6th Annual “Premier Drams” Whiskey Festival
On Sunday, October 26, renowned whiskey expert and collector Bill Thomas, along with his award-winning Washington, DC whiskey mecca Jack Rose Dining Saloon, will once again host their very own whiskey festival: the 6th Annual “Premier Drams” – a “celebration of cask-strength, new and rare.” Self-described as “not your typical whisk(e)y festival,” this day-long tasting features 25+ curated stations of unique bourbons, ryes, scotches and international whiskeys, plus blind tastings, craft cocktails, distiller meet-and-greets and more from 12 pm to 4 pm.
Hundreds of whiskey lovers near and far descend on DC for the anticipated festival (which sells out in just weeks every year), to taste oddities reaching beyond the basic bottles found on liquor store shelves. Guests can expect both acclaimed and new US distilleries and brands such as Kentucky’s Willett, Wilderness Trail, Kentucky Peerless, New Riff, Brown Forman, Bardstown Bourbon Company, Kentucky Senator, Binder’s Stash, Jim Beam, Green River and Fountain Run; and American whiskeys from High Wire, Uncle Nearest, Penelope, Rare Character, Found North, Proof & Wood, Pursuit Spirits, Seelbach’s and Field of Dreams.
Scotch-lovers can taste cask-strength single malts hand-picked by Scotch Malt Whisky Society and Single Cask Nation, plus unique releases from Scotland’s Kilchoman, Port Askaig and Laphroaig. Attendees can also explore the world through whisk(e)y, with tastings of international expressions hailing from Japan (Suntory and High Road Spirits) and India (Amrut), plus Armagnac from L’Encantada. The full lineup of spirits can be found here.
There is also an expanded Blind Tasting, where attendees can place their best guesses on which whiskeys they’re tasting, to win incredible prizes.
Jack Rose’s award-winning bar team will also serve specially crafted whiskey cocktails for guests, and hors d’oeuvres will be passed throughout the afternoon.
“My festival is different from anything else in the world,” says owner Bill Thomas. “It’s the one time every year when you can find some of the best distilleries all in one room. We’re shining the light on hidden gems — rarities you can’t try anywhere else, cask-strength expressions straight from barrel to bottle, limited-edition releases, brand-new products on the market, you name it. But it’s also affordable, one of the best deals out there for the true whisk(e)y lover.”
Tickets to the 6th Annual “Premier Drams” whisk(e)y festival are $145/person (plus tax/service), which includes tastings at each whiskey station, plus craft cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and more. Tickets can be booked through Tock.
And guests can pre-game the big festival the night before, with a “Premier Drams Kickoff” party on Saturday, October 25 from 5-8pm. For just $49/person, enjoy a “Best Of” tasting of Jack Rose single barrels plus the launch of famed bourbon historian Mike Veach’s first private label, Fountain RunBottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon.
While mixing and mingling with fellow whiskey lovers, guests can also enjoy passed hors d’oeuvres from the wood-burning terrace grill, featured cocktails and first access to the bottle shop ahead of the Premier Drams tasting event. Kickoff tickets can be purchased here.
The 6th Annual “Premier Drams” takes place on Sunday, October 26 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. between Jack Rose Dining Saloon (2007 18th Street NW DC) and their neighboring building 2001 18th Street NW. Stay tuned to Jack Rose’s Instagram account @jackroseindc for the full final lineup and more announcements. For more information, please visit www.
WHO: Bill Thomas
Jack Rose Dining Saloon
WHEN: Sunday, October 26, 2025 (Premier Drams Festival)
12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturday, October 25, 2025: 5-8pm (Premier Drams Kickoff Party)
WHERE: Jack Rose Dining Saloon
2007 18th Street NW & 2001 18th Street NW
Washington, DC 20009