Bartender’s Circle Summit -
TUESDAY
9:30
AM
DOORS OPEN
Morning Wake Up
Wake up with a coffee from Liberty Bar & The Pathfinder.
10:30
AM
LOFT 2
WSLCB Updates & Q&A: Navigating Alcohol Laws with Confidence
Stay informed and ahead of the game! Join representatives from the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) for a session covering the latest updates in alcohol laws, regulations, and enforcement.
This is your chance to:
Get the Latest Industry Updates – Stay compliant with new laws and policies
Ask Your Questions – Direct Q&A with WSLCB representatives
Understand Compliance & Enforcement – Avoid common pitfalls and navigate regulations with confidence
Presented by:
Lt. Robert Rieder
Lieutenant
Washington State Liquor & Cannabis Board
Lt. Rick Smith
Lieutenant
Washington State Liquor & Cannabis Board
Moderated by:
Peter Cho
Acclaimed Bartender
The Doctor’s Office
Sponsored by:
LOFT 3
Aged to Perfection: A Ron Zacapa Solera Immersion
Join Ron Zacapa for an unforgettable journey into the world of Ron Zacapa, one of the finest rums in the world. This exclusive event offers a deep dive into the artistry and craftsmanship behind Zacapa’s exceptional rums, guided by the inspiration of Master Blender Lorena Vasquez.
What to Expect:
The Story of Zacapa: Discover the rich history and heritage that define Ron Zacapa, from its origins in the lush landscapes of Guatemala to its rise as a global icon of luxury rum.
Production Insights: Uncover the secrets of the intricate Solera aging process, where time, tradition, and masterful blending converge to create unparalleled complexity and flavor.
Barrel-by-Barrel Tasting: Experience a rare opportunity to taste the liquid from Zacapa’s Solera barrels, exploring the distinct characteristics of each stage.
Signature Expressions: Savor the three iconic Zacapa rums crafted by Master Blender Lorena Vasquez, each offering a unique perspective on flavor, aroma, and craftsmanship.
Presented by:
Vanessa Leon (bio)
National Educator
Ron Zacapa
Sponsored by:
11:30
AM
GRAB & GO SESSIONS
Sample these spirits and talk with their representatives in the lobby.
EMERGING BRAND TALK
Meet the maker and learn about this emerging brand.
12:00
PM
LUNCH & LEARN SESSIONS
Fill your belly and your mind with these Lunch & Learn Sessions. These sessions are 90 minutes and include lunch!
LOFT 2
Penelope Bourbon Brand Education and Cocktail Competition
We will be tasting through the core expressions in the Penelope Line-Up. Ian will provide brand history as well as a description of each SKU. After we complete the education portion of the event, we will ask for a handful of volunteers to take part in a Cocktail competition using our core expressions, mixers, garnish, etc. We want to take the education that we are handing to the talented bartenders who are attending and have them use their creativity to make amazing cocktails with our products. We will also be having a bar set up in the room by Happy Hour Bar rentals so that the participants can use the bar to make their cocktails.
Presented by:
Ian Friedman (bio)
National Brand Ambassador
Sponsored by:
LOFT 3
Johnnie walker blending workshop
Learn the art of blending from the experts at Johnnie Walker. Discover the secrets behind creating the perfect whiskey blend and develop your own signature taste. Whether you're a whiskey connoisseur or just curious about the process, this workshop is perfect for all levels of knowledge. During the session, you'll have the opportunity to taste a variety of Johnnie Walker whiskies and learn about their unique characteristics.
Delve into the process of crafting Johnnie Walker's exceptional blends, from the selection of the finest malts and grains to the art of blending and maturation. This immersive experience highlights the blending process, where you will learn about the delicate balance of flavors and the creative decisions that go into making each bottle of Johnnie Walker. You'll hear stories of the brand's pioneering spirit and its commitment to quality and innovation, offering a deep and insightful connection to the craftsmanship behind one of the world’s most celebrated whisky brands. Our knowledgeable Johnnie Walker Ambassador, will guide you through the blending process, sharing his expertise and answering any questions you may have. Don't miss out on this chance to deepen your understanding of whiskey and create your own personalized blend!
Presented by:
Paul Jones (bio)
Johnnie Walker Ambassador, West Coast
Sponsored by:
Lunch from Fuji Bakery:
Egg Salad sandwich, chicken katsu sandwich, Ham and cheese sandwich, BLT, ham and cheese croissant
* Additional options are available for purchase downstairs at the armory food court.
1:30
PM
GRAB & GO SESSIONS
Sample these spirits and talk with their representatives in the lobby.
2:00
PM
LOFT 2
Create Your Own Path: A Panel Discussion on Navigating the Beverage Industry
Join us for an insightful panel discussion, "Create Your Own Path," featuring four dynamic leaders from the beverage industry. Moderated by Chris Cardone, a sober bartender and founder of Continuous Beverage Solutions, the event will highlight the diverse career paths taken by each panelist.
Presented by:
Chris Cardone (bio)
Founder
Continuous Beverage Solutions
Sponsored by:
LOFT 3
Casks and Crafts- redbreast
Join us for Casks & Crafts, a masterclass where creativity meets tradition. Led by Regional Brand Ambassador Jimmy Kenyon, you’ll build and paint your own birdhouse while savoring the rich, complex expressions of Redbreast Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey. This hands-on experience seamlessly blends woodworking and whiskey appreciation, celebrating craftsmanship in every sip and every stroke. Raise a glass to fine whiskey, great company, and a perfect perch for the birds!
Presented by:
Jimmy Kenyon
Irish Whiskey Regional Brand Ambassador
Sponsored by:
3:00
PM
GRAB & GO SESSIONS
Sample these spirits and talk with their representatives in the lobby.
3:30
PM
LOFT 2
BadAss Bitters: Myths of Cocktail Culture in the PNW
There is a lot of lore around the history of cocktails in the Pacific Northwest--but what is the actual truth? Did men on the frontier drink their whiskey straight? Were cocktails invented to disguise the taste of Prohibition bathtub gin? And did women sit at home drinking tea?
This wide-ranging presentation will explode the myths of drinking history and replace them with the far more interesting truth. Learn about the Golden Age of American Cocktails and its impact on the early territorial days and how it later influenced drinking culture during the rise of cities like Seattle, Spokane, and Tacoma. We'll also talk about the many functions of the late 19th-century saloon, from workers' ethnic enclaves to gentlemen's retreats and the controversies surrounding saloon culture, and continue right up to the recent cocktail renaissance.
Presented by:
Renée Cebula
Historian
Raising the Bar & Badass Bitters
Sponsored by:
Badass Bitters + Raising the Bar
LOFT 3
A New Four Roses Single Barrel Experience
From the makers of The World’s Best Single Barrel Bourbon*, Four Roses is set to launch the Single Barrel Collection beginning with three new Single Barrel products. Four Roses produces ten signature Bourbon recipes and are excited to release our signature recipes as 100 proof Single Barrels for our bourbon enthusiasts. Our original Single Barrel, crafted with our OBSV recipe, first hit the market in 2004. Now, twenty years later, we are thrilled to introduce three additional Single Barrel recipes. Each product in our Single Barrel Collection has its own unique flavor profile with the combination of two mash bills and five yeast strains. We are excited to expand our Single Barrel Collection in the coming years, with plans to release additional recipes as 100 proof Single Barrels.
Presented by:
Abby Martinie
Brand Ambassador
Sponsored by:
Four Roses Bourbon
