YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS ANY OF THIS
2025 EVENT LINEUP
WELCOME TOAST
11:15AM VIP STAGE
VIP doors open at 11:00AM and the celebration begins for our VIP guest. Start the day off with a Welcome Toast from the DSM Whiskey Fest partners, sponsors & taste of the FIRST official DSM Whiskey Fest barrel pick.
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Bottles sold exclusively at Liquor Lovers Ankeny 10.25 thru 12.31 (until sold out)
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*Bring your DMWF ticket for 5% discount on your purchase.
Location
1510 South Ankeny Blvd Suite 107/108, Ankeny, IA 50023


JAIK WILLIS
12:00PM VIP STAGE | Acoustic Blues & Blue Grass
Jaik Willis is a strumming & drumming One Man Band, a wild fire-breathing freakshow; playing an 11 piece drum set with his feet while playing guitars / bass / & harps; while sing and beatboxing simultaneously, live with no looping or electronics.
Performing 300 shows a year with appearances at Bonnaroo, Summer Camp Music Fest, Dunegrass, the Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Fests etc. Jaik Willis got a shout out in Rolling Stone magazine for his vocal contribution to the album “FreeStyle” that debuted at #1 on iTunes.
Booking details
LAUREN VILMAIN
12:00PM MAIN STAGE | Jazz & Blues
Lauren Vilmain is a Des Moines based jazz and blues vocalist with training in musical and opera theater.
She performs regularly with her own quintet while also regularly being featured by the Nola Jazz band- another group based out of Des Moines, Iowa.
Booking details


Enhanced Experience Tour #1
12:30PM Information Booth
Please arrive 10min early to get checked in and ready (25min)
Elevate your event experience with our Enhanced Experience package. Join the DMWF owners on a guided tour with exclusive access to bonus activities and special engagements that further enrich your journey throughout the event. Enjoy curated interactions with distillers, additional insights into the whiskey-making process, and extra time in select areas designed to deepen your appreciation of the craft. This package ensures you get the most out of your Des Moines Whiskey Fest experience.
​
Highlighted Vendors:​
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Templeton Distillery (VIP Lounge) - Tequila Cask Finish
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Cold Zero (Booth #6) - Cold Zero Reserve Whiskey Medal of Honor
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Driftless Glen (Booth #9) - 10Yr Old Bourbon & Rye
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Hard Truth (Booth #17) - Hard Truth Sweet Mash Rye Mizunara Finish, Barrel Finish Reserve
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Suntory Global (Booth #19) - Booker's The Bond Batch)
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**Limited to 10 people per tour**
MASTERCLASS
1:15PM MAIN STAGE | Legends in the Making: Crafting the Legacy of Iowa Whiskey panel (25min)
Balancing tradition and innovation. Storytelling around legacy bottles & special releases

DAVE NITZ
MODERATOR | Owner, Liquor Lovers - Ankeny
Dave Nitz grew up in Nebraska and went to the University of Nebraska to play football and run track. He married his high school sweetheart, Deb and nearly 40 years ago they moved to West Des Moines to begin Dave’s career where he worked for the Principal Financial Group as a mutual fund wholesaler. After a few career moves he ended up wholesaling for the largest money manager in the world and after nearly 18 years of wholesaling he decided that it was time to be an entrepreneur.
For the last 20+ yrs Dave and Deb have owned multiple businesses. Dave, Deb and their son Kyle own Liquor Lovers in Ankeny. Liquor Lovers has been featured on several YouTube videos with one of them being viewed over 250,000 times... the handle is Brewzle and Hunting Bourbon in Iowa and they are featured at the 24 minute mark. Over the last two years Liquor Lovers has had around 30 store picks. Liquor Lovers is known for a handful of things with one of them being
small town Iowa customer service.
PAT HOFFMAN
PANELIST | Founder/Master Distiller, Lonely Oak Distillery
Born into a farming family, Pat Hoffmann is a third-generation farmer in western Iowa. From a young age, he learned the rhythms of the land: planting, harvesting, and paying close attention to soil and seed quality. This deep agricultural knowledge became the foundation of his distilling philosophy — that the grain’s integrity defines the spirit’s character. Pat’s ambition to open a distillery grew from a desire to add value to his family’s grain and create a deeply local spirit.
After six years of planning, Lonely Oak Distillery opened in 2016 on the same land his family had farmed for generations. Pat represents a new generation of American distillers uniting agriculture and craftsmanship.


DAVID CARPENTER
PANELIST | Operations Manager, Templeton Distillery
After almost a decade working as a chef, Dave joined the spirits industry at Jim Beam in Clermont, Kentucky as a Distillery Operator where he learned every trick of the trade from distillers that had been working there for 20-30+ years. From there Dave worked in bourbon distilleries big and small across the state of Kentucky, and across the country, from New York to California before making his way to Templeton. As a seventh generation Kentuckian with whiskey in his veins, there is nowhere else Dave would rather be than in the distillery.
Dave received a Certificate in Distilling from the Chartered Institute of Brewers and Distillers in London, with a Diploma in Distilling coming from the same organization. Dave also guest lectures for the University of Kentucky and their James B Beam Distilling Institute, helping to train the next generation of distillers and chemical engineers joining the industry.
JAMIE SIEFKEN
PANELIST | President & General Manager, Cedar Ridge Distillery
Jamie joined Cedar Ridge in 2010 and serves as President & General Manager. In his current role, he leads Sales, Marketing, and Hospitality for the brand’s 70-acre property and international spirits distribution.
Under his leadership, the company has expanded its distribution to over 35 states and over 10 international markets while becoming the first craft distillery to become the #1 bourbon (750ml) in any state, outselling all legacy brands.


IOWA PRIDE

Enhanced Experience Tour #2
1:30PM Information Booth
Please arrive 10min early to get checked in and ready (25min)
Elevate your event experience with our Enhanced Experience package. Join the DMWF owners on a guided tour with exclusive access to bonus activities and special engagements that further enrich your journey throughout the event. Enjoy curated interactions with distillers, additional insights into the whiskey-making process, and extra time in select areas designed to deepen your appreciation of the craft. This package ensures you get the most out of your Des Moines Whiskey Fest experience.
​
Highlighted Vendors:​
-
Templeton Distillery (VIP Lounge) - Tequila Cask Finish
-
Cold Zero (Booth #6) - Cold Zero Reserve Whiskey Medal of Honor
-
Driftless Glen (Booth #9) - 10Yr Old Bourbon & Rye
-
Hard Truth (Booth #17) - Hard Truth Sweet Mash Rye Mizunara Finish, Barrel Finish Reserve
-
Suntory Global (Booth #19) - Booker's The Bond Batch)
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**Limited to 10 people per tour**
This is an add-on to GA & VIP tickets

Iowa’s Prohibition & Bootlegging Legacy
1:30PM BOOTH #23
Speaking Engagement with Ann Hanigan Kotz, author of "Moonshine By Moonlight"
Learn more about the Iowa's bootlegging history throughout the prohibition era through present day.
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BUT WAIT! THERE'S MORE!
Characters from "Moonshine by Moonlight" come to life throughout the festival and interact with guest - will you spot them?
Booking details
FOOD DEMO
1:45PM VIP STAGE | Chef Jazz (Jazz It Up)
Sponsored by Fareway Meat Market (Beaverdale)
Iowa native, Chef Jasmine Woods has known she wanted to be a chef since the age of three. A graduate of DMACC's Iowa Culinary Institute, in 2018 she became the owner of Jazz It Up Personal Chef Services where she provides clients with an all inclusive in-home dining experience.
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Menu: Bourbon BBQ Brisket Bruschetta
Booking details

MASTERCLASS
2:15PM ZONE C | Whiskey 101 with Darian Everding
There's no drink shaming here. Whiskey is for everyone.
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Join your friendly neighborhood bartender, absinthe advocate, and @safebarnetwork community builder for a hands-on, interactive learning experience exploring the whiskey process, from grain to glass. Get your hands in some corn, rye, wheat and barley, then ingulf your senses some more with a variety of aromas found is some of your favorite blends. ​Whether you're a naivest or whiskey connoisseur, Darian has something for everyone to enjoy!

DARIAN EVERDING
FACILITOR | Whiskey Sommelier, Drinking With Darian
Darian is a queer, neurodivergent collector of stories and an enthusiastic spirits professional. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Physics from the University of Northern Iowa in 2016. Shortly after graduation, she dove into the hospitality world as a bartender and hasn't looked back since. She credits her love of the hospitality industry in part to her neurodivergence. She enjoys studying many types of spirits and distilleries and notes that the ability to continue learning in the industry is crucial to her engagement.
Her favorite way to learn is by connecting stories of people and history to beverages enjoyed today. She utilises her unique perspective and lived experience to make the storytelling of spirits history more accessible to a wider audience of people. She currently oversees talent and product development at London Underground, a British-themed pub and community space in Ames, Iowa, USA. You'll often find her there making cocktails, curating Queer spaces and events, and sharing stories about the bottles and brands behind the bar. She also works with the nonprofit organisation SAFE Bars Network to bring accessible bystander intervention culture and training to bar programs across the United States. Darian founded Women & Whiskey, an educational storytelling program focused on shining light on women in the whiskey industry. By sharing the stories of women in whiskey, past and present, Darian hopes to empower more young women to shatter barriers and pursue fulfilling careers in the beverage production industry.
Enhanced Experience Tour #3
2:30PM Information Booth
Please arrive 10min early to get checked in and ready (25min)
Elevate your event experience with our Enhanced Experience package. Join the DMWF owners on a guided tour with exclusive access to bonus activities and special engagements that further enrich your journey throughout the event. Enjoy curated interactions with distillers, additional insights into the whiskey-making process, and extra time in select areas designed to deepen your appreciation of the craft. This package ensures you get the most out of your Des Moines Whiskey Fest experience.
​
Highlighted Vendors:​
-
Templeton Distillery (VIP Lounge) - Tequila Cask Finish
-
Cold Zero (Booth #6) - Cold Zero Reserve Whiskey Medal of Honor
-
Driftless Glen (Booth #9) - 10Yr Old Bourbon & Rye
-
Hard Truth (Booth #17) - Hard Truth Sweet Mash Rye Mizunara Finish, Barrel Finish Reserve
-
Suntory Global (Booth #19) - Booker's The Bond Batch)
​
**Limited to 10 people per tour**
This is an add-on to GA & VIP tickets

MASTERCLASS
2:45PM VIP STAGE | The Art of the Blend: Master Distillers on Craft, Chemistry & Creativity panel (25min)
Blending, technique, creativity, & flavors of unreleased blends

MARIO 'TONY' DEA
MODERATOR | Director of Control States/Military at Hard Truth Distilling Company
Tony is an accomplished leader in the distilled spirits industry. In this role, he directs sales,
distribution, and strategic growth across some of the most complex and regulated markets in the country. Recognized for his disciplined leadership style, operational precision, and commitment to relationship-driven business, Tony plays a vital role in advancing Hard Truth’s national footprint and reinforcing its reputation for quality and integrity.
Before entering the spirits industry, Tony served honorably in the United States Army as an Airborne Ranger, where he led a
five-man Quick Reaction Team (QRT). Following his military service, Tony began his career in the beverage alcohol industry with E. & J. Gallo Winery, gaining invaluable experience in sales execution, brand development, and market strategy.
A Cleveland, Ohio native of proud Italian heritage, Tony’s values are rooted in hard work, loyalty, and craftsmanship — qualities instilled in him through his upbringing and family traditions. He attended Marshall University, where he played football and learned the importance of teamwork, resilience, and performance — lessons that continue to influence his approach to leadership and life. Throughout his career, Tony has built a reputation for integrity, consistency, and excellence. As Hard Truth Distilling Co. continues its ambitious expansion, he remains a driving force behind its success in control and military markets. His journey — defined by service, leadership, and heritage — embodies the balance of discipline and authenticity that defines both his career and the Hard Truth brand.
MURPHY QUINT
PANELIST | Master Distiller & Master Blender at Cedar Ridge Distillery
Murphy had the unique opportunity to begin his career distilling spirits at the age of 15 when his family opened Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery. In addition to his tenure at Cedar Ridge, Murphy spent time mastering his craft at Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey from 2011–2014. He mentored under Master Distiller Rob Dietrich honing his production skills and learning the ropes of distillery management.
Since returning Murphy has spearheaded the growth and innovation of whiskey at Cedar Ridge, along with the development of The QuintEssential and American Single Malt as a national category as a board member of the American Craft Spirits Association and The American Single Malt Whiskey Commission. He’s also crafted multiple whiskeys that have been nationally recognized and named ‘Best of’ by World Whiskies Awards, ASCOT Awards, TAG Awards, Wine Enthusiast and many others over the years.


PAT HOFFMAN
PANELIST | Founder/Master Distiller, Lonely Oak Distillery
Pat is a third-generation farmer in western Iowa. Built amid working fields, the distillery embodies a true “seed-to-still” ethos, connecting each bottle directly to the soil that nurtured it. Pat’s guiding philosophy rests on terroir, integrity, family, and patience. He champions heirloom grains, precision in distillation, and family involvement at every stage.
His emphasis on the “heart’s cut” — the purest portion of the distillate — ensures that every bottle captures the essence of quality and authenticity. Each spirit reflects Hoffmann’s farm-to-bottle vision and Iowa’s distinctive grain heritage. He views his work not as a job but as a calling, saying, “When you have passion about something and you love it, it’s not like going to work.” His commitment to quality and authenticity has made Lonely Oak a touchstone for Iowa’s growing whiskey reputation.
LESTER BROWN
PANELIST | Distillery Manager, Templeton Distillery
Lester's background is a Bachelors of Science in Chemical Engineering from University of North Dakota and a history of distilling (Crude oil, ethanol and whiskey).
Lester started at the Templeton distillery in 2015 and helped build and staff the Templeton Distillery from the ground up. He oversees the annual production of 8,500 barrels, the 59,000+ barrels of current inventory and all blending and production operations.


​PICK YOUR FLAVOR

JORDAN BEEM
3:00PM MAIN STAGE | Country
Jordan Beem is a country artist out of Des Moines, IA. This year he was nominated for Male Country Artist of the Year for the Josie Music awards. He was also recently voted the 2024 IMA Country Music Artist of the Year & the 2023 Midwest Country Music Organization New Artist of the Year!
Rooted in the Des Moines area, the live music scene has molded Jordan into an all-around performer who knows how to entertain any crowd. His Drummer- John Griffiths has really taken the show to the next level! He’s opened for artists such as: LANCO, Austin Williams, David Nail, Jason Brown, Brad Morgan, The Pork Tornadoes, Hannah Dasher, Hunter Girl, Tyler Richton, Not Quite Brothers & more
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Booking details
Enhanced Experience Tour #4
3:30PM Information Booth
Please arrive 10min early to get checked in and ready (25min)
Elevate your event experience with our Enhanced Experience package. Join the DMWF owners on a guided tour with exclusive access to bonus activities and special engagements that further enrich your journey throughout the event. Enjoy curated interactions with distillers, additional insights into the whiskey-making process, and extra time in select areas designed to deepen your appreciation of the craft. This package ensures you get the most out of your Des Moines Whiskey Fest experience.
​
Highlighted Vendors:​
-
Templeton Distillery (VIP Lounge) - Tequila Cask Finish
-
Cold Zero (Booth #6) - Cold Zero Reserve Whiskey Medal of Honor
-
Driftless Glen (Booth #9) - 10Yr Old Bourbon & Rye
-
Hard Truth (Booth #17) - Hard Truth Sweet Mash Rye Mizunara Finish, Barrel Finish Reserve
-
Suntory Global (Booth #19) - Booker's The Bond Batch)
​
**Limited to 10 people per tour**
This is an add-on to GA & VIP tickets


RAINE STERN
4:00PM MAIN STAGE | Pop, Alternative/Indie
Raine is a 24-year-old queer singer/songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. Her lyricism is potent and poetic, and her arrangements fill in the cracks that language can’t. Raine's timeless pop sound paired with guitar skills well beyond her years have earned her comparisons to music icons such as Prince, Joan Jett, and Jeff Buckley. Whether writing, producing, or performing live, her talent is met head-on with an undeniable sense of purpose: her lifelong mission is to inspire devotion to the very causes that drive her, including environmentalism and equality.
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Raine was a contestant on season 20 of The Voice, has been featured on PBS's 30 Minute Music Hour, and most recently was featured on NPR for their Tiny Desk Contest feature, "Top Shelf."
Booking details
POURS STOP
5:00PM
THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING THE 2025 DES MOINES WHISKEY FESTIVAL.
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We hope to see you back next year!







