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, March 28, 2026
Time: 4-7 PM (Early Entry Hour: 3-4 PM)
Place:
POST Houston
401 Franklin St.
Houston, TX 77201
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 (formerly known VIP tickets)?
Early Entry ticket holders (formerly known as VIP in years past) will receive access to the event 1 hour earlier than General Admission entry and a full meal. 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 limited edition and rare whiskies that will not be available during the General Admission time (list to be added in late-March!) The big emphasis on this ticket is an extra hour in the event without large crowds and dinner.
VIP Dinner meal by 2 Guys 1 Pit includes:
- Smoked Beef Brisket
- BBQ Chicken
- Smoked Sausage
- Cheesy Corn
- Green Beans
- Potato Salad
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 select limited edition and rare whiskies, available on a first come, first served basis.
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 March 2026, but we’ll 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.
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!
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 and 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 2/17/26)….THIS LIST IS GROWING DAILY
FIRST POUR & GLASSWARE:
Boondocks 6 Year Straight Bourbon Whiskey
OFFICIAL COCKTAIL BARS
Luxco Portfolio - Yellowstone & Rebel
Bardstown Bourbon Co. - Whiskey Wedge (featuring Origin Series Bottled in Bond)
Green River - Still House Smash (featuring Green River Kentucky Bourbon)
Cutty Sark - Ginger & Scotch
Tullamore Dew Honey - Tully Lemonade
EARLY ENTRY POURS
James E. Pepper 'Decanter' Barrel Proof
Pursuit Spirits Triple Mash Bourbon and Rye (Barrel Proof)
Starlight Honey Reserve
Bending Branch 1840 Culinaria Private Barrel Bourbon Blend
Balcones Cataleja
Balcones Mirador
Old Dominick Original Toddy
Blue Note - Limited Product TBD
Ampersand Opimus 15 YO
Sagamore Spirit - Limited Product TBD
St. George Single Malt Whiskey - Lot Series
Jimmy Red Wheated Bourbon Whiskey Aged 7 Years
Giant Texas Brandy
STANDARD POUR
Happenstance Founders Whiskey
Tullamore Dew Original
Tullamore Dew Honey
Glenfiddich 14
Glenfiddich 16
Balvenie 12
Balvenie 14
Redemption Straight Rye
Redemption Straight Bourbon
Redemption High Rye Bourbon
Redemption Cognac Cask Finish
Redemption 10 Year Barrel Proof Rye
Redemption 9 Year Barrel Proof Bourbon
Frey Ranch Bourbon
Frey Ranch Bourbon
Frey Ranch Uncut
Giant Texas 100 Proof Rye
Giant Texas 95 Proof
Prideful Goat 6 Year Bourbon
Prideful Goat 12 Year
O.H. Ingram Straight Bourbon Whiskey
O.H. Ingram Straight Rye Whiskey
Uncharted Kentucky Wheated Bourbon Whiskey
Leiper's Fork Bottled in Bond Tennessee Whiskey
Leiper's Fork Bottled in Bond Bourbon
Ballotin Peanut Butter Chocolate Whiskey
Ballotin Caramel Turtle Chocolate Whiskey
Ballotin Chocolate Mocha Cream Whiskey
Ballotin Chocolate Cherry Cream Whiskey
Pursuit United Triple Mash Bourbon (88 Proof)
Pursuit United Triple Mash Rye (88Proof)
Pursuit United Double Oaked Rye
Pursuit United Double Oaked Bourbon
Tomatin Highland Single Malt Scotch Whiskey - Dualchas American Oak
Tomatin Highland Single Malt Scotch Whiskey - 12YO Triple Cask
Tomatin Highland Single Malt Scotch Whiskey - 12YO Sherry Cask
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
Dingle Single Malt Irish Whiskey
Hirsch - The Bivouac
Arran 10 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Old Potrero 6 YR
Nikka Coffey Grain
Nikka FTB
Starlight Blackberry Whiskey
Starlight Peach Whiskey
Starlight Carl T Bourbon
Starlight Rickhouse Rye
American Metal Whiskey (V8)
American Metal The Knuckle
American Metal The Disciple
Bending Branch 1840 Kentucky Straight High Rye Bourbon
ChickenDuck High Rye Bourbon
ChickenDuck Wheated Bourbon
ChickenDuck Four Grain Bourbon, Eclipse Edition
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
Glengoyne (12/15/18)
Tamdhu (12/15/18)
Smokehead (Original/Terminado/15)
Isle of Skye (21/25/30)
Balcones Baby Blue
Balcones Lineage
Balcones Texas "1" Single Malt
Balcones Rye Bottled-in-Bond
Old Dominick Tennessee Whiskey - 85 Proof
Old Dominick Bonded Tennessee Whiskey - 100 Proof
Old Dominick Straight Bourbon - 90.1 Proof
Old Dominick Cask Strength Bourbon
Blackland Bourbon Whiskey
Blackland Rye Whiskey
Blackland Texas Pecan Brown Sugar Bourbon
Blackland Texpresso Whiskey
Blue Note Juke Joint
Blue Note Crossroads
Blue Note Rye Whiskey
Blue Note Uncut
Gambit No. 6 Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Ampersand Malus Rye Whiskey
Ampersand Vinea
Sagamore Spirit Small Batch
Sagamore Spirit Double Oak
Sagamore Spirit Cask Strength
Hooten Young Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon
Hooten Young Rye Whiskey
Hooten Young x Jack Carr Warrior Proof American Whiskey
Hooten Young Barrel Proof American Whiskey – 15 YR
Natterjack Irish Whiskey Blend No. 1
Natterjack Irish Whiskey The Mistake
Natterjack Irish Whiskey Cask Strength
Ole Smoky Salty Caramel Whiskey
Ole Smoky Blackberry Whiskey
Ole Smoky TN Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Ole Smoky Salty Watermelon Whiskey
St. George Spirits - Baller American Single Malt Whiskey
LUXCO - Yellowstone Select Bourbon
LUXCO - Yellowstone RTS Bourbon Espresso
LUXCO - Yellowstone RTS Bourbon Gold Rush
LUXCO - Yellowstone RTS Bourbon Old Fashioned
LUXCO - Yellowstone Small Batch 110 Proof
LUXCO - Rebel Bourbon Root Beer Flavored Whiskey
LUXCO - Rebel KSBW 100
LUXCO - Rebel KSBW Small Batch
LUXCO - Rebel KSBW Kyle Busch 108
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
Tanteo Jalapeno Tequila
Tanteo Blanco Tequila
Tanteo Espero
Tanteo Habanero Tequila