The Missouri Whiskey Society was one of the first local whiskey societies. In 2014, Dustin Parres, Elizabeth Arway, and Lucas and Derek Gamlin founded the group, which at one time met in the barrel bar of the former Gamlin Whiskey House in the Central West End. Since the restaurant closed in 2020, the society has met at various locations across the metro area, from Forest Park to Great Grizzly Bear.
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The St. Louis Bourbon Society is one of the most active whiskey societies in the region, with almost 14,000 members. It hosts various bourbon-centric events, from whiskey tastings at bars and restaurants to larger events, such as the St. Louis Bourbon & Brews Festival and the St. Louis Bourbon Festival. The society also hosts various educational events including tastings, cocktail classes, and distillery tours.
Launched in 2018 with a focus on education and home bar building, the South City Gin Club hosts events in tandem with the Gin Room on South Grand. Originally a group of Gin Room regulars and neighbors, these enthusiasts meet every other month. You can typically find them at one of the Gin Room’s many gin-centric events, such as brand tastings, educational seminars, and a variety of events during Gin Week.
If you find yourself tip-toeing into agave spirits, then this society is a great place to start for recommendations and reviews. It’s more of an informal congregation of enthusiasts who are part of a Facebook group. While there are no official meetings or tastings, a number of tequila brands do post to let members know about tequila tastings.
Founded in 2011 in Louisville, Bourbon Women is a national organization focused on empowering women and creating a supportive network for those who are passionate about whiskey. The St. Louis chapter regularly hosts tastings and educational seminars.
This group is for those who choose not to imbibe but still want to enjoy craft cocktails and events. With the growing trend of nonalcholic cocktails, it’s no surprise that St. Louis has its own group of N/A enthusiasts. Sans Bar hosts alcohol-free events across the region, including tastings, cocktails classes, and educational seminars.
