Throughout the year Walton Arts Center hosts several different events as part of our annual Art of Wine (AOW) Festival. Our Art of Wine Festival is one of the major fudraising events for Walton Arts Center's Arts Education and Outreach programs.

The first event of this year's AOW is the Scotch Tasting on Thursday, November 3 at 6pm. Master of Whisky, Robert Sickler will be here to host the evening, and will have some of the finest single malt and blended Scotch whiskies in the world.

Robert has been here with us before hosting this event, and we're happy to welcome him back this year. Here's a little bio on Robert:

Master of Whisky for Colorado, Robert Sickler, spends his days organizing whisky tastings, seminars, and dinners to introduce people to all things whisky.Trained in all aspects of whisky by experts at some of the world's most famous distilleries,Sickler takes great pride in“bringing whisky to the people”, converting new whisky enthusiasts “one dram at a time.”

Before discovering a career in whisky, Sickler worked as an English teacher; however, his passion for wine and spirits prompted him to change course. He became a veteran of the wine & spirits industry, pouring drinks, managing restaurants, and hosting wine dinners across the globe before returning to the United States to become a Master of Whisky.

Because of his knowledge of international cuisine and interest in complex flavor combinations, Sickler is always seeking to pair the perfect food alongside the perfect whisky. He views whisky as the "wine of the spirits world‟ and enjoys the opportunity to present whisky and food combinations that "transform hearts, minds, and palates.‟ He also takes pride in utilizing fresh, innovative ingredients to create unforgettable whisky cocktails.

Sickler can think of no job better suited to his personality than Master of Whisky. He says, “I grew up with a deep connection to my Scottish and Irish heritage, and as an adult I developed a sincere passion for whisky. Getting to combine these two interests by working as a brand ambassador for the world's finest whisky portfolio is a true honor.”

When not preaching the gospel of whisky, Robert enjoys writing, reading, photography, percussion and the culinary arts. He is an avid reader of literature, international affairs, anthropology and history.

We hope to see you here at Walton Arts Center on Thursday at our Scotch Tasting with Master of Whisky, Robert Sickler. It's sure to be a good time for a good cause!