After swinging through San Francisco, WhiskyFest heads to New York this week for one of the largest gatherings of whisky lovers and whisky makers in the world. VIP and General Admission tickets are still available for the event, which takes place this Thursday evening, November 3rd, at the Marriott Marquis Times Square. With 400 whiskies plus other spirits to choose from, it’s a can’t-miss show. Here are five reasons why every whisky lover should attend.
Rare Whiskies During VIP Hour
Attendees will sample phenomenal whiskies throughout the evening, but VIP ticket holders are in store for something truly special, as whisky makers pour their finest and rarest bottles. VIP pours at WhiskyFest New York this year include Benromach Heritage 40 year old (2022 release), Eagle Rare 17 year old, Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select, Michter’s 20 year old, Nikka Discovery Series Aromatic Yeast, St. George Spirits 40th Anniversary, and much more.
Taste Whiskies From Around the Globe
WhiskyFest is a great opportunity to taste that rare bourbon or scotch you’ve been curious about, but it also presents the chance to taste whiskies from all parts of the globe, including emerging countries. Indian whisky will be well-represented with Paul John and Rampur on hand, plus you can discover Morris Australian single malt, Brenne French whisky, Kavalan from Taiwan, and a handful of Japanese brands like Fuji, Kikori, and Hatozaki.
Attend an Illuminating Seminar
If you want an in-depth look at some of these whiskies away from the main event area, duck into one of the 12 seminars for educational tastings that often feature exclusive whiskies. This year’s seminars are being presented by Nelson’s Green Brier, Fuji, Glen Moray, Lux Row, Heaven Hill, Widow Jane, Compass Box, Glenturret, High West, Keeper’s Heart, Dewar’s, and Jim Beam’s Legent and Little Book.
Meet The World’s Top Whisky Makers
Even if you can’t get away to attend a seminar, you can still meet some of the world’s brightest whisky-making minds on the WhiskyFest floor. This year, WhiskyFest New York has attracted some big names, including John Glaser, founder and whiskymaker at Compass Box; Matt Hofmann, founder and master distiller at Westland; Brendan Coyle, vice president and master distiller at High West; Jared Himstedt, head distiller at Balcones; Brian Nation, master distiller for Keeper’s Heart; Caleb Kilburn master distiller at Kentucky Peerless, and many others
Bring Your Tasting Group and Test Your Palate
WhiskyFest is a great occasion to take your tasting club out of its element and put everything you’ve learned to the test. No matter how many whiskies you typically taste in a single session, WhiskyFest will expand your horizons as you sample quarter-ounce pours throughout the night. Experience a vertical tasting with brands like Laws Whiskey House, Virginia Distillery Co., and New Riff Distilling. And try to take notes—with so much to taste, you and your fellow club members will discover many different whiskies that will inspire discussion and future gatherings.
Don’t delay, buy your tickets today!
