Sixth Annual Whiskey Obsession Festival

April 11 to 14, 2018

Sarasota, Florida

The Sixth Annual Whiskey Obsession Festival will be held April 11 to 14, 2018 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, expanded bartender academy, interactive panel discussions, cigars, VIP pours, a fabulous grand tasting with hundreds of whiskies and cocktails to sample, plus free live music street party in the heart of downtown with four rockin’ bands.

Whiskey Obsession is the proud recipient of Visit Sarasota County’s marketing grant, and ticket sales to date show that 50% of attendees are from outside our region, with 20% coming from out of state. WOF has partnered with Brick Smoked Meats, Cask & Ale, Aloft Sarasota, Louie’s Modern, Mattison’s, Sarasota Whiskey Society, and the Gator Club to offer signature cocktails and exclusive bottlings at the Grand Tasting on Friday night. Visit these vendor tables to taste some local flavor. We are pleased to announce that the Child Protection Center will be a charitable beneficiary of the festival.

Schedule of Events

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Bartender Academy @ The Aloft Hotel, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

$20 ticket includes lunch (bartenders/ industry only)

Session I – Professional Development Panel // 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Three panelists discuss mixologist and ambassador professional development, best practices, and career advancement including industry opportunities, expectations, and responsible brand marketing. With Randolph Adams, Distilled Spirits Expert, former Brand Ambassador and Bartender; Byron Banks, Senior Manager of Regional Sales for Four Roses Bourbon; Andy Weir, Brand Leader, Aberlour Single Malt Scotch.

Session II – Interactive Bars and Workstations // 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Participants will learn new skills and techniques from Four Roses Bourbon, Aberlour Single Malt Scotch, and Glen Moray Single Malt Scotch.

Whiskey Obsession Kickoff Dinner @ Sarasota Yacht Club (SYC), 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

The theme of the 2018 Kickoff Dinner is Whiskey , Time, and Time Zones presented by Nicholas Pollacchi, CEO of The Whisky Dog. Dinner features a special menu created by SYC Executive Chef Anthony Puccio paired with the evening’s premium whiskies: Macallan 15 Year Fine Oak, Glenrothes 2001 Vintage, Glenmorangie Nectar D’Or, Nikka Taketsura Pure Malt, and Highland Park 18 Year. Tickets are $125 per person. Open to the public; SYC membership not required.

Thursday, April 12, 2018

Exclusive Focus Lunch Master Class @ The Francis Private Dining Room, 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Lunch whiskey pairing with a Jenny Bartels of Breckenridge Bourbon, featuring a special menu from The Francis. Tickets $35 per person.

Panelist Small Group Dinner @ The Francis, 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The pre-panel dinner features an intimate meal with Raj Sabharwal of Glass Revolution Imports who will present a fantsatic range of world whiskies, including Amrut Single Malt, Amrut Fusion, Blackadder Chimera Blended Malt, and Blackadder Drop of Irish Single Malt 8 Year. Tickets are $125 per person, limited to 16 guests.

The Panel of Whiskey Experts Interactive Tasting & Discussion @ The Francis, 7:00 to 9:30 p.m.

Tickets are $75 and seating is limited to 120 guests. Panelists include:

Jenny Bartels, Partner, Breckenridge Bourbon

Rob Dietrich, Distiller, Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey

John Foster, Distiller, Smooth Ambler

Andy Hannah, Global Brand Development Manager, International Beverage

Bernie Lubbers, The Whiskey Professor, Heaven Hill

Nicholas Pollacchi, CEO, The Whisky Dog

Raj Sabharwal, Founding Partner, Glass Revolution Imports

Andy Weir, Brand Leader, Aberlour Single Malt Scotch

Brand Showcase at the historic Gator Club, 10:00 pm until late.

Bernie Lubbers, The Whiskey Professor from Heaven Hill Distillery, presents Bourbon through Bluegrass, featuring a range of whiskies accompanied by guitar and vocals. Doors open at 10:00 pm and capacity is limited to 35 guests. Cost is $10 per person, or free admission with the purchase of the Sarasota Whiskey Society’s new Elijah Craig Single Barrel bottling ($35).

Friday, April 13, 2018

Pre-show Premium Master Class, @ Michael’s Wine Cellar, 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

This exclusive tasting features whiskies from Aberlour Single Malt Scotch, presented by Ann Miller,

International Brand Ambassador, and Gemma Cole, U.S. Brand Ambassador. The pre-show master class will

be held in Michael’s Wine Cellar prior to the Grand Tasting. Limited to 30 guests. $60 per person.

Grand Tasting and Master Classes, Michael’s on East (See times below)

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. Taught by industry professionals, our six seminar-style master classes present an opportunity for in-depth learning at interactive tastings with distillers and brand ambassadors.

• 6:30 p.m. VIP Admission
• 7:30 p.m. General Admission
• 8:00 p.m. Class I, II, and III ($10 for VIP; $20 for GA guests)
• 9:15 p.m. Class IV, V, VI ($10 for VIP; $20 for GA guests)
• 10:30 p.m. Last Pour
• 10:30 p.m. After Party at Made Restaurant sponsored by Angel’s Envy (Free Event!)

Class I Byron Banks, Four Roses Bourbon

Class II   Raj Sabharwal, Glass Revolution Imports

Class III  Ben Potter, Glengoyne Single Malt Scotch

Class IV  Jenny Bartels, Breckenridge Bourbon

Class V Ian Forteath, Glencadam Single Malt Scotch

Class VI  Rolando Reyes, Covandonga Cigars and Andy Hannah, anCnoc and Old Pulteney

Three ticket levels are available:

VIP $195: SOLD OUT

General Admission $95:

• Limited to 500 guests includes one commemorative Glencairn glass; entrance at 7:30 pm
• Unlimited tasting of several hundred whiskies and cocktails.
• Access to evening master classes (first come first served).
• 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

Angel’s Envy After Party, 10:30 pm to 1:00 am @ M.A.D.E. Restaurant

Wrap up the evening with some music, food, and Angel’s Envy Bourbon at M.A.D.E. Restaurant. This event is always a hit with consumers and industry professionals. Free admission!

Saturday, April 14, 2018

Women of Whiskey Brunch @ Sarasota Yacht Club, 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

New event for 2018! We are thrilled to present the Women of Whiskey Brunch in partnership with Bourbon Women, featuring a panel of three prominent women making contributions to the whiskey industry. Two whiskies from each panelist will be paired with a special menu created by SYC Executive Chef Anthony Puccio. Selections include Aberlour A’bunadh and 18 Year, Old Pulteney Navigator and 25 Year, Lot 40, and Jp Wiser 18 Year Rye. Tickets are $35 per person. Open to the public; SYC membership not required.

Gina Fossitt, National Ambassador, Lot 40 Canadian Whisky

Ann Miller, International Brand Ambassador, Aberlour Single Malt Scotch

Steph Ridgway, Manager of Brand Education, Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch

Peggy Noe Stevens, Moderator, Founder of Bourbon Women

Jennifer Wells, Emcee, Sarasota Whiskey Society

Sips, Suds, and Smokes presents Beer, Bourbon, and Cigars @ The Gator Club, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Just added! Join Bob Howell, Maury Jayson, and Mike Woods from Sips, Suds and Smokes radio show for a multi-faceted pairing of selections from JDub’s Brewing and Tap Room, whiskies from Widow Jane, and FEW Spirits, and cigars from Maduro’s. This fun, casual event will be held in the lounge upstairs at The Gator Club and is limited to 35 guests. Cost is $25 and includes two cigars, beer, and whiskey samples. Tickets at the door.

Whiskey Rocks Live Music Street Party, @ Lemon and Main Downtown, 6:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.

The Sarasota Downtown Merchants Association presents Whiskey Rocks in partnership with JDub’s Brewing Company and Tap Room, with headliner the All Rise Revival featuring Berry Oakley and the music of the Allman Brothers Band; Thomas Wynn and the Believers; Alex Di Leo; and Physical Plant. Free and open to all ages!

Tickets and information are available at whiskeyobsessionfestival.com.

For more information contact Turner C. Moore, 941.400.9889

Email: Turner@WhiskeyObsessionFestival.com

Website: www.whiskeyobsessionfestival.com

High res photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B49IZoKW9ykoOVZGSi03Rm4xX1U?usp=sharing

Video: https://youtu.be/5yeO5p3Vfl0

Whiskey Obsession Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhiskeyObsessionFestival