The best weekend of the year for local whiskey lovers is here, with a few additions, a lot of growth and a whole lot of amber gold.
Whiskey Obsession brings together whiskey lovers, whiskey experts and a whole lot of, well, whiskey in a series of panels, classes, parties and tastings over three days, beginning this evening. Created four years ago by local financial adviser and whiskey aficionado Turner Moore, the festival has grown into one of the largest - and Moore would say one of the best - celebrations of whiskey in the country.
By the numbers, Whiskey Obsession began with 27 vendor tables at the fest's main event, Friday's Grand Tasting. This year, that's almost doubled to 52, resulting in almost 300 different whiskeys available for tasting by fans, including 30 or so premium selections only available to guests who pay for VIP status.
For Moore, however, Whiskey Obsession's true value comes in the intimacy of the event, which allows participants unusual access to serious whiskey experts ranging from brand managers to authors to actual distillers. This year there will be two dozen or so experts on hand, ranging from Pam Heilmann - distiller of Michter's in Louisville, Ky. - and Chairman of the Kentucky Distillers Association and Master Distiller Chris Morris to representatives from Scotch distillery Glenmorangie and popular Japanese distilleries. You'll be able to chat a bit with these folks as they pour at the tasting, but there are also opportunities to absorb their knowledge (and whiskey) during Thursday night's Panel of Whiskey Experts and classes held during the Grand Tasting.
Those Friday classes are a great bargain, since they come with your ticket into the Grand Tasting. Classes include The History of North American Whiskey, The Art of Blending, Cigar and Whisky Pairing and others. Just make sure to sign up for the classes in advance to make sure you'll have a seat.
This year's Whiskey Obsession also includes a new event, tonight's Dram Dance at The Gator Club, featuring chillwave musical guest Brothertiger, a special performance by Black Diamond Burlesque and Old Forester cocktails. Moore has also added a few barrel-aged beers from Tampa's Coppertail Brewing and is excited about the return of Japan's Yamazaki, Hibiki and Hakashu whiskeys. Japanese whiskey is one of the hottest things going in the spirits world right now.
But, honestly, if you are a serious fan of whiskey, you probably already know this and have your tickets to Whiskey Obsession in hand. If not, grab a designated driver - companion tickets to the Grand Tasting, which include food and wine only, are $50 - and line up some friends to celebrate the best event of the year.
WHISKEY OBSESSION
whiskeyobsessionfestival.com
The Dram Dance
8-11 p.m. Wednesday (March 30); The Gator Club, 1490 Main St., Sarasota; $10
The Panel of Whiskey Experts Interactive Tasting and Discussion
7-10 p.m. Thursday (March 31); The Francis, 1289 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota; $45
The Whiskey Obsession Grand Tasting and Master Classes
7:30 p.m. (6:30 p.m. for VIP) Friday (April 1); Michael's On East, 1212 East Ave., Sarasota; $95 general admission, $195 VIP, $45 companion
Whiskey Obsession Festival Official After Party
10:45 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday (April 1); Made Restaurant, 1990 Main St., Sarasota
