The Daily Pour Acquires Whiskey Riot in a Deal That Reshapes the Spirits Festival Landscape

The Daily Pour has acquired Whiskey Riot, officially making us the largest producer of whiskey festivals in the U.S.

Whiskey Riot is one of the most recognized and respected whiskey festival brands in the country, spanning nine markets in 2026, which will allow us to expand to many new cities quickly. This deal will mark our third acquisition in 24 months, following last year’s addition of The WhiskyX festivals, and continues our effort to consolidate what has long been a fragmented drinks events market.

With Whiskey Riot in the fold, The Daily Pour now operates four festival and event brands: Whiskey Washback, Whiskey Riot, Arte Agave and Drinks with Benefits — which was recently named a Top 10 Specialty Festival by USA Today — covering whiskey, agave and non-alcoholic beverages. We have at least 30 events scheduled for 2027, doubling our 2026 slate, and are actively pursuing further acquisitions in an effort to establish market dominance in the experiential drinks space.

Our events complement our media operations, which include an AI-powered spirits app, a large newsletter audience, a website featuring an expansive spirits review database and a creator network with more than 2.5 million followers combined.

“The Daily Pour is the only platform in the country where a spirits or beverage brand can activate nationally — across events, content, and commerce — under one roof,” founder Dan Abrams said. “With the addition of Whiskey Riot, an exceptional brand with a loyal following, we are accelerating our growth and strengthening our position as the nation’s dominant drinks event platform.”

Bobby Finan, who founded Whiskey Riot, said, “We built Whiskey Riot to celebrate the best of American whiskey culture, and The Daily Pour is the right home to carry that forward. Their infrastructure, brand relationships, and national reach will elevate what Whiskey Riot can offer consumers and sponsors alike. We’re excited to be part of the team.”

Finan will remain involved as a consultant through a transition period to ensure continuity across Whiskey Riot’s existing markets and sponsor relationships.

For our Whiskey Riot partners, you’ll be in familiar hands. Lexi Osher is joining The Daily Pour as VP of Whiskey Events and will remain the day-to-day lead for Whiskey Riot.

Brands interested in sponsorship, activation, or digital integration opportunities across The Daily Pour’s events portfolio can contact VP of Brand Partnerships and Events Walter Easterbrook at [email protected]. For Whiskey Riot specific inquiries, contact Lexi Osher at [email protected].

Read the full coverage in BevNet here.