Beginning September 1, the Washington State Liquor Control Board (WSLCB) will implement a year-long spirits tasting pilot in 30 state, contract and tribal liquor stores statewide and the liquor store on Alaska Street (recently moved from the Junction to 4100 s.w. Alaska Street Ste. A) is the site for four dates in September.

The pilot was established by Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1202 during the 2011 legislative session.

“We are excited to have this opportunity for our customers to taste new and interesting products in our stores,” said WSLCB Chair Sharon Foster. “With more than 1,100 spirits products available in state stores, customers can now enhance their product knowledge by trying something they may never have considered before and learn first-hand about the products from distillers’ representatives. ”

Pilot Details
• The pilot will take place between September 1, 2011 and September 1, 2012.
• Sampling will be limited to ¼ oz with four samples maximum.
• Only product sponsors, such as a distiller representative, may serve samples.
• Servers must have Mandatory Alcohol Server Training (MAST) permit.

Stores are permitted one tasting event per week. The tasting events will be either Fridays or Saturdays from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Upcoming tasting events will be posted at the 30 stores, as well as on the Events page of the Stores and Products section of the WSLCB website at www.liq.wa.gov.

The enabling legislation was at the request of the Distillery Representatives Association of Washington (DRAW) as a way to introduce premium products to store customers.

"The spirits sampling pilot is a win for both consumers and producers,” said Carrie Tellefson of DRAW. “With so many products available, the tasting events offer consumers a valuable opportunity to taste spirits in a controlled environment, learn about new, premium products and provide valuable feedback for distillers."

Store Selection Criteria
The WSLCB considered retail sales volume, locations, and appropriate in-store space for sampling as it selected the 30 pilot stores. Consideration was also given to traffic accident data and proximity to churches and schools.

The tasting dates and brands to be sampled:

September 03, 2011: Fremont Mischief Vodka; Fremont Mischief Whiskey; John Jacob Whiskey
September 10, 2011: 360 Vodka; 360 Double Chocolate Vodka; 360 Mandarin Orange Vodka; Tequila Rose Liqueur
September 17, 2011: Hpnotiq Liqueur; Hpnotiq Harmonie Liqueur; Pama Pomegranate Liqueur
September 24, 2011: Firefly Sweet Tea Bourbon; Firefly Peach Sweet Tea Vodka; Firefly Skinny Tea Vodka