Never been to a spirits festival before? These are the fundamentals to help you have a good time whether it’s rum, gin, vodka or our favourite: whisky.

If you’re looking for advanced tips you can find them here.

Book early

The most popular shows will sell out and tickets only get more expensive with early bird offerings now being the norm. If you are curious – go! Don’t wait for flakey people to say “yes” either. These shows are absolutely enjoyable solo.

Check the dress code

Most shows have no dress code, but if you’re attending a smaller one in a hotel or similar higher-end venue do check to be sure. Smart casual codes exist but are loosely enforced. The modern spirits world is a welcoming one, but venues can be a law unto themselves.

Eat before

Eat what you would consider a decent sized meal. Enjoy whatever protein and carbohydrate rich food you like or your dietary requirements allow. You don’t want to be all-you-can-eat-buffet bloated but food in your stomach means slower alcohol absorption over time.

Bring water

Bring a bottle of water. All good shows will have plenty of places to top up but your glencairn can’t hold much and you don’t want to toss a good drink out just because you need a drink. If you ignore all the other tips here but this one you’re still on track for a good time.

Plan if you want

Do you like planning? Great. Get the exhibitor list and work out your priorities, especially if you’re in a group. However, sometimes it is just best to go with the flow and enjoy yourself. Don’t feel forced to make a plan like other guides tell you if you are not that kind of person. There will always be a thing you wish you tried or didn’t find out about until after. Only the smallest of shows are ones where you can try everything.

Feel free to be a beginner

Don’t know what something is? Ask!  Everyone has to start somewhere. There will absolutely be random punters nearby who might eye roll at a question but they’re not worth your time. Don’t let the gatekeepers drag you down. Drink. Learn. Grow. Most drinks people are desperate to recommend something to you too. If you try a spirit and it blows your mind don’t be afraid to ask what else you should try on other stands.

Spit

Use the spittoons. They are there so you can drink in moderation and not be forcing things down that you don’t like, you paid good money to be here!  Look for little black or silver buckets on the stands with handles or big bins nearby labelled spittoon, or the French crachoir. Some smaller shows might just have a bucket next to a water dispenser for you to tip things into.

Take a break

Go for some food. Sample something non-alcoholic. Go outside for some air. Listen to a stage talk or panel. There’s always plenty to do at a spirit festival other than drink and a break will not only help your body rest but it’ll also give your palate a breather too.

Know how you’re getting home

I’m not your dad, but I want to know you got home safe. Check there’s no rail replacement buses or roadworks between you and home that you didn’t know about. If you’re someone who gets travel sick when drunk then search in advance for places you can sit for a bit if you’re not ready for a car/train journey.