VIP Tasting Experience #1
THIS VIP EXPERIENCE IS SOLD OUT - link to sign up for wait list is below
SOLD OUT- A Tasting Experience with New Riff Distilling
Hosted by New Riff Co-Founder Jay Erisman
Saturday, Sept. 28th | 6:30 PM | VIP Tasting Tent
Join us on Saturday evening for a tasting in the VIP Tent with Jay Eriman -one of the co-founders of New Riff Distillery in Newport, Kentucky!
Jay is bringing some exciting offerings to the tasting tent that many of our out-of-state riders may never see on store shelves in their hometown. The lineup for this VIP Tasting features a wide variety of high-end pours from across the whiskey spectrum. Participants will sample pours that include New Riff Eight Year Bourbon, New Riff Silver Grove Bourbon, New Riff Eight Year Rye and New Riff Single Malt 2024 release.
Thirty years of passionate study in whiskey led Jay Erisman to co-found New Riff Distilling along with Ken Lewis. Today, Jay serves today as Global Brand Ambassador, head blender, and off-the-bench fourth string truck driver. From 2001 to 2014, Jay ran the groundbreaking fine spirits and education program at iconic Kentucky liquor retailer The Party Source, working closely with Kentucky's Bourbon distilleries to create new whiskeys.
As a whiskey writer, Jay's work has appeared in Whisky Advocate and Distiller among other publications. Often called “The Whiskey Man” for his both his high-energy enthusiasm and deep knowledge of all things whiskey.
Join us for this tasting and see first-hand how the distillery is adding a New Riff to the world of American Whiskey!
VIP Tasting Experience #2
THIS VIP EXPERIENCE IS SOLD OUT - link to sign up for wait list is below
SOLD OUT - A Blind Bourbon Tasting of Kentucky Bourbons
with Phil Talks Whiskey
Saturday, Sept. 28th | 8:30 PM | VIP Tasting Tent
The odds are that you likely have a favorite whiskey. A go-to bottle that delights on every sip. BUT would you be able to identify that same pour of whiskey if it was sitting unmarked on a tasting mat? It’s time to find out…
We’re ending our VIP Experiences with the perfect tasting event designed to spark your whiskey curiosity, generate lively discussion and certainly start, shall we say…a very spirited debate.
Phil Kollin from Phil Talks Whiskey is back in the VIP Tasting Tent for a third year in a row and this time he's inviting you to test your palette and have a bit of fun with a Blind Bourbon Tasting event!
We're tossing out all the colorful labels and brand names for the engaging and memorable tasting as guest will attempt to identify each pour of Kentucky Straight Bourbon by using only your five senses...along with a few clues and hints from Phil!
And while there are no wrong answers we will have some unique prizes for those who can pick out the right bottle. Come see if you really prefer a $25 bottle over a $95 bottle. Discover a new dimension of whiskey tasting and maybe discover a brand new favorite pour!
We’ll then unveil each pour one-by-one, drop some knowledge about the brand and then, of course, enjoy some sips. Along with celebrating off-the-wall guesses, we'll also vote on a favorite among the expert VIP Tasting Tent panel! Plus, Phil has promised a few surprises from his bag of tricks, a handful of tremendous giveaways and some chocolate treats that pair well with whiskey. For seasoned whiskey sippers and bourbon newbies alike, this is your chance to to test your senses and leave all the pretentious at the door.
Join us and cap off your Saturday evening at The Burn with this raucous and fun event. Work those whiskey detective skills, discover a new favorite or maybe even surprise yourself as you put your palate to the test in our VIP Tasting Tent!
“To start a distillery at 64, most would say that is a foolish way to spend your time and fortune. A new challenge – a new riff in my life– has been a tonic. Getting back to a start-up has been fun...and scary.”