Friday, March 3, 2017

Whisky Live Touches Down in DC, March 11th


From our friends at Whisky Live DC...

200 Whiskies, Master Classes, Virtual Reality Distillery Tours, Book Signings and More as DC Hosts International Tasting Event

Whisky Live, the annual, internationally renowned whiskies tasting event, touches down in the nation's capital at the Grand Hyatt Washington on March 11th as part of a worldwide tour.

The show continues a decade-plus tradition of sharing 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. Many of the whiskies to be poured are making their Whisky LIVE debut.


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

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

VIP Access:
VIP Tickets to Whisky Live DC are $199 and include early access at 5:30, an exclusive VIP tasting room with select exclusive bottlings available throughout the night (some of which are no longer available in the US market), a signature cut crystal Glencairn tasting glass and event program.


General Admission:
General admission tickets are priced at $139 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 9:30 PM and features unlimited tastings, a bourbon-infused dinner buffet, whisky cocktails and live entertainment, all making for a complete night out.

With their tickets, whisky lovers are also welcome to:

• Meet and greet with Jeff Arnett, the seventh master distiller in the long history of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey.

• Join Jane Bowie, Maker’s Mark Tasting Manager and Manager of the Maker’s Select Program, to create a perfect version of Maker’s Mark using five proprietary staves. It will be the first time this experience has been available outside Kentucky.

• Stop by pop-ups from local retailers and bars including Five to One, Service Bar, and Jack Rose to enjoy whiskey cocktails, unique/signature expressions and to place orders at a discount.

• Explore Authors' Row. In its second year at Whisky LIVE, Authors’ Row features whisky experts such as Lew Bryson, Michael Dietsch, Carlo DeVito, Fred Minnick, Heather Greene and Phillip Greene.

• 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.

Internationally recognized brands such as Dalwhinnie, Glenmorangie, Elijah Craig, Oban, Talisker, Yamazaki, Russell’s Reserve, and Lagavulin, will be poured by master distillers and global brand ambassadors side by side with dozens of spirits from boutique distilleries, including Few Spirits, Sonoma County Distilling, Usquaebach and the region’s own Catoctin Creek.

Products from non-traditional whisky producing countries like India and Spain will also be on display.


Whiskies category continues upward trajectory in U.S. and worldwide:
According to a report published by Fortune in 2015, “American whiskeys outpaced the industry with a 7.8% growth from the previous year to revenues of $2.9 billion.” A report by the Distilled Spirits Council of the US noted that in the same year, whiskey made up 28% of U.S. sales by volume.


The setting:
The Grand Hyatt Washington is a prime location in which to mingle and explore premium single malt Scotches, bourbons, ryes and Irish whiskies while engaging with distillers about their work and the industry in general.

“This is an exciting time for the category and for us at Whisky LIVE,” David Sweet, event president, says. “We’re seeing growth worldwide for all different kinds of whiskies and, anecdotally, seeing a younger audience enjoy the spirit as much as those of us who are a little older and part of the demographic typically associated with whiskey drinking. Whisky LIVE is a place where whiskey lovers can have a complete night out and enjoy some of the best expressions in the world.”

Whisky Live DC is proud to welcome its media sponsors Whisky MagazineCeltic Life International MagazineArtisan Spirit Magazine and Scotland Magazine.

About Whisky Live DC 2017:
Whisky LIVE DC 2017 takes place on Saturday, March 11th at the Grand Hyatt Washington. The VIP tasting hour begins at 5:30 PM, with general admission opening at 6:00 PM. The event ends at 9:30 PM. Tickets are $199 VIP, $139 General Admission, and $25 per Master Class. For more information, and to remain updated on Master Class topics and new exhibitors, please visit the DC page at http://www.whiskyliveusa.com/tc-events/2017-whisky-live-dc/.