Wisconsin may be most notable for its delicious cheeses, the Green Bay Packers, and tasty beer, but it’s also known for Distill America – the festival celebrating American distilling. Located in Madison, Wisconsin, this annual festival welcomes incredible distilleries, legendary spirits, and festival goers from all over the country. Mark your calendars for May 20th, 2023, and read on to learn more about Distill America!

The Official Distill America Details

This year is officially Distill America XV. And it’s happening at Breese Stevens Field in Madison, WI. May 20th is the big day, and these are the ticket details, festival activities, and extras you’ll need to know.

When: Saturday, May 20th, 2023

Time: 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Address: Breese Stevens Field, 917 East Mifflin Street, Madison, WI 53703

Spirits: Bourbon, whiskey, vodka, rums, moonshine, liqueurs, brandy, gin, and MORE!

There are four different ticket types. But beware, some are already sold out for this year! Each ticket secures you a complimentary Glen Cairn glass from Bulleit Bourbon, this year’s sponsor. Your ticket also includes food throughout the evening and opportunities to sample more than 80 different spirits and blends from across the U.S. This is a rain-or-shine event, too. So, be sure to dress appropriately.

Tickets can be purchased HERE. Again, as of writing this, VIP and VIP+ Tickets are already sold out completely. 

Distill America Designated Driver Tickets

This pass is for the heroes who take responsibility seriously. The Designated Driver ticket provides access to the event with your group and all the NA beverages and food for the evening.

Distill America General Admission Tickets

General Admission tickets allow guest entry from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, sampling spirits from the 80+ producers and distillers on hand. Enjoy light appetizers throughout the experience, as well with GA tickets. 

Distill America VIP Ticket – SOLD OUT

Get early access as a VIP, from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM, with limited 200 guests only. Each distiller will offer specialty samples to this exclusive group of guests, including exciting new flavors not yet released to the public or on limited availability!

Distill America VIP+ World Spirit Seminar Ticket – SOLD OUT

Get all the perks of VIP access but with MORE! The VIP+ World Spirit Seminar Ticket includes a 1-hour training session exclusively for these VIP+ guests. Learn from the beverage and spirit industry’s greatest masters. This private tasting opportunity is presented by DIAGEO and is featured in a private VIP area at the Forward Club within Breese Stevens Field. VIP+ ticket holders will also get gifts from sponsorship partners and specialty glassware to commemorate their experiences. Only 100 are allowed this truly exciting access!

A Little History of Distill America

It was 2007, at an iconic festival called The Great Taste of the Midwest, when the festival’s organizer had an idea. Fred Swanson took his idea to the manager of Star Liquor, Adam Casey, and asked him, “How do you think an event like this would work with spirits?”

Star Liquor and Adam Casey had already been coordinating spirit-tasting events around the Madison, WI, area for years. With a little brainstorming and collaboration among Swanson, Casey, and Star Liquor’s owner, Jerry Morgensen, the three came up with an event as a “Celebration of American Distilling.” The name would later be shortened to Distill America, the name it’s most known as today.

The first official Distill America event took place in 2009. The Edgewater Hotel in Madison hosted, and 25 or so distillers participated. Today, it attracts thousands of spirit enthusiasts and showcases talents and spirits from more than 100 distilleries.

Get Distill America Merch

Head over to the Distill America online shop and browse cool and fun Distill America merchandise to add to your collection or maybe even wear when you attend! Explore fun finds, including:

• Distressed Hats & Panel Caps
• Tee Shirts & Tanks
• All-Over Print Boxer Briefs (YES!)
• Glen Cairn Glasses
• Distill America Posters

FAQs About Distill America 

Have more questions about Distill America? Check out the latest updates and news on the Distill America Facebook page. And here are some FAQs and answers.

Are there local accommodations and hotels available?

Yes! Start browsing for room availability nearby. And there are some discounts available at the Hotel Indigo if you make arrangements by April 20th. 

What are the reviews like for Distill America?

Um, they’re rave… nothing but rave reviews from past attendees! Take a look online for yourself. But here are a few adoring fan sentiments with five stars and high recommendations.

• “One of the best stand-alone spirit events in the Midwest!”
• “I love it!”
• “Great time – Great people!”
• “Excellent time. Vendors were great, and the volunteers were more than helpful. Thank you so much for hosting an amazing event.”
• “Fred Swanson is AWESOME! The best event to taste all sorts of brands of whiskey, rums, vodkas, spirits… I will be back soon!”
• “Excellent time. It is amazing how many distilleries take part. This is low-key and very informative. Plus, you get to taste some excellent distilled spirits. Definitely will be back next year. Cheers!”

What kind of spirits will be on-hand for sampling?

With more than 80+ distilleries showcasing their unique flavor profiles and spirit samples, you’re sure to find a new favorite. Enjoy gin, brandy, liqueur, rum, bourbon, whiskey, vodka, moonshine, and so much more!

It’s one of the most iconic spirit-sampling festivals in the Midwest and certainly worth checking out if you’re an enthusiast. You still have time to get GA tickets for this year’s festival. And if you want the VIP experience, you’ll need to set reminders to get those tickets early for 2024’s Distill America festival. 

Check back right here with Distillery Nearby for more incredible trails, tours, and festivals to explore all across the country. We’re your hub and guide to all the best sippin’ and cheers’ you can find, whatever flavor you call your favorite. And wherever you find yourself, Distillery Nearby can point you to a new tour or taste to explore!