When we first began writing about Whiskey in the Winter, the annual whiskey (and whisky) festival now in its eighth year, we had no idea how (or if) the event would evolve. But the creator and organizer, Amit Dhawan of Synergy Productions, had an inkling. “The goal was to make it the biggest in the country,” he said. And last year (with a total of 473 whiskies), it was.
At the outset, Dhawan sensed an untapped opportunity based on the proximity of regional whiskey producers and the growing number of consumers and aficionados. His approach to the festival was unique, and St. Louis’ star was rising on the national dining and cocktail scene. “It grew faster than I anticipated," he says, "but the end goal was to make it big and keep the vibe local and STL, which we did and still do.”
In 2012, 150 whiskies were featured and 700 people attended. This year, more than 450 whiskies will be on hand and 1,800 guests (the maximum capacity) are expected.
Last year, the event sold out in four days, so let’s get this out of the way early: Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on October 10 here. Remember to mark your calendar, and plan accordingly.
This year, Whiskey in the Winter will take place from 7:15–10:30 p.m. on Friday, November 22, in the fourth floor Grand Ballroom at the Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch.
Photo by George Mahe
As in past years, the whiskies have been listed in alphabetical order, with filters for brand, variety, and type. Whiskey ambassadors from across the country and world will be conducting seminars throughout the evening. The city’s top mixologists from more than a dozen restaurants will concoct signature whiskey cocktails (some always involve alchemy) in the main hall. Always popular (and necessary) are the food stations featuring cuisine from the biggest whiskey-producing countries (Ireland, Japan, USA, Canada). And there are always a few surprises, such as last year, when Kevin Sanders, Jack Daniel's "barrel man" for over 30 years, was on hand to sign barrel staves.
The focus on local companies continues with booths from Kaldi’s, 18|8 Men’s Salon (shave, anyone?), Cobbler's Corner (shoe shine, anyone?), and Tiny Little Monster (screen-printing branded shirts at the event).
New this year is a partnership with JED Transportation, which will be discounting rates by $20 for car service to and the venue. As in past years, the Hyatt will extend special room rates to attendees starting at $139.
Ticket pricing for this year is as follows:
- General admission: $110 (includes unlimited samplings of featured whiskey, cocktails, and food)
- VIP: $145 (includes the above, plus a Golden Ticket, good for a dram of super premium whiskey, and admittance at 6:30 p.m.)
- Platinum: $200 (includes GA and VIP offerings above, plus a dram of ultra-premium, allocated whiskey and admittance at 6:15 p.m.)
- Designated Driver: $40
The specific details on the price levels and respective whiskey selections will be made available on the day that tickets go on sale.
