7th Annual “Premier Drams”
On Sunday, October 11, 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 7th 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 spans two buildings (Jack Rose and its new sister bar CARLA) and 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 every year), to taste oddities reaching beyond the basic bottles found on liquor store shelves. Guests can expect both acclaimed and new distilleries and brands including:
- Bardstown Bourbon Company
- Beam Suntory
- Brown-Forman
- Chattanooga Whiskey Company
- Field of Dreams
- Found North
- Four Roses
- Green River
- High Wire
- Kentucky Peerless
- Kentucky Senator
- Penelope
- Proof & Wood
- Provenance & The Reveries
- Pursuit Spirits
- Rare Character
- Seelbach’s
- Single Cask Nation
- Small Victories
- Wild Turkey
- Willett
There is also a 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 7th Annual “Premier Drams” whisk(e)y festival are $145/person (plus tax/service charge), 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 its annual a “Premier Drams Kickoff” party on Saturday, October 10 from 5-8pm at its neighboring bar CARLA. For just $49/person, enjoy cocktails, exclusive Jack Rose single barrels, passed hors d’oeuvres, live music & good vibes.
While mixing and mingling with fellow whiskey lovers, guests can also enjoy first access to the bottle shop ahead of the Premier Drams tasting event. Kickoff tickets can be purchased here.
The 7th Annual “Premier Drams” takes place on Sunday, October 11 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. between Jack Rose Dining Saloon (2007 18th Street NW DC) and their neighboring bar CARLA (2001 18th Street NW). For more information, please visit www.
WHO: Bill Thomas
Jack Rose Dining Saloon
WHEN: Sunday, October 11, 2026 (Premier Drams Festival)
12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
WHERE: Jack Rose Dining Saloon