Whiskey Workshops

2026 Iowa Irish Fest Whiskey Workshops

All workshops will be held at the Brown Derby Ballroom, 618 Sycamore Street. You will use gate 4 to exit the fest grounds to go to the Brown Derby. All classes are $30 (plus online fees) and do not include attendance to the festival.

Friday Workshops:

Five Farms Irish Cream Creative Cocktail Competition! Sold Out

Friday, July 31st · 6 – 6:45 pm.

Put your mixology skills to the test in this fun, hands-on cocktail competition!

Five Farms Irish Cream Creative Cocktail Competition!

Put your mixology skills to the test in this fun, hands-on cocktail competition! Enjoy a welcome cocktail featuring Five Farms Irish Cream, then create your own twist on a classic cocktail. Experiment with flavors, showcase your creativity, and see if your creation impresses the judges.

Each participant will receive a commemorative glass and tote bag. Competition winners will take home an additional prize. Cheers!

Attendance is limited to 24 participants.
Classes will last 45 minutes.
Workshop will be held at The Brown Derby.
Must be 21 to attend

Click here to purchase your tickets for this workshop!

A reminder that the purchase of this workshop does NOT include your admission to the Iowa Irish.

Rugged and Wild: Discovering the maritime spirit(s) of Clonakilty! – Friday

Join Clonakilty Irish+American Whiskey for an unforgettable tasting of sensational whiskeys!

Friday, July 31 · 7 – 7:45 pm

Join Sean Scully, Co-founder, as he shares with you the history of County Cork’s Clonakilty Distillery from beginning to present day. Learn about the unique distillation practices used on

their ninth-generation family farm as they guide you through a tasting of 4 brand expressions that Clonakilty is proud to produce and share worldwide.

• Attendance is limited to 50 participants.

Friday, July 31st at 7:00 PM
Class will last 45 minutes.
This event will be held at The Brown Derby Ballroom.
Address is 618 Sycamore St. Waterloo
Must be 21 to attend

Click here to purchase your tickets for this workshop!

A reminder that the purchase of this workshop does NOT include your admission to the Iowa Irish

Saturday Workshops:

Paint & Sip Workshop Sold Out

Back by demand! Start your Saturday with Mimosas and Irish Coffees or end your afternoon with sips of Whiskey, and join us for the Paint & Sip Whiskey Class. Not an artist? No problem, we will lead you through the steps to paint a one-of-a-kind Irish masterpiece. All painting supplies are provided.

Session 1 Workshop will be Saturday, August 1st at 9:30 AM SOLD OUT
- - Attendance is limited to 24 participants
  - Classes will last 60 minutes
  - Workshop will be held in the Brown Derby Ballroom, 618 Sycamore Street.
  - Must be 21 to attend
  - Click here to purchase your workshop tickets for Session 2. (Afternoon) Saturday, August 1st at 3:00 PM

A reminder that the purchase of this workshop does NOT include your admission to the Iowa Irish

Holladay Bourbon Creative Cocktail Competition

Saturday, August 1st · 11 – 11:45 AM

Put your mixology skills to the test in this fun, hands-on cocktail competition! Enjoy a welcome cocktail featuring Holladay Bourbon’s Iowa Irish Fest Select Bottle, then create your own twist on a classic cocktail. Experiment with flavors, showcase your creativity, and see if your creation impresses the judges.

Each participant will receive a commemorative glass and tote bag. Competition winners will take home an additional prize. Cheers!

• Attendance is limited to 24 participants.

Saturday, August 1st, start time is 11:00 AM
The workshop will last 45 minutes.
This workshop will be held at The Brown Derby Ballroom.
Address is 618 Sycamore St. Waterloo
This workshop includes a commemorative Glass and Holladay tote bag.
Must be 21 to attend

Click here to purchase your tickets for this workshop!

A reminder that the purchase of this workshop does NOT include your admission to the Iowa Irish

Elevate Your Cocktail: A Fever-Tree Experience: NOON

Saturday, August 1st · 12 – 12:45 PM

Get ready to mix, sip, and discover how Fever-Tree can take your cocktails to the next level!

Join Fever-Tree for an interactive cocktail experience where you’ll discover how premium ingredients create exceptional drinks. Learn the story behind Fever-Tree, the world’s leading premium mixer brand, while exploring cocktail-making techniques, flavor pairings, and the key elements of a perfectly balanced serve. Guests will enjoy guided tastings and hands-on instruction as they create delicious cocktails and gain the confidence to recreate them at home.

You will enjoy 3 Perfect Cocktails at this class that you will help create.

You must be 21 to attend this class. You may be asked to provide an ID.

Click here to purchase your tickets!

A reminder that the purchase of this workshop does NOT include your admission to the Iowa Irish

Shakin’ It with Cedar Ridge Whiskey

Saturday, August 1st at 1:00 PM.

Join Cedar Ridge as they teach you how to make two cocktails both with an Irish twist! Start with a fun refreshing drink called “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” which is perfect to enjoy in the August heat. Next you’ll make a twist on a classic cocktail as we demonstrate how to make an “Irish Gentleman Old Fashioned”.

Classes will last 45 minutes.
Workshop will be held at The Brown Derby, 618 Sycamore Street 2nd floor.
Attendance is limited to 32 participants.
This workshop includes a commemorative Iowa Irish Fest Logo Whiskey Glass.
Must be 21 to attend

Click here to purchase your tickets!

A reminder that the purchase of this workshop does NOT include your admission to the Iowa Irish

Rugged and Wild: Discovering the maritime spirit(s) of Clonakilty! – Saturday

Join Clonakilty Irish+American Whiskey for an unforgettable tasting of sensational whiskeys!

Saturday, August 1st · 2 – 2:45 pm

Join Sean Scully, Co-founder, as he shares with you the history of County Cork’s Clonakilty Distillery from beginning to present day. Learn about the unique distillation practices used on

their ninth-generation family farm as they guide you through a tasting of 4 brand expressions that Clonakilty is proud to produce and share worldwide.

• Attendance is limited to 50 participants.