Whiskey Riot: A Festival of Whiskeys
WHO IS WHISKEY RIOT FOR?
WHY SHOULD YOU ATTEND?
Discovering new whiskeys can be an expensive exploration. Signage in a liquor store and the details on a bottle’s label will only tell you so much. How do you know you’re going to take home something you love? There’s no better way to find your new favorite drink than side-by-side comparison tasting.
Whiskey Riot is a large format tasting event complete with brand representatives who can answer questions, explain the nuances of what your tasting and leave you feeling armed with more whiskey knowledge.
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Taste hundreds of bottles without buying hundreds of bottles.
Estimated Cost of 150 Bottles of Whiskey: $45/bottle x 150 bottles = $6,750
Cost of Trying 150 Whiskeys at Whiskey Riot = 1 Ticket
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FAQs and General Rules
Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026
Time: 4-7 PM (Early Entry Hour: 3-4 PM)
Place:
The Powerhouse
140 Lee St., Buffalo, NY 14210
How many whiskeys will be available to try?
Over 150 varieties!
What’s included in a General Admission (GA) Ticket?
General Admission ticket holders will receive a branded rocks tasting glass and be given full range of the venue to taste whichever whiskeys they desire. Sorting through this many whiskeys would require a prohibitively expensive investment in bottles were a whiskey explorer to pursue a tasting this vast on their own. The GA ticket provides a pathway to finding your new favorite whiskey without breaking the bank.
What’s included in an Early Entry Ticket?
Early Entry ticket holders (formerly known as VIP in years past) will receive access to the event 1 hour earlier than General Admission entry. They’ll receive all of the same benefits of the General Admission ticket, which include a branded tasting glass, full range of the venue to taste whichever whiskeys they desire and access to select limited edition and rare whiskies, available on a first come, first served basis (list to be added in late-December!) The big emphasis on this ticket is an extra hour in the event without large crowds.
What happened to VIP tickets?
If you bought VIP tickets for previous years, you might wonder where those went. Good news! Early Entry is the new name for the previously known VIP tickets. The only thing that has changed is the name! The same things are included in the Early Entry ticket as was previously included in VIP; you'll receive access to the event 1 hour earlier than General Admission and have access to limited edition and rare whiskies that will not be available during the General Admission time.
Will there be Designated Driver (DD) Tickets available?
Due to limited capacity, there are no DD tickets offered for the event. Please be responsible and coordinate a ride using a ride share service or friend/family member.
Can I trade up to an Early Entry Ticket within the event?
Unfortunately, no. We have limited supplies for the ticket tiers and don’t have the flexibility to add the necessary resources during the event. If you've purchased a GA ticket and wish to upgrade to Early Entry before the event, please reach out to TIXR customer support who may be able to assist. Purchasing an upgrade will be dependent on Early Entry ticket availability.
Are samples free?
Once you have your ticket for admission and enter the venue, you will not be charged for any whiskey tasting.
Are cocktails free?
Yes! All cocktails are sample sized. Don’t think of a traditional bar where you walk up and tell the bartender what you’d like. The cocktail bars are hosted by showcasing brands and typically offer just one specialty cocktail sample per bar. Cocktail bars to be announced close to event, keep checking the brand list updates below!
What brands will be attending?
Scroll down for brand list! The final list will be evolving until January 2026. We’ll also be posting updates on our website, the TIXR page and social media regularly as new brands hop on board. In the meantime, check out our list of historic participating brands on our website.
Will there be other alcoholic beverage options?
Yes, there will be beer and wine available for purchase.
Is the event for people 21 and over?
Yes. If a person is under 21 years old and tries to enter the event with a ticket they purchased online or one that was provided to them, they will not be granted entry and the purchaser will not receive a refund for the ticket. You must be 21 years of age or older to enter this event and no exceptions to the rule will be made.
Do I have to buy anything when I’m in the event?
No! All whiskey samples are included with purchase of admission. Complimentary water bottles will be available in the event!
Can I purchase merchandise or food at the event?
Yes! There will be food and merchandise on site for purchase.
Is there security?
There will be security present at the event and they are tasked with keeping the evening civilized and safe. Please be courteous, respectful and kind to others and keep in mind that everyone is coming together to have fun and positive experience.
Strong Suggestions for a Safe and Enjoyable Time:
-Eat a hearty meal beforehand! There's nothing worse than being hungry, and while we'll have snacks on hand and food for purchase, we encourage you to eat before the event.
-Use the spit buckets. Seriously. You’re doing a tasting and should pace yourself! There’s no pressure to drink everything you’re trying. The brand representatives who will be present expect you to spit out their products after trying an d won’t be offended if you do! It may seem silly or impolite, but it’s how the whiskey world works. This is sage advice.
-Rinse out your glass between whiskeys! You don’t want a new bourbon to taste like the last smokey Islay scotch you tried!
-Do not pre-game the event. Fight any social temptation you may have to do so. Your evening will be so much more enjoyable if you just wait for the event to start imbibing.
-There’s going to be a rush at the beginning of the event as people get in and spread throughout the venue. It may seem like you won’t have enough time to try everything you want, but we promise that you will. No need to rush, be pushy or drink quickly. You will have time to explore everything!
-Please coordinate a ride home from a ride share service or friend/family member.
Hard Rules (Break them and you’re out):
-No violence or aggressive behavior
-No firearms or weapons, regardless of personal permits
-No smoking in the venue
BRAND LIST
(UPDATED 2/12/26)….THIS LIST IS GROWING DAILY
**Disclaimer**
Please note that the list of whiskey products provided in advance is subject to change without prior notice. For a number of reasons, including last minute changes in the availability of certain products or brand-specific staff members at time of the event, substitutions of products may result.
Regardless of any adjustments, we promise that the product trial experience at Whiskey Riot will be extraordinary and feature a diverse selection of whiskeys from brands that embody the spirit of craftsmanship celebrated by Whiskey Riot.
FIRST POUR & GLASSWARE:
Jefferson’s Bourbon
OFFICIAL COCKTAIL BARS
Luxco Portfolio - Penelope & Yellowstone
Mezcalum Mezcal - Spicy Paloma
Cutty Sark - Scotch & Ginger
EARLY ENTRY POURS
James E. Pepper 'Decanter' Rye Barrel Proof
Hakushu 12 Year
Knob Creek 21 Year
Southern Tier Distilling Co 10 Year Bottled in Bond Bourbon
Golden Grain Barrel Strength
Heaven Hill - Old Fitzgerald 7 Year
NY Distilling Co. Jaywalk Heirloom Rye
William Grant & Sons - Glenfiddich 21YR
Fiddler Encore Bourbon
Ironweed Rye Cabernet Finish
St. George Lot 23 American Single Malt
Augusta KY Distillery - Buckner's 13
Jefferson’s Marian Mclain
Glenmorangie Signet
Liberties 10YO Copper Alley Single Malt
RD1 Limited Release 10-year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Finished With Brazilian Amburana Wood, Cask Strength
Volcan De Mi Tierra - X.A.
Hornitos Anejo Cristallino 75th Anniversary
Jimmy Red Wheated Bourbon Whiskey Aged 7 Years
Fort Hamilton Continental Collection
STANDARD POUR
Battle Rattle Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Jameson Triple Triple
Jameson Black Barrel
Redbreast 12 Year
Redbreast 15 Year
Jefferson’s Oceans
Jefferson’s Tropics
Jefferson’s Pritchard
Jefferson’s Rye
Glenmorangie 12yr
Ardbeg 10yr Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Woodinville Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Sir Davis Rye Whisky Finished in Sherry Casks
Dead Rabbit Irish Whiskey
Dubliner Irish Whiskey
Dubliner Fiery Irish
Dubliner Honeycomb
Ole Smoky Salty Caramel Whiskey
Ole Smoky Blackberry Whiskey
Ole Smoky TN Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Ole Smoky Salty Watermelon Whiskey
Natterjack Irish Whiskey Blend No. 1
Natterjack Irish Whiskey The Mistake
Natterjack Irish Whiskey Cask Strength
Jimmy Red Classic Bourbon Whiskey
Jimmy Red Bourbon Whiskey Bottled in Bond
Jimmy Red Bourbon Whiskey Sherry Cask Finish
Jimmy Red Bourbon Whiskey Double Oak
Fort Hamilton Single Barrel Rye
Fort Hamilton Double Barrel Rye
Fort Hamilton Single Barrel Bourbon
Fort Hamilton Double Barrel Bourbon
RD1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon, 98 proof
RD1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Finished With French Oak, 101 proof
RD1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Finished With Brazilian Amburana Wood, 110 proof
RD1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Double Finished In Oak and Maple Barrels, 99.9 proof
Volcan De Mi Tierra - Blanco
Volcan De Mi Tierra - Reposado
Volcan De Mi Tierra - Tahona
Volcan De Mi Tierra - X.A.
James E. Pepper 'Decanter' Bourbon Barrel Proof
James E. Pepper '1776' Bourbon 100pf
James E. Pepper '1776' Rye 100pf
Old Pepper Bottled in Bond Bourbon
William Grant & Sons - Glenfiddich 14YR
William Grant & Sons - Famous Grouse
William Grant & Sons - Hudson Bright Lights
William Grant & Sons - Tullamore Dew
Fiddler Wheated Bourbon
Fiddler Toasted Bourbon
Fiddler Georgia Heartwood Bourbon
Fiddler Soloist Bourbon
LUXCO - Penelope Four Grain
LUXCO - Penelope Wheated
LUXCO - Penelope Architect
LUXCO - Penelope Toasted
LUXCO - Yellowstone Select Bourbon
LUXCO - Yellowstone Rum Cask Finish
LUXCO - Rebel Bourbon Root Beer Flavored Whiskey
LUXCO - Rebel Bourbon Butter Pecan Flavored Whiskey
Barrel Craft Spirits - Foundation 5 Year Bourbon
Barrel Craft Spirits - Batch Series
Barrel Craft Spirits - Seagrass
Barrel Craft Spirits - Black or Red Label TDB
Blue Note Juke Joint
Blue Note Crossroads
Blue Note Rye Whiskey
Blue Note Uncut
Boondocks 6 Year Straight 750ml
Boondocks 6 Year Port 750ml
Tomintoul Caribbean Rum Cask 750ml
Tomintoul Cigar Malt 750ml
Glencadam American Oak Highlands 750ml
Glencadam 10 YR Highlands 750ml
Brother's Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Brother's Bond American Rye Whiskey
Brother's Bond Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey
Brother's Bond Bottled in Bond Bourbon Whiskey
Brother's Bond Regenerative Grain
Heaven Hill - Widow Jane 10 Year
Heaven Hill - Heaven Hill 7 BIB
Heaven Hill - Elijah Craig
Heaven Hill - Larceny Bourbon
Augusta KY Distillery - Old Route 8
Augusta KY Distillery - Buckner's 10
Augusta KY Distillery - Augusta Small Batch
Augusta KY Distillery - Augusta Wheated Single Barrel
El Dorado 8 Year Old Rum
El Dorado 12 Year Old Rum
El Dorado 15 Year Old Rum
El Dorado 21 Year Old Rum
Four Roses Bourbon
Four Roses Small Batch
Four Roses Single Barrel
Four Roses Small Batch Select
Jim Beam Black
Basil Hayden Toast
Baker’s 7 Year Old
Knob Creek 9 Year Bourbon
Maker’s Mark
Maker’s Mark 46
Maker’s Mark 46 Cask Strength
Maker’s Mark 101
American Metal Whiskey (V8)
American Metal The Knuckle
American Metal The Disciple
Toki Black
Suntory Ao
Hibiki
Yamazaki 12
Nomad Sherry Whisky
Mezcal Alipus San Baltazar
Los Danzantes Anejo
Wheel Horse Barrel Master Bourbon
Wheel Horse Barrel Master Rye
Wheel Horse Cigar Blend Bourbon
Copper & Cask Small Batch Series 14
1927 Straight Whiskey Bourbon
1927 Barrel Select Straight Whiskey Bourbon
Southern Tier Distilling Co 10 Year Bottled in Bond Bourbon
Southern Tier Distilling Co Cherry Chocolate Old Fashioned
Southern Tier Distilling Co Smoked Bourbon
Southern Tier Distilling Co Empire Rye Whiskey
One Foot Cock Bottled in Bond Bourbon
One Foot Cock Empire Rye
One Foot Cock Wheated bourbon
One Foot Cock Blended bourbon
NY Distilling Co. Jaywalk Straight Rye
NY Distilling Co. Jaywalk Bonded Rye
Three Bears Cask Strength Bourbon
Three Bears "Just Right" Bourbon
Three Bears Rum Finished Rye
Ironweed Bourbon
Ironweed Rye
Ironweed Rum Cask Bourbon
Ironweed Malt
St. George Baller American Single Malt Whiskey
St. George NOLA
St. George Spiced Pear Liqueur
Bubba's Burnt Sugar Whiskey
Bubba's Pancakes & Bacon Whiskey
Bubba's Marshmallow Chocolate Whiskey
Hornitos Blanco
Hornitos Reposado
Hornitos Anejo Reserve
Hornitos Pineapple
Codijo Blanco
Codijo Reposado
Codijo Rosa
Codijo Extra Anejo