Sunday, February 14, 2016

Whisky Live Touches Down in DC, March 5th


From our friends at Whisky Live DC...

2nd Annual Edition of This International Tasting Event Features 200+ Whiskies, Master Classes, Book Signings and More

Whisky Live, the annual, internationally renowned whiskies tasting event, touches down in the nation's capital at the Grand Hyatt Washington on March 5th as part of a worldwide tour.

Organized in conjunction with Whisky Magazine, the show features over 200 of the world’s best whiskies side by side for guests to enjoy, along with the stories behind them as told by master distillers, brand ambassadors and industry experts.


Updates on the event can be found through Whisky Live DC's social media channels:

• Twitter: @WhiskyLiveUSA
• Hashtag: #WhiskyLiveUSA
• Facebook: @WhiskyLiveUSA

VIP Access:
VIP Tickets to Whisky Live DC are $169 and include early access at 5:30, an exclusive VIP tasting room with select exclusive bottlings available throughout the night (many not readily available in the US market), a signature cut crystal Glencairn tasting glass, event program and a one-year subscription to Whisky Magazine.

General Admission:
General admission tickets are priced at $129 and for those ticket holders, doors open at 6 PM. The ticket price includes an event program and a souvenir Glencairn tasting glass.

For all attendees, the evening goes until 10 PM, with last pour at 9:40, and features unlimited tastings, a lavish dinner buffet and live entertainment.

Whether guests choose VIP or general admission tickets, whisky lovers are also welcome to:

• Stop by pop-ups from local retailers and bars including: Jack Rose, Schneider's of Capitol Hill, Southern Efficiency, Buffalo & Bergen, and the just-opened Quarter & Glory to sample signature cocktails and private label pours.

• Visit Authors' Row, a brand new experience featuring whisky experts and their books covering topics from whiskies to cocktails. Come meet Lew Bryson and other authors (list in formation) and have them sign your books purchased that evening.

• Secure a seat for a Master Class, the hour-long tutored tastings guided by international whiskies experts, ambassadors, and master distillers who can provide a detailed exploration of whisky enjoyment in an intimate setting. Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.whiskyliveusa.com.

Titan brands like Michter’s, Ardbeg, Maker's Mark, Dalwhinnie, Four Roses, Glenmorangie, Oban, Talisker, Yamazaki and Lagavulin (in its 200th year), will be featured side by side with dozens of spirits from craft distilleries, including Barrel Bourbon, Sonoma County Distilling and from DC’s own backyard, Smooth Ambler Spirits as well as other award-winning world whiskies from producers in the US, Scotland, Ireland, Australia and elsewhere. The world of whisky comes together with access to these 200+ marques throughout the evening. Plus additional select spirits of private label stock will make a rare and one-night only appearance in the VIP lounge. All poured by master distillers and global brand ambassadors ready to meet their fans.

Whiskies Category Continues Upswing...
Extensive brand and sales growth of the whiskies category in the US continue on surpassing all expected projections. Americans continue to spend more on whiskies than they do on vodka and, with Bourbon and Tennessee volumes growing 28.5% and revenues rising 46.7%, this growth reflects consumers' taste for more premium quality, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States.  Sales for Scotch and Irish whiskies also rise with similarly impressive numbers.

Also impressive is the setting of the Grand Hyatt DC. David Sweet, event president, says, “Whisky Live is thrilled to return to Washington, DC, and this gracious space, for a second year. The event, which was so well received last March, reflects what's going on in the whisky world where there is an ever increasing number of craft brands and imports coming to market. We've got many of them at Whisky Live DC and are pleased to offer our guests the singular opportunity to taste some of the world’s best whiskies in one place. All in all, with the breadth of whiskies served alongside signature cocktails, exclusive VIP offerings and the brand ambassadors' accessibility, Whisky Live is every whisky lovers’ perfect night out."

Whisky Live DC is proud to welcome its media sponsors Whisky Magazine, Celtic Life International Magazine, Artisan Spirit Magazine , Scotland Magazine, VinePair as well as partners Cocktail Courier and Craft Spirits Exchange.

About Whisky Live DC 2016:
The event takes place on Saturday, March 5th, at Grand Hyatt Washington, is a luxury full service hotel set in a premier location in the Penn Quarter, in the heart of the city’s downtown and minutes away from both the White House and the Capitol. The VIP tasting hour begins at 5:30 PM, with general admission opening at 6:00 PM. The event ends at 10 PM, with the last pour at 9:40 PM. Tickets are $169 for VIP and $129 general admission. For more information, and to remain updated on Master Class topics and new exhibitors, please visit the DC page at www.whiskyliveusa.com.