Your Ultimate Guide to Whiskey Discovery at Whiskey Fest DSM 2025: Meet the Vendors, Taste the Spectrum

Joshua Barnachea
Sep 25
4 min read

Updated: Oct 24

Des Moines, Iowa’s premier whiskey event is back! On Saturday, October 25, 2025, the Horizon Event Center will transform into a paradise for whiskey lovers, foodies, and fun-seekers from across the Midwest. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious newcomer, Whiskey Fest DSM 2025 is your ticket to explore the best in American and global whiskey—starting with our incredible sponsors and a curated journey through every taste profile imaginable.

Meet the Main Sponsors: The Heart of Whiskey Fest DSM 2025

Templeton Rye – Iowa’s Iconic Whiskey Legacy

Step into the legendary world of Templeton Rye, the festival’s headline sponsor and Iowa’s most storied whiskey brand. Born in the Prohibition era and revived with a state-of-the-art distillery in Templeton, Iowa, Templeton Rye is famous for its bold, spicy rye profile and “The Good Stuff” legacy. At Whiskey Fest, don’t miss the immersive Templeton Speakeasy, where you can sample their flagship Straight Rye, innovative cask finishes, and the new Fortitude Bourbon—all while soaking up the brand’s rich history and bootlegging lore.

Signature Taste Profiles:

Spicy & Sweet (95% rye mash bill)
Woody & Herbal (aged in new American oak)
Limited cask finishes for adventurous palates

Cedar Ridge – The Speakeasy Experience

As a proud sponsor, Cedar Ridge brings two decades of innovation and local pride to the festival. Known for their farm-to-bottle approach, Cedar Ridge’s portfolio includes their celebrated Iowa Bourbon, American Single Malt, and creative cask-finished releases. Meet the distillers, learn about their unique use of Iowa corn, and discover why Cedar Ridge is a must-try for anyone seeking smooth, approachable, and complex whiskeys.

Signature Taste Profiles:

Sweet & Fruity (Iowa Bourbon)
Malty & Nutty (American Single Malt)
Winey & Spicy (special cask finishes)

Barrel Sponsors: Liquor Lovers (Ankeny) & Lonely Oak Distilling

Liquor Lovers (Ankeny) is your go-to for curated whiskey experiences. As a barrel sponsor, they’ll showcase exclusive store picks and offer expert pairing advice—think cheese, chocolate, and more—making your tasting journey even more memorable.

Lonely Oak Distilling brings true farm-to-bottle craftsmanship from western Iowa. Their bourbons and ryes are made with locally grown grains, offering a robust, earthy character and a taste of Iowa’s agricultural heritage.

Signature Taste Profiles:

Liquor Lovers: Wide range, from classic to experimental, with pairing recommendations
Lonely Oak: Earthy & Woody (bourbon), Spicy & Herbal (rye), Creamy (corn-forward mash bills)

Discover the Full Vendor Lineup: A Taste Profile Adventure

After you’ve visited our sponsors, continue your whiskey journey by exploring the festival’s diverse vendor lineup. While the full list is revealed closer to the event, here’s how to make the most of your tasting experience—organized by taste profile, so you can find your favorites and discover new ones.

1. Sweet & Fruity

What to Expect: Notes of caramel, vanilla, orchard fruits, and honey.
Who to Visit: Cedar Ridge Iowa Bourbon, select cask-finished bourbons, and special releases from Liquor Lovers’ curated picks.

2. Spicy & Herbal

What to Expect: Rye spice, black pepper, clove, herbal undertones.
Who to Visit: Templeton Rye, Lonely Oak Rye, and other rye-forward distilleries.

3. Woody & Earthy

What to Expect: Oak, toasted wood, earthy grains, leather.
Who to Visit: Lonely Oak Distilling, single barrel bourbons, and aged expressions from both sponsors and guest vendors.

4. Malty & Nutty

What to Expect: Toasted nuts, malted barley, cereal grains, biscuit.
Who to Visit: Cedar Ridge American Single Malt, select craft distilleries specializing in malt-forward whiskeys.

5. Peaty & Smoky

What to Expect: Campfire smoke, peat, medicinal notes (less common in American whiskey, but look for special guest pours or international vendors).
Who to Visit: International booths, special cask-finished or peated American whiskeys.

6. Winey & Rich

What to Expect: Sherry, port, dried fruit, rich dessert notes.
Who to Visit: Cedar Ridge and Lonely Oak special cask finishes, Liquor Lovers’ exclusive imports.

How to Plan Your Whiskey Discovery

Start with the Sponsors: Visit Templeton Rye, Cedar Ridge, Liquor Lovers, and Lonely Oak first for exclusive pours and expert guidance.
Use the Flavor Wheel: Let your palate guide you—move from sweet and approachable to bold and spicy, or vice versa, to avoid palate fatigue. A great tool to help you identify notes is a whiskey flavor wheel recommended by the Council of Whiskey Masters .
Ask for Recommendations: Don’t hesitate to ask vendors or Liquor Lovers’ staff for pairing tips or must-try bottles based on your taste preferences.
Take Notes: Use your festival tasting card or app to jot down favorites and new discoveries.
Try Something New: Step outside your comfort zone—sample a peated whiskey, a unique cask finish, or a local craft release you’ve never heard of.

What Else Awaits at Whiskey Fest DSM 2025?

Live Music: Enjoy performances from top regional acts, setting the perfect mood for your tasting adventure.
Interactive Activities: Axe-throwing, Hammerschlagen, and more for a full day of fun.
Educational Sessions: Masterclasses and Q&As with distillers and whiskey experts.
Food Pairings: Local food trucks and curated pairings to complement every pour.

Event Details at a Glance

Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM Central Time
Venue: Horizon Event Center, 2100 NW 100th Street, Clive, IA 50325
Tickets: Get yours now at www.DSMWhiskeyFest.com

Start Your Whiskey Adventure—One Taste at a Time

Whether you’re a bourbon buff, a rye explorer, or just whiskey-curious, Whiskey Fest DSM 2025 is your chance to discover the best of Iowa and beyond. Start with our sponsors, follow your taste profile, and let every sip tell a story. See you at the Horizon Event Center for the Midwest’s most spirited celebration!