Bourbon and Brews

I had a really good time at Bourbon and Brews. It didn’t seem too overcrowded like a lot of the Big City Events. It was on a hot and humid November night this year, but it was still a lot of fun.
We had VIP tickets (as did about a third of the people there it seemed like). VIP included unlimited mixed bourbon drinks and 4Rivers BBQ. Yes…4Rivers. That in itself made it worth the trip to the event. The line was ridiculous, but we came early and loaded up before most people. We even made our way back into the line later on and 4Rivers still had some of everything. It looked like they actually made a few trips out to keep up with the demand. I love them.
In addition to 4Rivers, there were a few food trucks. There was also a stage with bands playing. It was mostly Country, so not really our thing. The event was held down on the water at some old abandoned warehouse lot. The entire event was outside, but I don’t know if this is typical since the venue changed right before the event this year.
The tasting tent (which everyone was allowed to partake in with admission) was handing out free shots all night long. There was a nice Gentleman at the Moonshine table that made it his goal to get me drunk by handing me multiple shots of different flavors. The vendors were all really awesome and we loaded up on free t-​shirts and sunglasses. The swag was not lacking if you were there early enough.
Word to the wise: if you have VIP, take advantage of that extra hour at the beginning of the night before GA is allowed in and it gets busy! Also, bring a bag to hold your swag. I made a trip back to the car which was a few blocks away to toss ours.
Overall, it was hot and sweaty, but a really great time. I actually really like bourbon when mixed with the correct accompaniments. who knew? I recommend this event and I hope to attend again next year.

This review is for the 2015 bourbon and brews fest that took place last weekend. A friend of mine, who is a fellow Unilocaler and tampa bay blogger, was giving away 2 tickets to the event and I happen to be the lucky winner!
The night it took place the weather was beautiful and it was set right along the water so there was a nice breeze. I believe ticket prices were $ 45 to enter and have unlimited samples of bourbon. They also had vip tickets that included food from a local smokehouse. We arrived right when they opened and it wasn’t too crowded yet. There were about 10 to 15 vendors giving out samples. We made our way around the booths pretty quickly, but soon after it was very packed with people and the lines for samples were quite long.
In the middle of the event was an open area in front of the stage to listen to a local band, who was doing country music song covers. They were very talented and did a great job providing entertainment.
As far as food options they had a BBq food truck and street surfers (a California tex mex style menu). We got a burrito bowl from there and it was excellent.
Overall we had a great time. Would have been nice if there were other options besides port o potties and also would have liked if they provided seating for the music, but for the most part it was a fun night

Not so hot. It was $ 20/​person just to enter and another $ 48/​person to enter the bourbon sampling area — wold have been nice for that to up front about that. The beer variety was also poor, but the food trucks were pretty decent. Nothing to brag about and not something I’ll waste my money on again.