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.

FAQs and General Rules

Date: Saturday, February 3, 2024

Time: 4-7 PM (VIP Hour: 3-4 PM)

Place:
The Coliseum
535 4th Ave. N
St. Petersburgh, FL 33701

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 a VIP Ticket?
VIP ticket holders 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 late-December!)

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 a VIP 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 VIP before the event, please reach out to TIXR customer support who may be able to assist. Purchasing an upgrade will be dependent on VIP 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?
Each guest will receive 1 ticket for each of the specialty cocktail branded sample bars (3-5 cocktail samples per event). 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 per bar. Each attendee will have one redemption ticket for each of the cocktail bars. This redemption method is only used for the cocktail bars and not for the general sampling of whiskeys (it’s rooted in an effort to make sure that showcasing brands have enough inventory for everyone).

What brands will be attending?
The final list will be evolving until January 2024. Scroll down to find a sneak peek of participating brands (UPDATED WEEKLY - STAY TUNED FOR MANY MORE!). 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.

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 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

Updated: 1/19/24

OFFICIAL COCKTAIL BARS
Green River Rye Whiskey featured in “Still House Smash” cocktail
Uncle Nearest 1865 Tennessee Whiskey featured in Copper Skies cocktail
Bardstown Bourbon Company Cocktail TBD

VIP POUR

Keeper's Heart 10 Year Old Single Malt Finished in Malaga Wine Casks
Old Elk Infinity Blend 2023
Old Elk Sour Mash Single Barrel
Henry McKenna
Barrell Bourbon Cask Finish Series: Tale of Two Islands
Middle West Sherry Finished Wheated Bourbon Whiskey
Sherry Finished Wheated Bourbon Whiskey
Ammunition Cask Strength
Restoration Rye Single Barrel Whiskey
Iron Smoke Straight Bourbon Casket Strength 120
Blue Note Uncut
Green River Single Barrel Bourbon
Uncle Nearest Single Barrel Premium Whiskey
Balcones Cataleja Texas Single Malt Whisky
Hard Truth Distilling Co. Sweet Mash Four Grain Bourbon BiB
Breckenridge High Proof
Widow Jane ‘The Vaults’ Aged 15 years
FEW American Straight Whiskey
Broken Barrel Reserve Oak Series - Stout Finish Florida Edition
Savage & Cooke Guero 15yr American Whiskey
Glengoyne 21 Year
Bib and Tucker Small Batch Bourbon 10 yr
Bardstown Collaborative Series Straight Whiskey Finished in Foursquare Rum Barrels
Sagamore TBD
Stranahan's Diamond Peak, Extra Anejo Barrel Finish

Redwood Empire Foggy Burl Single Malt

Redwood Empire Devils Tower High Rye Bourbon

STANDARD POUR
Keeper's Heart Irish + American
Keeper's Heart Irish + Bourbon
Keeper's Heart Irish + American 110 Proof
Keeper's Heart Irish + Bourbon Cask Strength

Larceny Barrel Proof
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof
Heaven Hill Bottled-In-Bond
Bernheim Barrel Proof

Barrell Foundation Bourbon
Barrell Seagrass Rye
Barrell Vantage Bourbon
Barrell Dovetail Whiskey

James E. Pepper Barrel Proof "Decanter" Bourbon
Old Pepper Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon
Old Pepper Bottled-in-Bond Rye
James E. Pepper 1776 Rye Whiskey

Garrison Brothers Small Batch Bourbon
Garrison Brothers Single Barrel Bourbon
Garrison Brothers HoneyDew Bourbon
Garrison Brothers Balmorhea Bourbon

Middle West Straight Wheated Bourbon
Middle West Straight Rye Whiskey Dark Pumpernickel
Middle West Port Finished Dark Pumpernickel Rye
Middle West Bourbon Cream

Milam & Greene Single Barrel Bourbon
Milam & Greene Triple Cask Bourbon
Milam & Greene Port Cask Finished Rye
Milam & Greene Very Small Batch Bourbon

Old Elk Wheated Bourbon 8YR
Old Elk Straight Wheat Whiskey 10YR
Old Elk Cigar Cut Island Blend
Old Elk Blended Straight Bourbon

Roaming Man Rye Whiskey
Mark and Digger's Rye Apple Moonshine
Jim Tom's Unaged Rye
Mark Rogers' American Peach Moonshine

Natterjack Irish Whiskey Blend 1
Natterjack Irish Whiskey Cask Strength

Ironroot Republic
-Specific Whiskeys TBD

Dough Ball Cookie Dough Whiskey
Dough Ball Birthday Cake Whiskey
Cinnabomb Cinnamon Whiskey

Ammunition Bourbon
Ammunition Rye
Ammunition Cask Strength Bourbon

Four Branches Bourbon Founders Blend

Middle West Straight Wheated Bourbon
Middle West Straight Rye Whiskey Dark Pumpernickel
Middle West Port Finished Dark Pumpernickel Rye
Middle West Bourbon Cream

Restoration Rye Whiskey
Castle & Key Small Batch Bourbon
Castle & Key Small Batch Wheated Bourbon

April One Bourbon Whiskey

Frisky Whiskey

Big Storm Distillery's Convergence Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskeys
Big Storm Distillery's Amarone Cask Finished Bourbon
Big Storm Distillery's Brandy Infused French Oak Finished Bourbon

Iron Smoke Straight Bourbon 80
Rattlesnake Rosie's Apple Pie
Rattlesnake Rosie's Maple Bacon
Rattlesnake Rosie's Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie Bourbon Cream

Redwood Empire Whiskey Pipe Dream Bourbon
Redwood Empire Whiskey Lost Monarch Blend
Redwood Empire Emerald Giant Rye Whiskey

Penelope Bourbon Four Grain
Penelope BourbonBarrel Strength
Penelope BourbonToasted Bourbon
Penelope Bourbon Architect

George Remus Single Barrel
Rossville Union Bottled in Bond

Luxco’s Yellowstone Select
Luxco’s Rebel Bourbon 100 Proof Bourbon
Ezra Brooks 99 Proof Bourbon

Blue Note Juke Joint
Blue Note Crossroads
Blue Note Uncut
Blue Note Rye

Green River Bourbon
Green River Wheated Bourbon
Green River Rye Whiskey

Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey
Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Whiskey
Uncle Nearest Straight Rye Whiskey

Balcones Lineage Texas Single Malt Whisky
Balcones Texas 1 Single Malt Whisky
Balcones Baby Blue Straight Corn Whiskey
Balcones Texas Rye Bottled in Bond

Hard Truth Distilling Co. Sweet Mash Rye
Hard Truth Distilling Co. High Road Rye
Hard Truth Distilling Co. Sweet Mash Bourbon
Hard Truth Distilling Co. Sweet Mash Wheated Bourbon BiB

Breckenridge Bourbon
Breckenridge Port Cask Finished
Breckenridge PX Cask Finished
Breckenridge Rum Cask Finished

Widow Jane Aged Ten Years Old
Widow Jane Paradigm Rye
Widow Jane Apple Wood Rye
Widow Jane Decadence

FEW Straight Bourbon
FEW Straight Rye
FEW Whiskey Immortal Rye
FEW Whiskey Cold Cut

Brenne French The Singular Malt
Brenne French Ten Year Old

Broken Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon
Broken Barrel Small Batch Bourbon
Broken Barrel Heresy Rye
Broken Barrel Americana Whiskey

Ole Smokey Salty Caramel Whiskey
Ole Smokey Peanut Butter Whiskey
Ole Smokey Mango Habanero Whiskey
James Ownby Reserve

Doc Swinson's Session Blend Straight Bourbon
Doc Swinson's Alter Ego Triple Cask Bourbon
Doc Swinson's Alter Ego Solera Rye Whiskey
Doc Swinson's Bottled in Bond Straight Rye Whiskey

Sagamore Spirit Rye
Sagamore Spirit Double Oak
Sagamore Spirit Cask Strength

Von Payne Black Blended Whiskey
Von Payne Reserve Cask Strength Bourbon

Savage & Cooke Rye
Savage & Cooke Bourbon
Savage & Cooke Whiskey

Glengoyne 12 Year
Glengoyne 15 Year
Tamdhu Distinction
Tamdhu Batch Strength

Chicken Cock Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Chicken Cock Kentucky Straight Rye
Chicken Cock Double Oak
Chicken Cock Red Stave

Gramling Woods Rye Malt Whiskey
Gramling Woods Wheat Whiskey
Gramling Woods Single Malt Whiskey

Westland Flagship
Westland Garryana Edition 8
Westland Solum Edition 2

Ragged Branch Signature Bourbon - Bottled in Bond
Ragged Branch Wheated Bourbon - Bottled in Bond
Ragged Branch Wheated Bourbon - Cowboy Cut

Redemption Wheated Bourbon
Redemption Rum Cask Rye
Bib & Tucker Small Batch Bourbon 6 yr
Bib & Tucker Small Batch Bourbon 6 yr "Double Char"

Varchas Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Varchas Straight Rye Whiskey
Varchas Reserve 102 (Single Barrel)

Sagamore Spirit Rye Whiskey Signature 83
Sagamore Spirit Double Oak
Busker Irish Whiskey
Busker Irish Whiskey Single Pot Still

The Other 49 Bourbon Whiskey
Hillbilly Bourbon Whiskey 101 Proof
Hillbilly Bourbon Whiskey 86 Proof
Hillbilly Rye Whiskey

St Petersburg Distillery Tipplers Bourbon Reserve Blend
St Petersburg Distillery Old St Pete Sunshine Premium Whiskey

BHAKTA 1928 Straight Rye, Calvados, & Armagnac
BHAKTA 2013 Straight Rye Whiskey
BHAKTA 1973 Armagnac
BHAKTA 2013 Straight Bourbon

Stranahan's Blue Peak
Stranahan's American Single Malt
Stranahan's Diamond Peak
Stranahan's Sherry Cask

Duke & Dame Salted Caramel Whiskey

Bardstown Origin Series Bourbon
Bardstown Origin Series Wheated Bottled in Bond Bourbon
Bardstown Origin Series Rye
Bardstown Discovery Series #9

RD1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
RD1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished With French Oak
RD1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished With Brazilian Amburana Wood
RD1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Double Finished In Oak and Maple

Naked Malt Blended Scotch Whisky
Noble Oak Double Oak Bourbon
Noble Oak Double Oak Rye

Blackened Flagship
Cask Strength
Blackened X Rabbit Hole
Blackened X Wes Henderson

MANY MORE TBA!