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.

Proceeds Benefiting Family Meal Hospitality Trust

FAQs and General Rules

Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025

Time: 4-7 PM (Early Entry Hour: 3-4 PM)

Place:
The Oklahoma City Convention Center
100 Mick Cornett Dr.
Oklahoma City, OK 73109

How many whiskeys will be available to try?
Over 200 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. 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 August 2025!) 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.

What is included with a Designated Driver (DD) Ticket?

This ticket only gets you access to the room. It does not include a tasting glass or the ability to taste samples. This ticket is for anyone driving attendees, or if you’re looking to enjoy a day out with friends and family, but who do not wish to drink.

DD ticket holders can enter with Early Entry time (3pm) or General Admission time (4pm).

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?
Check out the brand list below!

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 food at the event?

Yes! There will be food 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.

Can I bring my dog?

No dogs allowed. We love pups, but please leave them home for this event.

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, knives or weapons of any kind, regardless of personal permits
-No smoking in the venue

BRAND LIST (UPDATED 10/15/25)

FIRST POUR & GLASSWARE:

The Boondocks Port Finish

OFFICIAL COCKTAIL BARS

Bardstown Origin Series Bottled-in-Bond featured in “Whiskey Wedge” cocktail

Green River Bourbon featured in “Stillhouse Smash” cocktail

EARLY ENTRY POURS

Milam & Greene Unabridged Cask Strength Bourbon

St. George Lot series American Single Malt

Balblair 15

Boondocks Cask Strength 18 Yr

Blue Note Uncut

15 STARS Artisan Collection

Glenfiddich 16 year

Silverbelly Whiskey Last Call

Yellowstone 10 year
Penelope 10 year Private Select and F*** Cancer

STANDARD POUR