Columbus, OH Bourbon Tasting Event
NEAT BOURBON EVENT
NEAT: A Bourbon Event Returns Saturday, July 25, 2026.
NEAT is coming back in Summer 2026 inside our Ohio Event Center at Cherry Valley Hotel. Sign up for our emails below or follow us on social media to be the first to hear about event announcements, ticket releases, and this year’s bourbon lineup.
What is NEAT?
NEAT is a summer bourbon tasting event held at the Ohio Event Center at Cherry Valley Hotel in Newark, Ohio, near Columbus. Ohio. The event brings together bourbon brands and guests for an immersive experience featuring curated tastings, food pairings, education from industry experts, and a relaxed, social atmosphere. Designed for both seasoned bourbon enthusiasts and those new to bourbon, NEAT celebrates craftsmanship, flavor, and connection in Central Ohio and beyond.
What to Expect:
A wide variety of bourbons and whiskeys to sample
Signature bourbon cocktails
Live music and a laid-back lounge atmosphere with tabletop games and space to sip, savor, and connect
Open-air cigar lounge under the stars
Bourbon crafters marketplace featuring local artisans and makers
Bourbon education sessions on food pairings, cocktail making, and bourbon history
Giveaways and surprise moments throughout the night
Every detail is designed to help you explore, unwind, and celebrate the spirit of bourbon.
VIP Stay & Sip Package
Upgrade your night with the ultimate NEAT experience.
The VIP Stay & Sip Package combines top-tier access ideal for collectors, couples, and anyone ready to savor and learn about bourbon.
Your Package Includes:
- Overnight stay at Cherry Valley Hotel
Two VIP tickets to NEAT, including e
arly access (1 hour before GA) and access to the VIP Lounge with premium pours and perks- In-room bourbon welcome amenity
- Breakfast for two at Craftsman Kitchen & Terrace
Package Price starting at $449 (including tax) for Two Adults (Includes overnight stay, VIP NEAT access, breakfast, and in-room amenity).
General Admission Tickets
Enjoy full access to NEAT from 5 PM to 9 PM including tastings, entertainment, and community connection.
Your Ticket Includes:
- Entry to the NEAT event (5 PM–9 PM)
- Commemorative NEAT tasting glass
- Tasting tokens to sample featured bourbons
- Access to live music, bourbon education sessions, and more
General Admission Price: $150 + tax per person.
Pour at NEAT
NEAT brings bourbon brands and bourbon lovers together for a hands-on tasting experience. We invite distilleries and bourbon brands to pour, connect with guests, and share what makes their bourbon special.
Participation is complimentary. Brands are encouraged to be part of the action, whether that means pouring throughout the event, leading a tasting, or hosting a featured cocktail moment.
Participating brands are featured on the NEAT website, onsite at the event, and across NEAT social media.
Cigars at NEAT
Take your bourbon outside and light up on the cigar patio at NEAT. We’ve partnered with Smoke On the Water, a family-owned shop from Buckeye Lake, Ohio, known for its expert guidance and top-tier cigar selection. Certified tobacconist Gary Wassmuth curates cigars that pair perfectly with your pour, whether you're a longtime smoker or just starting out.
ENTERTAINMENT AT NEAT
NEAT: A Bourbon Tasting Event features more than just great bourbon. Enjoy live music from Step Brothers Bluegrass out of Columbus, Ohio, along with bourbon education classes, retail vendors, giveaways, and games in a relaxed garden lounge.
Maker's Marketplace
Take a piece of NEAT home with you. The Bourbon Marketplace features local makers and vendors offering everything from small-batch snacks and barrel-aged goods to handcrafted items and bourbon-inspired gifts. It’s the perfect place to explore, shop, and discover something new between pours.
Hocking Hills Bourbon
Hocking Hills Moonshine's newest product, Bourbon, is officially available and ready for your glass. Aged for two years in White Oak barrels, this bold new addition to our lineup will not disappoint.
OLD ELK
Old Elk Bourbon is known for its smooth, balanced profile with notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice, crafted using a signature slow cut process that enhances depth and flavor.
Doc Howards Distillery
With equal parts science and art, over the years Doc Howard’s distillery has hand-crafted the just-right mix of locally sourced ingredients.
Woodford Reserve
An iconic Kentucky distillery, Woodford Reserve is known for its rich, balanced bourbon made with time-honored craftsmanship.
Middle West Spirits
Award-winning and deeply rooted in the Midwest, Middle West Spirits distills bold whiskeys that celebrate Ohio agriculture and heritage.
Noble Cut Distillery
Blending family tradition with innovation, Noble Cut Distillery crafts uniquely flavored whiskeys and spirits with Italian inspiration.
Jack Daniel’s
One of the most iconic names in whiskey, Jack Daniel’s is known for its charcoal-mellowed Tennessee whiskey with a bold legacy.
Old Forester
America’s first bottled bourbon, Old Forester brings over 150 years of rich, full-bodied tradition to every pour.
Hayner Distillery
A historic name reborn, Hayner crafts bourbon with deep Ohio roots and a bold, smooth finish.
MORE ADDED WEEKLY
Our list of featured distilleries is growing every week — check back often as we continue to add new bourbon makers to the lineup.
Do I need to be 21 to attend? Can I bring my kids?
Yes. All attendees must be 21 or older and must show valid ID. No one under 21 will be admitted, including children.
Can I come if I don’t drink?
Absolutely. We offer Designated Driver tickets under General Admission, so you can still enjoy the atmosphere and entertainment without sampling.
Are tickets refundable?
Tickets are non-refundable, but they are transferable. If you need to transfer your ticket to another guest, just email us.
Can I buy bottles at the event?
No bottles will be sold on-site. However, many distilleries will provide information on where to purchase your favorites after the event.
What about food?
There will be light bites available during the event. We strongly encourage guests to eat dinner before attending.
View Light Bites Menu
What are the rare bourbons?
We collect special bourbons throughout the year, and the final lineup is never published in advance. Part of the fun is discovering what rare or unique pours will be available when you arrive.
Will there be drinks beyond bourbon?
Yes. A full bar will be available, including beer, wine, and other spirits.
How do the tokens work?
Each guest will receive a set number of tasting tokens upon entry. Every bourbon will be labeled with a token value, typically one or two tokens, though select rare or high-end pours may require more. Additional tokens will be available for purchase at the event, with responsible limits in place.
Partner With NEAT
Showcase your brand at one of Ohio’s most anticipated bourbon events. NEAT offers high-impact sponsorship opportunities that put your company in front of an engaged audience of bourbon enthusiasts, food and beverage connoisseurs, and experience seekers from across the region.
Why Sponsor?
Connect with hundreds of attendees from Ohio and neighboring states
Build brand awareness in a premium, experiential setting
Activate your brand through tastings, displays, or giveaways
Enjoy on-site visibility, digital promotion, and media exposure
Whether you're a distillery, lifestyle brand, local business, or national name, we offer tailored sponsorship packages designed to meet your goals.
Interested in sponsoring NEAT? Contact Mary Dimitrijeska at mdimitrijeska@cherryvalleyhotel.com to learn more and request a sponsorship deck.
Sip Responsibly
At NEAT, we’re here to celebrate great bourbon and great company — safely and responsibly. All guests must be 21 or older and will be required to show valid ID at check-in. Our team is trained not to overserve, and we’ll be monitoring the event closely to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable evening.
If you need a ride, just let a staff member know. We’re happy to help arrange a taxi or rideshare service.
We want NEAT to be an event our community can enjoy for years to come. Help us keep it going strong by drinking mindfully and respecting the experience for everyone.
NEAT
