Columbus, OH Bourbon Tasting Event
NEAT 2025
Sip, savor, and celebrate at Ohio’s premier bourbon experience — Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Cherry Valley Hotel.
Sample dozens of pours from heritage distilleries and craft producers alike. Enjoy handcrafted cocktails, live music, a bourbon makers marketplace, expert-led classes on pairings and history, giveaways, and more — all in one spirited evening.
What Is NEAT?
NEAT is more than a bourbon tasting — it’s an immersive, full-sensory experience. From heritage brands you recognize to rare finds and rising stars, NEAT brings together the best of bourbon culture. With live entertainment, relaxed lounge vibes, and hands-on education, it’s the perfect event for both seasoned connoisseurs and curious newcomers.
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 with total comfort — ideal for collectors, couples, and anyone ready to savor the best.
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
This is the smoothest way to experience NEAT — no need to drive, no detail overlooked.
Total Package Price: $429 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. This ticket is perfect for guests who want to explore bourbon in a laid-back atmosphere.
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
Whether you're coming solo or with friends, General Admission is your invitation to sip, learn, and celebrate the spirit of bourbon.
General Admission Price: $150 + tax per person
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.
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.
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.
Woodstone Wine and Whiskey
Ohio's First Microdistillery and a true artisan winery.
Watershed Distillery
Known for their award-winning bourbon and gin, Watershed blends bold flavor with Midwest craftsmanship.
Leather & Oak
This boutique Ohio whiskey brand crafts small-batch spirits with bold character and clean design — named Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
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.
Coopers' Craft Bourbon Whiskey
Crafted in honor of the barrel makers, Coopers’ Craft highlights the influence of American oak on smooth, approachable bourbon.
Cleveland Whiskey
Pushing boundaries with technology and flavor, Cleveland Whiskey accelerates aging to create bold, unconventional bourbons.
Hayner Distillery
A historic name reborn, Hayner crafts bourbon with deep Ohio roots and a bold, smooth finish.
Echo Spirits Distilling Co.
Echo Spirits brings small-batch innovation to the glass, balancing heritage techniques with modern creativity.
M&O Spirits
Family-owned and proudly Ohio-made, M&O creates handcrafted spirits with heart and heritage.
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.
NEAT
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.
