Less than a week away from the third annual Whiskey Obsession Festival and Turner Moore, creator and organizer of the fest, is pretty calm. “In a lot of ways, it is getting easier,” explains Moore. “There’s been a tremendous word of mouth, people who have come in the past want to bring their friends, the industry knows about it.”
Moore makes a living as a financial adviser, but his passion is whiskey in all its forms. A few years back, he decided to spread that love to other people in the area, first through classes, then through Whiskey Obsession.
Michael Klauber (left) with Whiskey Obsession founder Turner Moore.
Three years later, Whiskey Obsession is easily the largest whiskey festival in Florida, and perhaps the entire Southeast.
Dozens of distillers and brand ambassadors, some of them the people who actually make the whiskeys they’ll pour, will turn out for the event on Thursday and Friday, culminating in a Grand Tasting on Friday night that will see more than 225 different whiskeys available for sampling by fest participants.
For Moore, that’s what sets Whiskey Obsession apart.
“I love being in a class, learning from a true expert, and the only other place you can get that is really New York or Las Vegas,” says Moore. “To offer people that experience here is something special.”
Whiskey Obsession gives participants that experience with a series of panels and classes, from the big “Panel of Whiskey Experts” on Thursday night – featuring eight master distillers and brand ambassadors from places like Jack Daniel’s, Macallan, Angel’s Envy and more – as well as in a series of six classes during the Grand Tasting.
Interested in “double wood maturation”? Master of Whisky Todd Richman will enlighten you. Want to learn about how to “nose” whiskey or wine? There are two classes on that, taught by Kim Lahiri from the Aroma Nosing Academy of Inverness, Scotland.
Although the big names in Scotch and American whiskey will be on hand, Moore notes that one of the changes he’s seen in the past three years is the incredible growth in American craft distillers.
“A couple of years ago, I only knew of one whiskey distillery in Florida,” says Moore. “Now there’s four or five.”
Including Wild Buck, which makes rye whiskey north of Tampa and will be pouring at the Grand Tasting.
Dozens of these craft distilleries will have their liquid gold at Whiskey Obsession, including many whiskeys that are difficult, or impossible to get in the area. Many of the bigger brands will also be pouring their more exclusive specialties.
“There are a lot of expensive whiskeys being poured that people just can’t go out and buy,” says Moore.
Although, thanks to Michael’s Fine Wines and Spirits’ package license, a lot of the whiskeys participants will taste will also be available for sale.
“You can buy a bottle and have the distiller personalize it for you,” says Moore. “That’s something that makes this festival unique.”
WHISKEY OBSESSION
All events are at Michael’s on East (1212 S. East Ave., Sarasota) unless otherwise indicated. whiskeyobsessionfestival.com
THE SENSORY WORLD OF WINE & WHISK(E)Y
11 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, March 26
$15
A journey on discovering the sense of smell, attendees will learn how to re-construct the key aromas in wine and whiskey that influence one’s palate.
PANEL OF WHISKEY EXPERTS
7-10 p.m. Thursday, March 26
$45
Join eight master distillers and professional brand ambassadors as they share and discuss their favorite spirits. Ticket includes sixteen whiskey samples, hors d’ouevres and appetizers. Seating is limited to 45 guests.
Panel members include:
nJeff Arnett, Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller
nWes Henderson, Angel’s Envy Chief Innovation Officer
nJosh Hatton, Co-Founder of the Jewish Whisky Company
nGary Keimach, SVP with Gordon & MacPhail
nRandy Adams, Macallan Ambassador
nRachel Ewing, Glenmorangie and Ardbeg Ambassador
nPhilip Pepperdine, Bowmore Ambassador
nTodd Richman, Diageo Master of Whisky
WHISKEY OBSESSION GRAND TASTING
7:30-11 p.m. Friday, March 27
$95 general admission, $195 VIP (allows admittance at 6:30 p.m., special pours of rare spirits; one $50 retail voucher for purchases and special orders placed during the event), $45 companion (includes food and wine only)
Over 225 whiskies from nearly 80 brands will be available at the grand tasting. Guests receive a commemorative Glencairn glass upon entry to sample spirits from the 40 exhibitors filling the ballroom at Michael’s on East.
MASTERCLASSES
These classes take place during the Grand Tasting and are included in the price; advance registration is required.
8 p.m.:
-Jack Daniel’s Academy with Jeff Arnett, Master Distiller.
-Single Malt Scotch Whiskies with Philip Pepperdine, Bowmore Ambassador
-Double Wood Maturation with Todd Richman, Diageo Master of Whisky
9:15 p.m.
-Wine & Whiskey Nosing with Kim Lahiri, Aroma Academy, Scotland
-Angel’s Envy with Wes Henderson, Master Ambassador
-Cigar & Whisky Pairing with Glenfiddich Ambassador Struan Grant Ralph and C&C Dram Club Cigars Founder Joe Chiusano
OFFICIAL AFTER PARTY
11 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday, March 27
Made Restaurant, 1990 Main St., Sarasota; 953-2900; maderestaurant.com
