While you may be excited for Portland Cocktail Week, don't forget the reason the celebration is happening is the Great American Distillers Festival. Come out to Portland's Tiffany Center downtown on Friday, October 19 from 5–10 PM and Saturday, October 20 from 1–10 PM to celebrate the festival’s eighth great year promoting more than 40 of the finest spirits America has to offer.

Friday kicks off Portland’s week-long love letter to spirits with a dinner featuring the founder of the Oregon Distillers Guild, Lee Medoff. Make sure to show up early for a panel discussion about the rise of craft American spirits with executive director of Oregon Distillers Guild Ryan Csanky, board member of Associated Liquor of Oregon Eric Johnston, Ruth Brown of Willamette Week and Sheryl Stewart of 105.1 the Buzz. While not slated to speak, Tito, of Texas’ Mockingbird Distillery and the legendary Tito’s Handmade Vodka, will be on-hand likely sporting his signature tux and ten gallon hat — vodka fans, remember to bring a camera.

The festival is mixing things up with a seasonal cocktail competition between the different brands. Each spirit is categorized into brown spirits, white spirits, and specialty spirits to compete for an award to display all weekend at their booth. Just one ticket buys you a taste of any spirit, the related competition cocktail and a recipe card to take home. If you like any of the cocktails that you try then stop by the bottle shop where all of the supplies will be on hand to prep your home bar.

Event Date: 10/19,10/20
Event Time: 5-10 PM
Location: Tiffany Center
Price: $15 1-day pass (5 taster tickets), $25 2-day
Type: Spirits
Website: distillersfestival.com