Business on the Rocks:
Tastings at the Tavern
An Upscale Night of Bites, Business, Bourbon & More!
Join 50 of Knoxville’s sharpest business leaders for an intimate evening of premium spirit tastings, curated bites, and powerful connections in one of downtown’s most refined settings.
📅 Thursday, February 26, 2026
🕕 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
📍 The Den inside the Tavern at Maker Exchange
Nestled between Marriott Downtown Knoxville & The TENNESSEAN Hotel
Tickets start as low as $40 each! (EarlyBird Price)
VIP Experience available with exclusive bourbon flight and business spotlight.
WHAT IS
Tasting at the Tavern?
An Exclusive Spirit-Fueled Business Networking Experience
As part of our Business on the Rocks series, Tastings at the Tavern
is a ticketed, VIP-style networking event hosted by the
Knox Area Business Alliance
This isn’t your typical name-tag-and-coffee meetup.
We’re taking you inside The Den at the Tavern at Maker Exchange, an upscale, intimate bar tucked between the Marriott Downtown Knoxville and the historic TENNESSEAN Hotel, for an evening designed to:.
Spark genuine conversations, not surface-level small talk
Connect you with decision-makers and business leaders
Let you enjoy hand-selected bourbon, whiskey, gin, vodka, & other spirits tastings with food crafted to match the experience
Limited to only 50 guests, this night is all about quality over quantity… in your glass and in your connections.
Your Ticket Includes More Than Just Drink Samples
With your Business on the Rocks
general admission ticket, you’ll enjoy:
🥃 Guided tastings from top bourbon, whiskey, gin, vodka, and other brands, hosted by distillery reps
🍽️ Light hors d’oeuvres from the Tavern at Maker Exchange, thoughtfully paired with the tastings
🍹 Access to a cash bar in the event space, featuring a signature, event-exclusive bourbon cocktails
🤝 Curated business networking with local owners, leaders, and professionals
🏙️ An upscale downtown atmosphere perfectly suited for high-value conversations
This evening is crafted to feel like a private club experience… without needing a membership.
VIP tickets include additional exclusive tastings, a business spotlight, and premium perks not included with standard admission.
Featured Distilleries & Tasting Lineup
You’ll get to sample from an impressive bourbon, whiskey and spirit lineup
Jim Beam - Knob Creek Bourbon - Knob Creek Rye - Basil Hayden - Basil Hayden Toast - Basil Hayden Golden Rye
Bacardi - Angel’s Envy varieties
Company Distilling - Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished with Maple Wood - Ghost Rail Tennessee Dry Gin - Ghost Rail Heirloom Gin - Nothing Vodka
Chattanooga Whiskey - 91 - Cask - Rye
Upgrade to VIP:
Select hand-picked and reserve barrel tastings are exclusive to the VIP Experience and will not be available for individual purchase.
We’re in conversations with other distilleries and select moonshine companies to add even more Tennessee flavor to the night.
Upgrade Your Night with the VIP Experience
The VIP Experience is designed for professionals who want elevated tastings, added visibility, and exclusive access not available to general attendees.
This experience includes a private bourbon flight featuring hand-picked barrels, a dedicated business spotlight, and preferred perks to make the evening even more memorable.
Is Business on the Rocks: Tasting at the Tavern Right for You?
This event is designed for professionals who:
Want to build real relationships beyond business cards
Enjoy upscale environments and curated experiences
Appreciate a well-crafted bourbon as much as a well-crafted business strategy
Enjoy premium spirits of all kinds, including select gin and vodka tastings
Prefer quality conversations over crowded, noisy networking
If you’re a business owner, executive, sales professional, connector, or community leader, this room is where you’ll want to be.
Limited Tickets. Early Bird Savings.
We’re intentionally keeping this event small and exclusive with a hard cap of 50 tickets.
Save today! Early bird prices end 2/15/26!
Standard Ticket
🥃 Full access to tastings & hors d’oeuvres
🤝 Admission for 1 attendee
💰 $75
Standard Couple Ticket
Bring your partner and Save!
🥃 Full access to tastings & hors d’oeuvres
🤝 Admission for 2 attendees
💰 $125
The VIP Experience
⭐ Limited Availability
Standard Ticket Entry into Tastings at the Tavern plus:
Exclusive VIP bourbon flight
Dedicated 3-minute business spotlight
15% off Marriott Downtown Knoxville room (Feb 26)
All tastings, hors d’oeuvres, and networking included
💰 $150
Early bird pricing is automatically applied at checkout for the first 20 tickets sold. Once those are gone, all remaining tickets will be at the standard $75 rate.
VIP tickets are limited and sold separately from early bird pricing.
You're not going to want to miss this!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Business on the Rocks?
Business on the Rocks is an exclusive, ticketed business networking event combining premium spirit tastings, elevated hors d’oeuvres, and meaningful professional connections in an upscale downtown Knoxville setting.
What types of spirits will be available?
Guests will enjoy guided tastings of:
Bourbon
Whiskey
Gin
Vodka
Moonshine
In addition, the event features a full cash bar with an elevated bourbon selection for cocktails.
What bourbons are featured at the cash bar?
The full cash bar will feature premium bourbons including:
- Elijah Craig Small Batch
- Elijah Craig Straight Rye
- Old Fitzgerald 7 Year
- Weller Special Reserve
- Buffalo Trace
What food is included with the event?
Light hors d’oeuvres are included and provided by the Tavern at Maker Exchange, featuring:
- Antipasto Display
Olives, peppers, cured and pickled vegetables, and rosemary crisps
- Chef’s Choice Hors d’Oeuvres Display
House-made breadsticks with curated accompaniments
Is this a full dinner?
No. Hors d’oeuvres are designed to complement the tastings and cocktails. Guests should plan accordingly if they want a full meal before or after the event.
What is the VIP Experience?
The VIP Experience is a limited, premium upgrade designed for professionals who want deeper exposure, elevated tastings, and added perks.
VIP tickets include:
- Entry into Tastings at the Tavern with all standard tastings and hors d’oeuvres
- A dedicated 3-minute spotlight to promote your business to attendees
- An exclusive VIP bourbon flight not available for purchase elsewhere
- 15% off the Marriott Knoxville Downtown guest room rate for the night of February 26
What is included in the VIP bourbon flight?
The VIP-exclusive bourbon flight includes:
- Chattanooga Whiskey Cabernet Cask
- Chattanooga Whiskey Hand Picked Wheated Single Barrel
- George Dickel Hand Picked Barrel (16 years, 2 months)
These hand-picked barrels are signature selections available only at Tavern at Maker Exchange and are not offered outside of the VIP package.
Is the VIP bourbon flight available for purchase separately?
No. The VIP bourbon flight is exclusive to the VIP Experience and will not be available for individual purchase at the event.
Who is the VIP Experience best for?
VIP tickets are ideal for:
- Business owners and executives
- Sponsors and brand builders
- Professionals looking for visibility and premium access
- Anyone wanting a more elevated, exclusive experience
Is the VIP bourbon flight available for purchase at the event?
No. The VIP bourbon flight is exclusive to the VIP Experience and will not be available for individual purchase.
How many people will attend?
Attendance is capped at 50 general admission guests, with a very limited number of VIP tickets available to preserve exclusivity.
Is this a sales or pitch-focused event?
No. This is a relationship-first networking event. The only structured promotion is the optional VIP spotlight, designed to be brief, intentional, and respectful of the experience.
What is the dress code?
Business casual to business dress is recommended. Think polished, comfortable, and appropriate for an upscale downtown venue.
Can I bring a guest or business partner?
Yes. General admission and early bird ticket options are available. VIP tickets are sold per individual.
Are tickets refundable or transferable?
Tickets are non-refundable. Transfers are allowed with prior notice.
Where is the event located?
The event is held in The Den inside the Tavern at Maker Exchange, located between the Marriott Downtown Knoxville and the historic TENNESSEAN Hotel.
Is parking available?
s. Several downtown garages and hotel parking options are within walking distance, and there is valet parking on property.
Who is hosting this event?
Business on the Rocks is hosted by the Knox Area Business Alliance, creating elevated networking experiences for professionals across the Knoxville area.
Email: [email protected]
knoxareabusinessalliance.com
