Craft Beer & Spirits Jam

The Craft Beer & Spirits Jam will welcome some of the most recognized master distillers in the nation and celebrate the region’s diverse offering of craft beer. On Friday, April 27, Grand Boulevard’s Town Center will be transformed into a festival and live music venue with samples of the most coveted spirits and brews.
 
“We have been overwhelmed by the success of the Craft Beer & Spirits Jam, which has grown in popularity each year,” said Festival Executive Director Stacey Brady. “We strive to keep this event fresh and fun. Whether you’re new to the area, a regular visitor or long-time resident, we continue to infuse new elements and offerings to surprise and delight our attendees.” 
 
Highlights of this year’s lively evening event include celebrity guest appearances by some of the spirits industry’s most elite, including Master Distiller Rob Samuels of Maker’s Mark, Michael Reed of American Barrels, and Master Distiller David Pickerell of WhistlePig Farm Distillery and Hillrock Estate Distillery, to name a few. Samuels is the COO and grandson of the founders of Maker’s Mark and has grown up in the family business. He’ll be sharing stories of his family’s rich bourbon history while pouring samples of some of their most popular brands, including White Dog (unaged bourbon), Maker’s Mark, and Maker’s 46.  In addition, Master Distiller Dave Pickerell of WhistlePig is a luminary in the world of whiskey. Pickerell spent 14 years at Maker’s Mark before joining WhistlePig, where he’s distilling rye whiskey through a process he coined “triple terroir.” The result is a premium rye whiskey that is earning the praise of writers at Robb Report, Forbes, GQ and Whisky as well as whiskey enthusiasts nationwide.
 
Attendees who enjoy craft beer will delight in sampling some of the signature brews as well as seasonal and specialty beers. Local and regional breweries will be represented, including Abita Brewing Company, Sweetwater Brewing Company, New Belgian, Idyll Hounds, Grayton Beer Company, Destin Brewery, and Nivol, among many others.
 
Along EATS Street, guests will be able to nibble on a smorgasbord of savory small plate menu items prepared by a range of award-winning restaurants, eateries and food trucks. On the menu are small plates prepared by local favorites, including Roux 30A, Cantina Laredo Modern Mexican Food, Slick Lips Seafood & Oyster House, Cabana Café, Café Rico, Cuveé Kitchen & Wine Bar, Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer, Jackacuda’s Seafood & Sushi, The Bistro at the Courtyard Marriott Sandestin at Grand Boulevard and The Craft Bar.
 
All the delicious samples will be complemented by a live performance from Gurufish. This wildly popular band is renowned for their funk/pop explosion with an extra touch of glam. Combining unforgettable melodies fused with galvanizing grooves, Gurufish creates songs that make audiences want to groove. Listed by PASTE Magazine as one of the “25 Georgia Bands You Should Listen to Now”, as well as honored with the distinction of being recognized by the GA Music Awards as the Georgia’s Best R’nB/Funk Band, Gurufish will provide the “jam” while attendees sample the diverse offering of beer, spirits and delectable bites.
 
The South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival is a four-day celebration of wine and includes two days of Grand Tastings, seminars, Savor South Walton Culinary Village, live entertainment and more than 800 wines poured by knowledgeable wine industry insiders. Guests can gain access to all events with a 3-day VIP pass, which includes VIP valet parking, access to the VIP Lounge at the Foster Gallery (air-condition and catered), express entry and preferred seating at seminars.
 
Tickets are now on sale. Event details and tickets are available at www.sowalwine.com. To purchase tickets, visit https://sowal-wine.xorbia.com/.