Every March I’m excited that I live in Portland for the beautiful Spring trees in bloom, restaurants opening putting out menus with fresh seasonal items, Portland Dining Month, and the view of Mt. Hood. However, this March, I have one extra reason to be excited March is here: TOAST! The Oregon Distillers Guild is bringing back TOAST for the eighth year.

This post is written in partnership with the Oregon Distillers Guild on behalf of TOAST. All thoughts and opinions are my own. TOAST is a 21-and-over event and this post is meant for my readers interested in learning more about the TOAST event.

TOAST 2018

The 8th Annual TOAST event is presented by Bruni Glass The Tiffany Center from 5 PM to 9 PM on March 24, 2018.

Toast is where some of the best small-batch, handcrafted spirits are on display as 40+ distillers from the Northwest and five of Portland’s top chefs delight your palate during this exciting tasting event. Participants can taste from more than 150 spirits.  Spirits include whiskey, gin, vodka, rum, liqueur, grappa, brandy, absinthe, aquavit, starka, baiju, and more.

 Where (and when) is TOAST this year? 

TOAST has changed venues a couple times over the years, each time I’ve been pleased with the location. This year, TOAST takes place at the Tiffany Center (1410 SW Morrison St. Portland, OR 97205). While TOAST took place in February last year, this year it takes place on Saturday, March 24, from 5pm-9pm.

What to expect from TOAST?

Expect to eat and drink a lot. Obviously, with over forty distillers from the Northwest, you’re gonna get to try some tasty liquors. Be prepared to imbibe safely by coming on a full stomach, drinking plenty of water, and watching how many tasters you accept. I tend to take a lap around the entire thing and make a list of the items that I truly want to try. Thankfully, the event is over several hours so when going, my husband and I take our time and check in on how we are doing often. We usually also share tasters so that we can try a sip or two of several without overdoing it.

This year’s line up of distilleries, vendors, and restaurants are getting me excited! I always try a few new-to-me distilleries as well as see what my favorites are bringing to the event. Whatever you do, don’t miss out on the vendors that are bringing tonics, syrups, bitters, and the like. I always find something my home bar is in need of! 😉

Distilleries include: 4 Spirits Distillery, 503 Distilling, Aria Gin, Backdrop Distilling Crater Lake Spirits, Big Bottom Distilling, Bull Run Distillery, Clear Creek Distillers, Crescendo, Drink Think, Drop Shop Eastside Distilling, Elixir, Freeland Spirits, Heritage Distilling Co., Hood River Distillers, House Spirits, Mcmenamins, New Basin Distilling Co., New Deal Distillery, Oregon Spirit Distillers, Pilot House Spirits, Ransom Spirits, Rogue Spirits, Rolling River Spirits, Sinister Distilling Co. Stone Barn Brandyworks, Swallowtail Spirits, Townsends, Trail Distilling, The Walter Collective, and Wanderback Distillery.

The Walter Collective (pictured above) is one of my favorites to try each year. I’m obsessed with their beautiful packaging and love their products.

Restaurants include: LeChon, Pope House Lounge, The Waiting Room, Stella Taco and Rally Pizza

The Waiting Room is back again this year and I’m thrilled because I loved their donut and chicken bites from last year!

Other vendors include: Anton Tonics, The Bitter Housewife, Raft Syrups, Portland Syrups, Interrobang Vermouth, and Sage and Sea Farms

How do I get to TOAST?

First off, let me highly recommend NOT driving to TOAST. Either bring a designated driver (tickets for DDs are only $15 and include tasty plates from chefs and non-alcoholic drinks!), take public transportation, or get a Lyft. You don’t want to even think about driving after enjoying the tastings and you don’t want to have to worry about the car in the meantime. However, if you are the DD there are several parking garages near the Tiffany Center. The MAX and buses all have stops near there as well!

How do I get tickets to TOAST?

General admission tickets are $45 and all-inclusive. Your ticket gets you entry to the event, spirit tastings, a commemorative glass, and small plates from the chefs. Go even bigger and get VIP tickets for $65, which includes 2 cocktail tickets, early entry (4pm) and the distillers after-party from 10 – 11 p.m. Designated driver tickets are available for $15 and include entry to TOAST, non-alcoholic drinks, and small plates from the chefs. Buy your tickets!

Can I buy my favorites?

Yes! In my experience, nearly all of the distilleries and vendors offer purchases there at the event. They give you a ticket and you pick your purchases up as you leave the venue– which means you don’t have to carry your items all over the venue! I tend to leave with at least a few bottles!

Are you going to TOAST this year? What are you looking forward to?

If you are not going to TOAST but are interested in seeing what is good then follow along on my Instagram stories on Saturday evening. I’ll be sharing all my favorites.