke at my expense one minute and then the next they’re asking if there’s anything they can help me with. They work on Scotfest all year long. The week before, they’re out there setting up tents and tables. The weekend of, they’re all over the festival assisting where needed. And on top of it all, they’re holding multiple whisky tastings in the middle of September in the Oklahoma heat putting on a good face even though they’re exhausted. And then they still ask me if I’m doing okay.
A few people might be offended by their jokes and think they’re just angry Scotsmen refusing to adapt to what society demands. They’ve even been accused of using fake Scottish accents trying to sell the event. If you’re offended, rest assured, there’s a line behind you of multiple people offended by a variety of topics. But at the end of the day, they’re not angry Scotsmen. They’re not Rubright & Hardagain. They’re Steve and Eric. They care about Scotfest. They care about the people involved and those who attend. And they just enjoy a good bottle of scotch.
