Guests sampling bourbon at NEAT event at Cherry Valley Hotel
NEAT Bourbon Tasting

Columbus, OH Bourbon Tasting Event

Selection of bourbons barrels displayed at NEAT event in Newark, OH

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.

bourbon brand at neat cherry valley hotel

Pour at NEAT

Learn More About Cherry Valley Hotel

FAQ's About NEAT

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.

A lineup of bourbon glasses on a wooden tasting board at NEAT, Cherry Valley Hotel’s signature bourbon event

Partner With NEAT

NEAT Reviews
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VIP is the way to go

We loved the event in general. This was our 2nd time in attendance. VIP package is great.

Find A New Distillery

You have some fantastic small distilleries that really had a good product.

Meet New Friends

It was a great time!!! We really enjoyed trying new bourbons while meeting lots of new people.

Plenty of Tokens

The event was great overall. The variety of distilleries was good, the token value was far better than we expected. We thought most of the bourbons being only one token was better than expected which gave us the opportunity to try almost everything we wanted to. We both used all of our tokens but both felt it was the perfect amount.
a group of people sitting at a bar with drinks

Sip Responsibly

NEAT

Guests sampling bourbon at NEAT event at Cherry Valley Hotel.
a group of people standing around a table with bottles of beer
a man holding a glass of liquid
a man pouring a shot of alcohol into a glass
Guests sampling bourbon at NEAT event at Cherry Valley Hotel.
Guests sampling bourbon at NEAT event at Cherry Valley Hotel.
Guests sampling bourbon at NEAT event at Cherry Valley Hotel.
Guests sampling bourbon at NEAT event at Cherry Valley Hotel.
Guests sampling bourbon at NEAT event at Cherry Valley Hotel.
Guests sampling bourbon at NEAT event at Cherry Valley Hotel.
Guests sampling bourbon at NEAT event at Cherry Valley Hotel.