Whisky enthusiasts, bourbon aficionados and fans of all the Glens will be swarming the Santa Monica Auditorium next Tuesday for the first Whisky Live in L.A. Up until now, this whisky expo has taken place everywhere but here — Paris, Barcelona, New York. It’s about time! And to think I was so sad about not being able to attend the WhiskyFest in San Francisco today. Over it!
I don’t know how but I was actually able to score a couple of tickets. So excited! I can’t wait to sample whiskies from all around the world, enjoy a Patina-catered dinner and light one up in the outdoor cigar lounge.
For those who want to take their whisky experience beyond simply sipping it on the rocks, master classes that are tutored by renowned experts in the field are available. Go on a guided tour with Maker’s Mark’s master distiller, Kevin Smith (no, not that Kevin Smith) or sample the entire line of Highland Park, from the 12-year-old to the 30.
Check out this long list of exhibitors:
Anchor Brewing
The Balvenie
Bulleit Bourbon
Bunnahabhain
- 12 yrs
- 18 yrs
- 25 yrs (VIP hour)
Bushmills
Cooley
Dalmore
- 12 yrs
- 17 yrs Madeira
- 21 yrs
Deanston
- 12 yrs Un-chilled Filtered
Dewars
- White label
- 12 yrs Special Reserve
- 18 yrs Special Reserve
Duncan Taylor Bottlings
- Black Bull 30 yrs
- Lonach Glendaroch 42 yrs
- DT Royal Lochnagar 18 yrs
- NC 2 Ben Nevis 12 yrs
Four Roses Bourbon
- Single Barrel
- Small Batch
- Yellow Label
Glenfiddich
Highland Park
- 12 yrs
- 15 yrs
- 18 yrs
- 25 yrs
Isle of Arran Whisky
Johnnie Walker
- Red
- Black
- Green
- Gold
- Blue (VIP hour)
Isle of Jura
Makers Mark
Old Potrero
Phillips Distilling Co.
Speyside 12 yrs
Kings Crest 25 yrs
Select Scott’s Bottlings
The Classic Malts
- Talisker 10 yrs
- Caol Ila
- Oban 14 yrs
- Lagavulin 16 yrs
- Singleton
- Dalwhinnie 15 yrs
The Famous Grouse
- Finest Blend
- Malt 12 yrs
- Malt 18 yrs
The Glenlivet
- 15 yrs
- Nadurra 16 yrs
- 18 yrs
- 21 yrs
- 25 yrs (VIP hour)
The Macallan
- Fine Oak 15 yrs
- Fine Oak 17 yrs
- Sherry Oak 12 yrs
- Sherry Oak 18 yrs
- Cask Strength
Whyte and Mackay
Yamazaki
- 12 yrs Japanese Whisky
- 18 yrs Japanese Whisky
Zacapa Rum 23
Tickets prices are: $99 for a regular ticket ($119 at the door) where you get 6 sample vouchers, food, tea, coffee and water, show guide, tasting glass and access from 6:30-10pm; $129 VIP ($149 at the door) for 10 sample vouchers, food, tea, coffee and water, show guide, tasting glass, exclusive tastings journal and access to the show from 5:30-10pm. In the first hour of the show, VIPs get access to the good stuff — a selection of superior whiskies and hors d’oeuvres.
Cheapskates will be glad to know you can get discounted tickets through Goldstar: $49.50 and $64.50 (not including processing fee).
EVENT: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20 from 6:30 (5:30 VIP) to 10pm
Santa Monica Civic Auditorium
1855 Main Street
Santa Monica, California 90401 (map)
(310) 458-8551