Calling all whisk(e)y first timers, flavour hounds, crafters and sippers, right through to the most sophisticated whisk(e)y-lovers, get ready to round up your friends for an immersive Whisk(e)y adventure around The Rocks!

The Rocks is hosting ‘Whisk(e)y on The Rocks’... a next generation four day whisk(e)y festival from Thursday 19 – Sunday 22 November. Guests will be led by their own palette, interests and curiosity throughout the festival sites and venues. This will be a ‘journey of the senses’, rich with discovery, tastings, places and venues throughout the iconic Rocks. No two journeys and experiences will be exactly the same, and guests will have 2 hours to visit the festival zones in the order they like, before heading on to explore the venues on the Whisk(e)y Trail.

Tickets are $25, which includes 7 tokens that are redeemable for a vast selection of brand samples across the festival.

Please head to the Whisk(e)y on The Rocks webpage to stay up to date on all Festival updates as they are released!

If you are wanting to take your Whisk(e)y knowledge and festival experience to the next level, you can also book in one of the Whisk(e)y on The Rocks Masterclasses to deep-dive into the world’s leading and emerging Whisk(e)y brands.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: I am not drinking, do I have to buy a ticket?

A: Unfortunately due to Covid-19, and to keep our attendees safe, we have a strict limit on how many people can be in our festival zones at any one time. The way this is monitored is through ticket sales, our check-in process, and colour coded wrist bands per session timing. Because of this, to be able to enter the festival zones you will need to purchase a ticket.

Q: Can I buy tickets at the event?

A: Tickets will be available for purchase on Eventbrite up until 30 minutes before each session, if not sold out prior. Please be aware, we expect ticket allocations to be exhausted prior to the live days.

Q: I need to cancel my ticket. What’s the cancellation policy?

A: This event has a no refund policy.

Q: Are there any other spirits on offer? Or is it purely a Whiskey event?

A: Within the festival zones (your 2 hour session) it will be only Whisk(e)y served in a variety of forms (served straight, mixed or cocktails) however all venues participating in the Whisk(e)y Trail and around the precinct will have a variety of spirits, wine and beer available for purchase pre or post your 2 hour session.

Q: Can I bring children onto the site?

A: Within the ticketed festival zones, this is a strictly 18+ event.

Q: What’s the age limit?

A: This is an 18+ only event. ID will be asked for upon entry. If you are under 18 your ticket will be forfeited and not subject to a refund.

Q: What’s your COVID safety policy?

A: Whisk(e)y on The Rocks is an exciting move for Sydneysiders as the city begins to re-open, continuing support for those venues heavily impacted by the effects of the global pandemic. The festival will adhere to ongoing restrictions and social distancing protocols as mandated by the New South Wales government. All consumers will go through a COVID check-in and will be urged to practice social distancing while enjoying whisk(e)ys and experiences from around the world.

Q: Is it an indoor or outdoor event?

A: Whisk(e)y on The Rocks is a combination of indoor and outdoor experiences. As limited shelter will be available at the outdoor festival zones, we recommend attendees come prepared for the weather conditions (including umbrellas or raincoats for rainy weather).

Q: Once in The Rocks, where and how do I check in?

A: Once arriving at The Rocks, you can check in at any of our four festival zones: Whisk(e)y Cove, The House of Whiskey, Shaker’s Lane or The Argyle Courtyard. You will need to show your ticket, ID, and will be required to do a COVID check-in before receiving your colour coded wrist band. You will also receive your 7 sample tokens, as well as a map of the festival. You will have 2 hours to explore all of the festival zones.

Q: What does the 7 tokens get you?

A: 7 samples (15ml of Whisk(e)y per sample) from the participating brands for the festival. These will come in a variety of straight, mixed or cocktail serves. You will be able to redeem these samples as you enter each Brand’s festival zone.

Q: Can I purchase more tokens?

A: You will only be able to redeem one token/sample per brand. You will also be able to purchase a range of full sized beverages of your choice. These will be on sale and can be ordered via QR code within the ticketed festival zones. There will also be a large range of full size beverages available on the Whisk(e)y Trail, where a variety of pop-up activity and experiences will be taking place in venues over the 4 days.

Q: What’s the Whisk(e)y Trail?

A: Either before or after your 2 hour session within the ticketed areas, we really encourage attendees to extend their Whisk(e)y Festival experience by joining the Rocks Whisk(e)y Trail to sip, taste and explore your way through some of Sydney’s best bars, pubs and restaurants. All participating venues will be hosting their own unique Whisk(e)y Menus, as well as a variety of food & beverage special offers, competitions, merch giveaways, live music & more! The Whisk(e)y Trail venues are featured on your Festival Map received when checking in, and can also be accessed on the Whisk(e)y on The Rocks website closer to the festival date . You do not need a festival ticket to experience the Whisk(e)y Trail, this is open to the general public and you can visit as many times as you would like over the four days.