There will be a new taste on the wind at the Tryon International in Mill Spring, North Carolina when the Earl Scruggs Music Festival comes rolling in September 4-6. The festival celebrates the music of the great Earl Scruggs, and the wide range of artists deeply influenced by it over the past 80 years.
For the 2026 event, organizers will introduce Spirits of Bluegrass, a whiskey-tasting ticket option for attendees. A number of boutique distilleries will participate in this program, including Oaklore Distilling Co., Cook’s Mill Whiskey, Defiant Whisky/Blue Ridge Distilling Co., and Still Austin Whiskey Co.
A $25 tasting pass on top of any festival ticket will entitle the bearers to:
- Curated tastings from regional and nationally recognized distilleries
- Whiskey-forward craft cocktails
- Fireside conversations exploring Appalachian whiskey history and culture
- Smoke & Spirits BBQ offerings and regional food pairings
- The Cook’s Mill Hi-Fi Lounge, featuring vinyl listening sessions presented by Citizen Vinyl
- Comfortable indoor and covered gathering spaces for guests to relax between performances
Given the explosion in popularity enjoyed by small distillers in recent years, and the historical connection between bluegrass music and, shall we say, under-the-table production of the product, festival organizers expect a good number of ticket holders to choose this inexpensive add-on option.
The music ain’t too shabby either, with a stellar lineup of traditional, contemporary, and progressive bluegrass acts on stage, led by Del McCoury, The Earls of Leicester, Rhonda Vincent, Béla Fleck, The Avett Brothers, Greensky Bluegrass, and many others.
Even if you’ve already obtained tickets for the 2026 Earl Scruggs Music Festival, you can still add a Spirits of Bluegrass pass for the weekend.
Full details and ticketing information can be found online.
