Hello Spirits Lovers:

Only 2 weeks to go until we’re all together toasting the night and the lights out over the Bay! Join in to explore a world of whiskies and fascinating artisanal spirits on-board the San Francisco Belle for the 12th Annual Whiskies of the World Expo, Saturday evening, March 26th 2011 in San Francisco.

The show gates open to Dram Club members at 5pm.  Next boarding is at 5:15 for VIP ticket holders and General Admission begins at 6pm.

The entrance to the venue is on the Embarcadero at Washington Street on Pier 3 through the passage signposted   ‘Hornblower Cruise Lines’. The huge 4 deck yacht alongside the rear of the dock is your destination!! Stroll down the gangplank and walk into a world of whisky wonder to begin the best night of the year….

In keeping with the elegance of the venue, we remind you that we have a dress code …not a demanding one, but it is important. So…anything from business casual to formal wear is great, but nothing that includes shorts, t-shirts or anything that would look like you were on the beach rather than attending a luxurious evening on a yacht honoring the world’s finest spirits is allowable! We truly appreciate you honoring this request-

Although all our incredible MASTERCLASSES may fill their reserved seating before showtime (go to www.whiskiesoftheworld.com to review the options and grab a free seat!) if there are any open seats, you may be able to capture one for yourself if you are at the door of the appropriate classroom at least 5 minutes before the class begins. Again, keep your eye on the website for all details on seating and availability. This is a lineup of Master Distillers, Blenders and Indie Bottlers not to be missed!

As if it isn’t enough to explore 2 full decks of tasting/sampling booths, we are also hosting 4 MIXOLOGY booths this year! Join Beam Global, Diageo, Michael Collins Irish Whiskey and the Boothby Center for an eye opening and mouthwatering sampling of cocktails.

To whet your palate in advance of the Expo, tune in to KGO for interviews on the following dates with these geniuses of the spirits world! On March 19, 12noon, join Davorin of Old World Spirits as he is interviewed on Dining Around. Then on Expo morning, March 26th, Stuart Nickerson will be the Whisky Rock-star on the airwaves.

And two more ways to get wound up for the Saturday night Expo: Thursday March 24th join Stuart Nickerson for an amazing Whisky Dinner evening (all details on our site but space is limited and you need to book it NOW) and then Friday night, our yearly Dram Club Members Gathering at Swig!!

What else can we say? This is going to be such a great evening. Check out the pour list on our website. There are so many new and exciting spirits to sample along with many old favorites and classics. The lineup of experts is extreme. Throw in great food, wonderful music and a boatload of very happy people and there is no way anyone wouldn’t want to come along to the 12th Annual WoW Expo.

We’ll see you there!!!!