This Saturday night, distillers from around the world will come to Louisville to celebrate brown liquor on an international scale at Whisky Live. The super-tasting of nearly 175 whiskeys will take place at Louisville Marriott East from 6-9:30 p.m.

Whisky Live is held in more than 20 cities around the world on rotating schedules. In the U.S., it’s been hosted in New York, Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. Long story short, it’s a big deal that it’s happening in good ol’ mid-market Louisville.

“That it’s happening now in Louisville is long overdue,” said David Sweet, director of Whisky Live USA and Canada. “It makes sense since it’s at the center of our nation’s distilling industry.”

Every Whisky Live attendee gets a Glencarin tasting glass used for sipping one-quarter-ounce pours. (Click here to see the most recent but partial brand lineup; scroll down the page to find it). Distilleries from all over the world will pour at the event, giving attendees the chance to taste a lot of aged liquid they may have never even heard of.3-Distillers-pouring-whiske

While they sip, guests also can enjoy a Four Roses bourbon-influenced buffet that stays open during the entire event. And if you want to take a break from sipping and supping, sign up for a master class or two on spirits, or just relax and listen to live music.

Base tickets to Whisky Live Louisville cost $133, and a limited number of VIP tickets are available for $193. That lucky group gets in 30 minutes early, receives a specially cut crystal Glencarin glass and access to the VIP Experience Area. There they’ll get some rare pours and time with an array of international distillers and brand reps. The VIP area also is hosted by Jack Rose Saloon, one of the country’s top cocktail bars and whiskey lounges.

 

Master classes cost $20 each and are limited to 35 people. Sweet said those sell out early, so act fast if you’d like a seat. Order tickets online by clicking here.

“I think the master classes are something real whiskey fans will not want to miss,” Sweet said. “The chance to hear distillers and experts from around the world talk about their craft and answer questions is great stuff. It’s something that’s never happened here before.”

Hoping you’ll find some bourbon there, too? Sweet said it’ll be there.

“The Kentucky distillers were so generous to say they wanted this to be about international whiskeys, not just theirs, when the idea for this came up,” Sweet said. “That’s the kind of Kentucky hospitality I hope a lot of guests to this event will get to experience.”