Expert mixologists from around the country will mingle with local trade representatives and liquor aficionados during the San Diego Spirits Festival’s Grand Tasting event on June 5 at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront. More than 70 vendors will showcase a variety of spirits, including rum, vodka, tequila, whiskey and cognac, and some brands will create mixed drinks with their signature products. The $50 general admission fee includes unlimited tastings at the event. Event organizer Liz Edwards said that the Grand Tasting is a place where trade professionals and members of the general public alike can learn more about their favorite libations. “The focus is on the trade and the industry, but without the consumer you can’t have the other, so they go hand in hand,” Edwards said. “It’s not about just drinking, it’s about educating the consumer as well.” In the spirit of education, industry experts will host workshops and seminars in the days leading up to the Grand Tasting, and the same professionals will be on hand at the main event to interact with guests. The event will also feature live entertainment, a team of “ambassador rollers” from Payne-Mason Cigars and a blind tasting competition, where some of the country’s leading bartenders will create signature cocktails with their favorite liquors from the festival. Edwards, who started the event last year, said it is a unique opportunity for guests to experience brands they haven’t tasted. “They will actually see some brands that they’ve never seen before,” she said. “They’re not going to get the typical big brands … we’ve got lots of small brands launching themselves at this particular festival.” The event will take place at the Hilton Bayfront’s waterfront park, so Edwards suggested that guests wear sunscreen and “comfortably-California chic” attire. Edwards also said that in spite of the all-you-can-drink atmosphere, guests who attended the event last year behaved themselves, and this year security guards will be on hand to remove any unruly attendees. Tickets are available online at www.sandiegospiritsfestival.com, and a limited amount of cash-only tickets will be available at the door.