Seventh Annual Whiskey Obsession Festival in Sarasota, Florida
Various Venues
The Seventh Annual Whiskey Obsession Festival will be held April 10 to 13, 2019 in Sarasota, Florida. Whiskey Obsession is the largest world whiskey festival in the U.S., with four days of classes, tastings, lunch and dinner pairings, bartender activities, interactive panel discussions, VIP pours, a fabulous grand tasting with hundreds of whiskies and cocktails, plus free live music street party in the heart of downtown. Last year, Whiskey Obsession attracted 3,500 attendees from 20 states and Canada.
New developments for 2019 include the formation of Spirit Guide, Inc., a nonprofit corporation that will sponsor all WOF events, allowing us to strengthen our community and industry partnerships. Whiskey Obsession continues its collaboration with Bourbon Women, an independent resource and inspirational forum, uniting women who share an affinity for bourbon. We are excited to partner with the Black Bourbon Society, bringing together African American bourbon enthusiasts from across the country. WOF welcomes new media partner, Bourbon Plus magazine, telling the stories of farmers, distillers, and mixologists. We’re working to expand the range of Irish, Scotch, and Japanese whiskies presented this year as well.
Schedule of Events
Wednesday, April 10, 2019
Whiskey Obsession Kickoff Dinner @ Sarasota Yacht Club (SYC), 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Elegant dinner pairing with a prominent speaker featuring a special four course menu from executive chef Anthony Puccio. Tickets are $125 per person. Open to the public; SYC membership not required.
Thursday, April 11, 2019
Exclusive Focus Lunch Master Class @ Art Ovation, 12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Lunch whiskey pairing with a prominent speaker, featuring a special menu from the Art Ovation. Tickets $45 per person and include meal, whiskies and commemorative Tervis custom tumbler.
Panelist Small Group Dinner @ The Hyatt Sarasota, 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The pre-panel dinner features an intimate meal with a brand ambassador or master distiller. Tickets are $125 per person and include meal, whiskies and commemorative Tervis custom tumbler. Limited to 20 guests.
The Panel of Whiskey Experts Interactive Tasting & Discussion @ The Hyatt Sarasota, 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Tickets are $75 and seating is limited to 130 guests. Panelists include eight brand ambassadors and master distillers representing multiple styles of premium whiskies.
Late Night Brand Showcase at the Social Eatery and Bar, 10:00 p.m. until late.
Tickets are $25 and include cocktail, whiskey samples and commemorative Tervis custom tumbler.
Friday, April 12, 2019
Masterclasses at Select Downtown Restaurants, 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Lunch masterclasses feature prominent speakers in a small group setting. Tickets are $40 per person
and include meal, whiskies and commemorative Tervis custom tumbler.
Grand Tasting and Brand Experiences @ The Hyatt Sarasota, 7:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
With hundreds of whiskies and cocktails available to sample, the Grand Tasting features dozens of the world’s premium global brands as well as emerging craft distillers from around Florida and the United States.
• 7:00 p.m. VIP Admission
• 8:00 p.m. General Admission
• 10:15 p.m. Last Pour
• 10:30 p.m. Event concludes
Three ticket levels are available:
VIP $195:
• VIP admission is limited to 200 guests and includes one commemorative Glencairn glass and one hour early entrance at 7:00 p.m..
• VIP hour pours of ultra-premium, fine, expensive, and rare spirits (details will be available on the event website). At least 25 premium whiskies will be available during VIP hour.
• One $50 retail voucher for purchases placed with our online retail partner. Note that retail sales will not be conducted on-site.
• Greater opportunity to interact with distillery ambassadors and industry professionals.
• Unlimited tasting of over 200 spirits.
• Priority seating at other WOF events including lunch and dinner classes during the Festival.
• Wine, soft drinks, buffet and hors d' oeuvres.
General Admission $95:
• Limited to 500 guests includes one commemorative Glencairn glass; entrance at 8:00 p.m.
• Unlimited tasting of several hundred whiskies and cocktails.
• Wine, soft drinks, buffet and hors d' oeuvres.
Companion $45:
• Limited to 75 guests includes entrance with VIP or general admission ticket holders.
• Wine, soft drinks, buffet and hors d' oeuvres
Saturday, April 13, 2019
Women of Whiskey Brunch @ Sarasota Yacht Club, 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Second annual! We are thrilled to present the Women of Whiskey Brunch in partnership with the Sarasota Whisky Society, Bourbon Women and the Black Bourbon Society, featuring a panel of three prominent women making contributions to the whiskey industry. The event emcee Jennifer Wells and moderator Peggy Noe Stevens will be joined by Samara Rivers to explore the whiskies and discuss the brunch pairings. Two whiskies from each panelist will be paired with a special menu created by SYC Executive Chef Anthony Puccio. Tickets are $40 per person and include meal, whiskies and commemorative Tervis custom tumbler. Open to the public; SYC membership not required.
Sips, Suds, and Smokes presents Beer, Bourbon, and Cigars @ Smokin’ Joes, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Join Bob Howell, Maury Jayson, and Mike Woods from Sips, Suds and Smokes radio show for a multi-faceted pairing of cigars and whiskey. This fun, casual event will be held in the lounge upstairs at Smokin’ Joes. Cost is $25 and includes cigars, beer, and whiskey samples.
Whiskey Rocks Live Music Street Party, @ Lemon and Main Downtown, 6:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
Whiskey Rocks continues its third year with great regional and national acts performing live downtown on North Lemon Avenue. Free and open to all ages!
Tickets and information are available at whiskeyobsessionfestival.com.