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Willett Dinner
Willett Dinner
$425 per person (seats will be sold in groups of two)
Attire: Dressy Casual
*Complimentary valet parking at Bern's Steak House
Kick off Whiskey Tampa Foxtrot 2025 with an unforgettable evening at the iconic Bern’s Steak House. Join us in the exclusive Rhone Room for a private Willett Distillery whiskey dinner hosted by Chris Ritch, VP of Sales for Willett North America.
Family-owned for more than 90 years, Willett is one of Kentucky’s most celebrated distilleries, still operated by the descendants of founder Thompson Willett. Guests will enjoy a guided tasting with Chris Ritch featuring one-ounce pours of:
- Willett Family Estate 10yr Bourbon
- Willett Family Estate 14yr Bourbon
- Willett Family Estate 17yr Bourbon
- Willett Family Estate 9yr Bourbon, ‘Bern’s has your six’
- Willett Family Estate 8yr Rye, ‘Magic 8 Ball’
Executive Chef Chad Johnson, Chef de Cuisine Brent Hunt, and Pastry Chef Hannah Thomas will present an extravagant menu paired with Willett whiskies at one of the country’s premier steakhouses.
Please note: Due to the format of this dinner, allergies and dietary substitutions cannot be accommodated. Pours and menu are subject to change and cannot be guaranteed.
~All sales are final ~
Menu
Reception
First Course
Willett Family Estate 10yr Bourbon 118.2° B#2317
Foie Gras Torchon – osetra caviar, cured egg, sourdough
Second Course
Willett Family Estate 14yr Bourbon 110.0° B#1050
Veal Tenderloin – pickled peppers, caper, pistachio, tonnato sauce
Third Course
Willett Family Estate 8yr Rye 108°, ‘Magic 8 Ball’ B#2438
Burnt Cabbage Pierogi – hog jowl, paprika, black truffle, poppy seed
Fourth Course
Willett Family Estate 17yr Bourbon 120.0° B#1209
Black Garlic Aged Strip Steak – maitake, sauce au poivre
Fifth Course
Willett Family Estate 9yr Bourbon 131.4°, ‘Bern’s Has Your Six’ B#595
Spiced Pear Bread Pudding- pecan brittle, burnt honey, miso caramel ice cream
*Due to the format of this dinner; allergies and dietary substitutions cannot be accommodated.
Pours and menus are subject to change and cannot be guaranteed.
Chris Ritch
VP of Sales, North America
Christopher Ritch is a seasoned wine and spirits executive with over 20 years of experience building some of the most respected names in American whiskey and craft spirits. As Vice President of Sales at Willett Distillery, he helps steward the legacy of one of Kentucky’s most iconic family-owned distilleries, leading U.S. sales operations with a focus on brand building, education, and storytelling.
Chris has been instrumental in shaping and launching premium spirits, from introducing Heaven’s Door Whiskey in the Southeast to establishing early momentum for brands like Angel’s Envy, Widow Jane, and Papas Pilar Rum. Known for blending strategic vision with a deep respect for tradition, he continues to strengthen partnerships, inspire teams, and advance the culture of bourbon nationwide.
Throughout his career, he has been recognized not only for his leadership, but for his ability to translate the soul of a spirit into a lasting brand presence.
