Whiskey Tastings

Sip, sample and enjoy a fan-favorite festival experience

This year’s tastings will take place throughout the weekend in the Whiskey Tasting Tent, located near the East Entrance. Seating is limited so get your tickets early.

Experiences

Mixology Experience

Raise a glass and celebrate the flavors of Ireland at this year’s Festival with an Irish Whiskey Mixology Experience led by Joe Nicol, Masters of Whiskey ambassador. Enjoy expert cocktail demonstrations and sample refreshing summer favorites including the Irish Buck, Triple Triple Collins, Orange Burst, and Whiskey Spritz, all crafted with premium Irish whiskey. Whether you’re a whiskey enthusiast or simply looking for the perfect summer cocktail, this is an experience you won’t want to miss. 

Tickets: $35
Schedule: Friday, 6:30 p.m. | Saturday, 3 p.m.

Bingo

Join us for Irish Whiskey Bingo, where the fun of a classic game meets a journey through Ireland’s rich whiskey heritage—uncover fascinating facts, sip, socialize and explore the world of Irish whiskey in a lively and engaging setting, whether you’re a curious newcomer or a seasoned whiskey enthusiast.

Tickets: $35
Schedule: Friday, 8 p.m. | Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

Jameson Premium Tastings

The whiskey tastings will be led by Joe Nicol, Masters of Whiskey ambassador.

Tickets: $99
Schedule: Saturday, 4:30 p.m.
Lineup: Midleton Barry Crockett, Midleton Very Rare Vintage Reserve, Redbreast 21, Redbreast 27, Redbreast Iberian Series Moscatel Edition, Bonus: Triple Triple

Redbreast Flight Presentation

The whiskey tastings will be led by Joe Nicol, Masters of Whiskey ambassador.

Tickets: $70
Schedule: Saturday, 6 p.m.
Lineup: Redbreast PX, Redbreast 18, Redbreast Iberian Series Moscatel Edition, Redbreast 12 Cask Strength, Redbreast 21, Bonus: Redbreast 15

Jameson Irish Coffee Open House

Join the Jameson Irish Coffee Open House at the Irish festival and learn how to create the perfect Irish coffee from experienced brand ambassadors. This interactive experience combines Irish tradition, expert tips and hands-on instruction, making it a must-attend event for whiskey enthusiasts and coffee lovers alike.

Tickets: $14 per drink
Schedule: Sunday, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. or while supplies last

Premium Whiskey Tasting Lineup

Midleton Barry Crockett

Bearing the name of the celebrated second generation Midleton Master Distiller, Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy represents a selection of pot still whiskeys that have been matured exclusively in American bourbon barrels with a subtle contribution from a pot still distillate that has matured in an unseasoned American barrel.

Midleton Vintage Release

Created in 1984 and released annually since then, Midleton Very Rare is one of the most exclusive and sought after Irish whiskeys. Once a year our Master Distiller hand selects only the finest and rarest whiskeys available to him and then carefully blends them.

Redbreast 21

Redbreast 21 year old is the finest representation of the signature Redbreast sherry style - it is the oldest and richest expression of Redbreast ever produced; and the 21 year ageing process introduces new levels of depth, flavor and taste to create an inherently complex and ultimately, rewarding whiskey.

Redbreast 27

The oldest permanent release in the Redbreast family, 27-Old is a Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey comprising exclusively of Pot Still whiskeys which have been triple distilled, matured in the finest bourbon, sherry and ruby port casks for no less than 27 years, and left untouched.

Redbreast Iberian Series Moscatel Edition

Introducing new the Redbreast Iberian Series Moscatel Edition is the fifth release in the Redbreast Iberian Series, a collection that explores the influence of wine and fortified-wine casks from the Iberian Peninsula on Redbreast's single pot still Irish whiskey. It is finished in Málaga Moscatel wine casks sourced from Spain's historic Bodegas Quitapenas, adding a distinctly Mediterranean character to the whiskey.

Jameson Triple Triple

Triple-distilled, triple-casked…and triple smooth. Jameson is always bringing new friends to the table. This time, Jameson introduced their bourbon and sherry casks to hand-selected chestnut casks. Jameson Triple Triple is velvety smooth, with notes of toffee, cacao, and toasted almonds, and a luxurious finish. Always triple-distilled – and now triple-casked for more layers of flavor and an extra drop of smoothness. Best served the rocks or in our signature Triple Triple Mint Sour.

Joe Nicol

Joe Nicol

Whiskey Ambassador

With over 15 years in the industry, Joe has had an Irish Whiskey or two. After designing and running multiple bars across the country and stirring up some award-winning cocktails, he’s ready to do the thing he loves most: tell stories and talk whiskey. On a mission to spread the gospel of Ireland’s greatest export (sorry, Bono!) and give back to the trade community, Joe is guaranteed to charm in front of any crowd with his palpable passion and deep knowledge of spirits.

EAT

Allergen & Dietary Restrictions

Peanut-Free Options

  • Brock Masterson’s Catering & Events
  • Dell’s Homemade Ice Cream & Coffee – Nut-free options (facility carries nuts)
  • Dos Hermanos
  • Graeter’s Ice Cream
  • Kona Ice
  • Matus Enterprises
  • Monster Baby Donuts

Pescatarian Options

  • Big Bamboo’s Caribbean Grill – Fish & Chips, Crab Cake Sandwich, Fish Tacos, Shrimp Tacos, Shrimp Po-Boy, Fish Po-Boy
  • Brock Masterson’s Catering & Events – Wild Caught Salmon Filet, Blue Lump Crab Cake
  • Cousins Maine Lobster Food Truck
  • The Celtic Pig – Fish and Chips

Vegetarian Options

  • Cousins Maine Lobster Food Truck – Grilled Cheese, Cheese Quesadilla
  • Gosia’s Pierogies – Pierogies
  • Hey Hey – Sauerkraut Balls, Irish Potato Pancakes, Cabbage and Noodles
  • Monster Baby Donuts
  • Old Bag of Nails Pub – Fried Pickles, Mac & Cheese, French Fries
  • RKP Vending – Jumbo Hot Pretzels, French Fries
  • Snow Sisters
  • Squeaky’s Cheese Curds – Fried Cheese Curds
  • Swensons Drive Ins – Salad Boys (veggie patty sandwich)
  • The Irish Baker – Scones, Shortbread, Soda Bread, Brown Breads
  • Tortilla Street Food
  • Virginia Vendor Food Services Inc – Hummus, Falafel, Veggie Platter, Fries
  • Whole World – Vegetarian Irish Stew, Caesar Salad

Vegan Options

  • Brock Masterson’s Catering & Events – Portobello Mushroom
  • Lehman’s Concessions – Dairy-free Smoothies
  • Snow Sisters
  • Tortilla Street Food
  • Virginia Vendor Food Services Inc – Falafel, Veggie Platter, Fries

Gluten-Free Options

  • Brock Masterson’s Catering & Events – Potato Hash, Salmon, Pork Chop, Portobello, Dill Sauce
  • Celtic Pig – Pork & Brisket, Haggis (without gravy)
  • Cousins Maine Lobster Food Truck – Bisque, Chowder (corn tortillas available)
  • Dell’s Homemade Ice Cream & Coffee
  • Dos Hermanos
  • Graeter’s Ice Cream
  • Hey Hey – Pulled Pork, Brisket, Stuffed Cabbage, Irish Potato Pancakes (all GF)
  • Matus Enterprises
  • Lehman’s Concessions – Smoothies
  • RKP Vending
  • Schmidt’s of German Village – Available upon request
  • Snow Sisters
  • Swensons Drive Ins – Available upon request
  • The Almond Shop – All gluten-free except Honey Roasted Cashews and Jalapeño Cheddar Peanuts
  • Tortilla Street Food
  • Virginia Vendor Food Services Inc
  • Whole World – Caesar Salad