With its picturesque bayfront, vibrant culture, and unique neighborhoods, San Francisco is a California destination unlike any other. Visitors to the city will gravitate to its diverse culinary scene, which features local favorites like Cala, Botellón, and Spruce. Those looking for unique views of the area should stop by Coit Tower in the Telegraph Hill neighborhood. It rises more than 200 feet in the air, and its observation deck provides panoramic views of the city and the bay.
Whiskies of the World has showcased the finest whiskies on the planet for more nearly two decades, and it will take place March 24 on the San Francisco Belle Yacht. This year’s event will include more than 250 whiskies to sample from renowned distilleries such as Compass Box Whisky, Glendronach Distillery, and Highland Park. Curious attendees will have the opportunity to learn about all the different whiskies from distillers and brand representatives. A variety of classes open to attendees will include subjects such as whisky making and tasting, cigar pairing, and more. Chefs from local restaurants will feature a curated menu of snacks and bites to pair directly with the featured whiskies. Learning about and enjoying the more exceptional things in life are paramount to this event, so guests are encouraged to dress up for an upscale night on the town. A portion of proceeds will go to Casa Circulo Cultural, a charity that promotes the humanities and Spanish language arts in the area. We interviewed Event Director, Douglas Smith, to learn more about this dream event for whisky enthusiasts.
RAL: How long has the event been running?
DS: This is our 19th annual event in San Francisco, and we also have events in San Jose, Austin, Houston, Dallas, and Atlanta.
RAL: How many annual participants do you draw?
DS: Each show draws between 800-1,300 people with our event in San Francisco being the largest.
RAL: What demographic does your event attract? Children? Families? Couples?
DS: As a whisky education event, we are open to adults over 21. It's a refined night out for couples, though groups of friends also come out together as well.
RAL: What makes this event unique?
DS: We offer a chance to taste whiskies from all over the world, usually offering over 250 different whiskies from which to choose. We also offer classes, including cigar pairings.
RAL: Take me through a day at the event. What can I expect as an attendee?
DS: The event provides the opportunity for attendees to sample and learn about the whiskies from the brand ambassadors, distillers, and blenders. There is also food to eat and pair with. There are chefs from local restaurants who have created pairings that they are eager to share. There are whisky seminars, which are always popular, that take guests through an educational and guided tasting.
RAL: Will there be any guest appearances?
DS: Many National Brand Ambassadors and Master Distillers come to our shows to help the participants learn more about their whiskies, many traveling from Scotland and all over the US. They often lead Masterclasses, a 45-minute course giving a deeper understanding of whiskies.
RAL: What dining options will attendees encounter?
DS: We offer small bites to pair with your whiskies as you move around the room throughout the evening. We do recommend you eat before you arrive and stay hydrated with plenty of water throughout the evening.
RAL: Tell us about the overall atmosphere?
DS: We are an upscale night out on the town. We ask our guests to dress up in party dresses and jackets and encourage kilt wearing and formal attire. We want you to learn about some of the finer things in life, like nice Scotch and a hand-rolled cigar. We don't take ourselves too seriously, but we also do not encourage heavy drinking. Our emphasis is on tasting and education.
RAL: Are there any lodging specials that are set up for the event?
DS: Each event has a partner hotel for overnight accommodations. This information is always available on our website.
RAL: Does this drive business to your local economy?
DS: It's intended to increase people's awareness of whisky products and hopefully enjoy the fine spirits on a more regular basis or visit bars and restaurants more often that serve the finer whiskies.
RAL: Does the event support a particular cause in the community?
DS: Whiskies of the World benefits Casa Circulo Cultural, a charity that promotes Spanish Language Arts and Humanities in the Bay area.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
DS: If you are ready to take your knowledge of whiskey to the next level, Whiskies of the World is prepared to take you there. We love to give you the chance to add to your whiskey knowledge wherever you are, from beginner to leader of your local Scotch Lovers group! There is always something new to learn and new whiskies to try. We are thrilled that our events sell out every year and encourage anyone who wants to come this year to get their tickets as soon as possible, and buy early for next year!
For more information about Whiskies of the World, please visit the event website.