Whiskey Riot launched in 2018 in Buffalo, N.Y. and has since expanded to nearly 10 other cities across the United States.
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On Saturday, May 9, it makes its debut in Orlando.
“It stood out as a natural fit this year because of the culture,” says Whiskey Riot Director of Operations Lexi Osher.
“This is a city that thrives on bringing people together … with a reputation for being vibrant, social and open to new experiences. People here don’t just attend events, they engage with them!”
And that’s just what its organizers believe will happen this weekend, when locals file into the Central Florida Fair – Expo Hall to sample from more than 150 varieties of whiskey.
“One of the most common questions we get is how to make the most of three or four hours of tasting with so many whiskies available,” says Osher. “While that number can seem intimidating, it represents the full range of expressions — not an expectation to try everything.”
Even so, Uber is solid idea for an event of this nature, one designed to allow guests to curate their own experience.
For true enthusiasts or even beginners, Osher encourages folks to review the list of participating brands and select a handful of pours they find of particular interest.
“Once on site, balance these with a few new discoveries — exploring brands or styles that may be unfamiliar or outside their usual preferences. That spirit of exploration is part of the experience.”
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Whiskey, she notes, is deeply rooted in storytelling. The Whiskey Riot’s planners strive to create opportunities for guests to engage and connect with the brands and their representatives, who will guide them through pours, explain production methods, flavor profiles and what distinguishes each expression.
“Each brand will have it’s own experience to present,” she says, “but Penelope Bourbon will have a standout ‘Garden Experience’ where attendees can step into a garden lounge complete with a bar, umbrellas and Adirondack chairs and enjoy Penelope pours and special cocktail samples.”
A Cutty Sark-branded bar with its ginger ale cocktail cans will make for another immersive experience.
“Whiskey Riot does not feature formal, seated seminars … the event is designed around experiential learning,” she said. “This approach allows attendees to gain a deeper understanding of whiskey in a hands-on, interactive environment while they taste, creating a layered experience that appeals to both enthusiasts and those newer to the category.”
If you go
Orlando Whiskey Riot: Saturday, May 9 at the Central Florida Fair – Expo Hall (4803 W. Colonial Drive in Orlando), 4-7 p.m. for general admission. Early-entry admission begins at 3 p.m. General admission tickets: $90 per person, $75 per person for 4-packs. Early-entry admission tickets: $120 per person. Must be 21+ to attend. Prices listed here exclude taxes and fees.
General admission includes samples of 150+ whiskies, official Whiskey Riot tasting glass to take home, whiskey cocktails from various brands. Early admission includes exclusive one-hour tasting/access to all whiskey brands ahead of the crowds, special access to select limited and rare whiskies available on a first-come, first-served basis, official Whiskey Riot tasting glass to take home, whiskey cocktails from various brands.
Tickets and FAQs: tixr.com/groups/whiskeyriot/events/orlando-whiskey-riot-2026-159442
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