Did you know the biggest whiskey show in the U.S. happens right here in Cola?

Named one of the top drinking festivals in every state you do not want to miss, the 6th annual Great American Whiskey Fair – featuring more than 100 distilleries + 500 different kinds of whiskey – was started by local serial restaurateur Kristian Niemi (the name behind spots like Bourbon and the incoming Black Rooster at Brookland) as a way to celebrate distilleries + distillers from across the country. It’s been happening every year since 2013 at 701 Whaley; produced by F2T Productions.

These whiskeys come from everywhere – from the U.S. to Scotland and Ireland, as well as Japan and Canada. Guests get to meet master distillers + talk about the craft, and taste everything – not just the whiskey samples, but the cocktails from local bartenders and barrel-aged beers from local distributors – plus a barbecue spread from LowCo BBQ + Bourbon featuring local beef and pork.

Mixologists from across S.C. compete in an artisan cocktail competition near the end of the show; vying for the title of Cocktail Champion (this year’s participants include talent like 2017’s returning champion, Nick Kokonas from The Grocery in Charleston).

To celebrate you, our readers, and the art of dang good brown drink, we’re giving away 2 VIP tickets to Great American Whiskey Fair. Enter on our Instagram page.

Things our team is personally excited about for GAWF:

- Potentially crashing Mark Gillespie’s podcast, WhiskyCast, which he’ll be recording live (#medianerds)
- Tasting Bourbon’s custom-made whiskey at the Makers Mark booth (one by owners Kristian Niemi + Eric Duncan, and another by Executive Chef Frank Bradley + Head Bartender Kat Hunter)
- The Cigar Box/Wild Turkey Cigar Veranda Lounge, curated by local shop The Cigar Box on Main St., for Christmas gifts (you’re welcome, significant others)
- Checking out the new Volvos from GAWF sponsor Dick Dyer ...for Christmas gifts to ourselves? (sorry, significant others)
- Getting a picture with that guy in the whiskey bottle costume

See you there?

While we’re at it, what are your favorite whiskey cocktails in town? It’s about that season, amirite?

–COLAtoday team

This content was created in partnership with F2T Productions.