Whiskey Festival Do’s and Don’ts
A whiskey festival, whisky gala, or anything in between is a fantastic way to sample rare, expensive, or otherwise elusive spirits. If you're just getting into whiskey, a festival is an absolute must. For about the price of a premium bottle, you can taste dozens—sometimes hundreds—of whiskeys, helping you refine your palate and decide whether that bottle you've been eyeing is truly worth the splurge.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned whiskey warrior, here are some tips to make the most of your festival experience. And don’t forget to check out the upcoming events at the bottom of this article to find a whiskey festival near you!
Milam & Greene Whiskey
A selection of Milam & Greene Whiskey available at the Spirit of Texas tasting event in Plano Texas 2024
1. Stay Hydrated
Obvious? Sure. But will you forget once you’re on your fifth sample of cask-strength bourbon? Also, yes. Those tiny pours add up quickly, and before you know it, you’re debating whether or not you can moonwalk back to the water station. Drink water early and often to keep yourself in the game.
2. Eat a Big Meal Before You Go
A full stomach slows alcohol absorption and keeps you from becoming “that guy” (you know the one). Spilling drinks, slurring your words, or suddenly needing to be carried out by your friends—none of these are a good look. Also, avoid spicy food unless you enjoy whiskey that tastes like ethanol-infused nail polish.
3. Don’t Pregame the Event
This isn’t a college frat party—it’s a whiskey festival. There’s more whiskey available than you could reasonably drink in a night, so why start beforehand? Save your liver, save your money, and save yourself from missing out on the good stuff.
4. You Don’t Have to Finish That
Not every pour will be a winner, and that’s okay! If something isn’t your jam, use the dump buckets or spit it out. The people pouring won’t be offended—honestly, they prefer it to dealing with someone who’s had a few too many. And remember, if you don’t like something, keep it classy. As Michelle Rosas from Ironroot Whiskey puts it, “Don’t say ‘Eww, that’s gross.’ What if the person next to you loves that bottle?” Instead, say something like, “That’s not quite my flavor profile,” and move on.
“Don’t say ‘Eww, that’s gross.’ What if the person next to you loves that bottle?”
Michelle Rosas with Ironroot Republic Distilling pours a sample of Promethean Bourbon
5. Save Cocktails and Cigars for the End of the Night
Cocktails are delicious, but the sugar will accelerate the effects of alcohol, making your night end sooner than planned. Plus, sugar can mess with your ability to taste whiskey properly. The same goes for cigars. Yes, whiskey and cigars are a dream team, but once you light up, your palate will be dominated by smoky, earthy notes. If you want to truly experience the whiskeys, save the cigar for later.
6. Be Patient and Kind – And Never Pour Your Own Drink
Seriously, don’t do it. The people behind the booths are licensed to pour, and helping yourself is a surefire way to get kicked out. Also, be mindful of others—yes, we all want to chat with the brand reps, but don’t monopolize their time. And if you want to score some free swag, at least show some interest in the brand. As Michelle Rosas says, “Take some time to learn about the brand. Be kind and say thank you to the person pouring you drinks”. Swinging by just to grab swag without showing interest is a metaphorical slap in the face.
7. Plan Ahead
Your palate is a delicate instrument, so make a game plan. Start with lighter whiskeys like Speyside Scotch or American single malts before moving on to bolder flavors like cask-strength bourbons or peated whiskey. If you go in the opposite direction, everything will taste like a smoky oak fire by the end of the night. Check out the roster of available pours to sample ahead of time to plan your route.
8. Pro Tip – Avoid Fragrances
Your taste buds rely on your sense of smell. If you bathe yourself in cologne or perfume, you’ll overpower not just your own tasting experience, but also everyone else’s. Nobody wants to sip a delicate 18-year-old single malt and get a nose full of your Acqua Di Gio instead.
9. Pro Tip – Bring a Lanyard for Your Tasting Glass
Many festivals hand out commemorative tasting glasses, but keeping track of them all night? That’s another story. A lanyard for your glass keeps your hands free and your glass from making an untimely shatter on the floor. Plus, it just looks cool. Check out this one from the Bourbon Real Talk Podcast.
10. Wear Comfortable Shoes
Whiskey festivals are long, and you’ll be on your feet for most of it. Sure, you want to look stylish, but think practical. The last thing you want is to be hobbling around halfway through the night, looking for the nearest chair.
A selection of Oak & Eden whiskey available at the Spirit of Texas Whiskey tasting in Plano Texas 2024
Final Thoughts
None of this advice matters if you don’t drink responsibly. Plan ahead, arrange for a safe ride home, and don’t risk drinking and driving. A whiskey festival is one of the best experiences you can have as a whiskey lover, but it comes with responsibility.
So, are you ready for your first (or next) whiskey festival? Check out this link to find an event near you. And while you’re at it, grab some merch—show up in style and let the world know you’re a whiskey nerd.
Special Thanks to Michelle with Ironroot Republic Distillery for taking some time to offer some insights for this article. Be sure to check out Ironroot’s award winning whiskey.. I highly recommend trying the Harbinger 115 Bourbon.
Do you have any additional Whiskey Festival tips and tricks? Drop a comment and let us know. Cheers nerds!
