San Diego Spirits Festival calls out to all whiskey and bourbon worshipers, tequila aficionados, gin guzzlers, rum radicals, vodka vixens and mixologists. Come join the biggest happy hour at the eighth San Diego Spirits Festival’s two-day celebration of all things cocktail 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 28, at Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier, 1000 N. Harbor Drive. The festival, the largest cocktail and culinary festival in San Diego, promises to be a feast for all your senses with a weekend of cocktails, food, live music, risqué entertainment, bartender competitions, grand tastings, mini seminars, and celebrity sightings. This is a “must-attend” event for industry professionals, cocktail enthusiasts, interested newbies and anyone who enjoys outstanding spirits, great food, fun, and an opportunity to experience the Californian lifestyle.
Here is a small sample of offerings to whet your whistle: Camus Elegance XO Cognac retails for $145 a bottle, Glencadam 15-year Highland Scotch retails for $85 bucks, and that’s not all; Wood Ford Reserve Bourbons; Old Forester Bourbons. Rums from Passers Rum, Blue Chair Bay Rum, Tanduay Rum, Squeal Rum, Gubba Rum. Sweet Potato Spirits with their entire line of vodka and gins, from London we have Gins that have just been released in California: Geranium Gin, Old English Gin & Sacred Gin; Don Loco Tequila with his incredible flair bartenders; Choice Celebrity brands and much more.
The 30-foot Wild Turkey Bourbon Bus tastings and educational seminars on the back pier. Catch this year’s celebrities including: Cheech Marin, Dwight Eubanks, the infamous Hatfield’s & McCoy’s. Enjoy food delights from Indulge with Style; The Fish Market; Feast on this Catering; Ruth Chris Steakhouse; Barely Made it BBQ Smoker; Authentic Flavors Catering; Big Front Door; The Melting Pot; Masters Kitchen & Cocktail; Lady & the Chef’ J Street Tacos & Ceviche.
A highlight of the festival is the San Diego International Spirits Competition, led by the George Manska, inventor of the NEAT glass. Judges include: Philip Dobard – Museum of the American Cocktail; Andrew Faulkner – VP American Distilling Institute; David Rippentrop, Brian Christensen, John Fluke, Forrest Cokley, Rich Manning, Roberto Loppi, Brian Cary, Paula Dezzutti Hewlette and Christine Crnek.
Entertainment includes artists: Anna Dellaria, Tyler Parks, The Fresh Brunettes, Drop Dead Dames, Cirque Aerialists; Samba Dancers, and the incredible Marine Rock Band.
Daily prices for Saturday and Sunday are $85 plus service charge. Group tickets of five or more will receive an additional 10 percent off (and use the promo code as well).
Admission includes all spirits and food samples, entertainment, chances to win prizes, and more. Purchase tickets directly from sandiegospiritsfestival.com. Festival attendees can save $20 using promo code: COCKTAILS.
For more information on the San Diego Spirits Festival visit, SanDiegoSpiritsFestival.com.
