Fog City Social 2025: A Whiskey Experience Like No Other
On April 26, 2025, whiskey lovers from across the country gathered at the Historic Ring Con Center in San Francisco for the fourth installment of Fog City Social. More than just a festival, Fog City Social has earned a reputation for being a carefully curated celebration of community, craftsmanship, and connection. Every attendee is treated like a VIP, every pour tells a story, and the intimate atmosphere makes it a standout in the crowded world of whiskey events.
As host of Barrel Room Chronicles, I had the privilege of walking the floor, tasting extraordinary drams, and sitting down with the people behind them. What struck me most wasn’t just the quality of the whiskey—it was the diversity of stories and the shared passion that connected everyone in the room.
Tropical Vibrancy and Rare Casks
I caught up with Rory Glasgow, national Scotch ambassador for Brown-Forman, who introduced me to GlenGlassaugh’s Sandend. With notes of mango, papaya, grapefruit, and a crack of sea salt, it’s a whiskey that punches far above its weight in vibrancy. Rory also poured a stunning 25-year-old BenRiach single cask—a bourbon lover’s dream with rich oak, vanilla, and caramelized sugar.
Shining a Light on American Craft
Nora Ganley-Roper, co-founder and head blender of Lost Lantern, shared how her independent bottler is sourcing whiskey from over 40 distilleries in 25 states. From flagship blends to single-cask releases, Lost Lantern’s mission is simple: to shine a light on the best of American whiskey that might otherwise remain hidden.
Whiskey Meets Hollywood
At the Bear Fight Whiskey booth, Peter Talhame explained how Hollywood stars Seth MacFarlane and Gabriel Macht brought creative energy and visibility to the brand. With a reposado-finished high-rye bourbon and a triple-oaked American single malt, Bear Fight is carving its place with bold expressions at approachable prices.
Honoring Irish Heritage
I was also introduced to Richard Lobrano of Molly Malone Whiskey, whose family roots trace back to Scotch whisky independence. Inspired by Dublin’s beloved folk figure, Molly Malone, his small-batch Irish whiskey celebrates Irish culture with crisp, light notes perfect for sipping neat or mixing into classic cocktails.
An English Single Malt with Character
At the JVS Imports booth, Zakai poured me a dram of Filey Bay from Yorkshire. Crafted grain-to-glass with barley grown on poor soil that makes for excellent whiskey, the STR cask release (shave, toast, re-char) brought creamy, rich barley flavors balanced with spice and oak.
A Rare Piece of History
Finally, Peter Currie of Shand Import presented something truly special—a 31-year-old single grain from the long-closed Caledonian Distillery. With only 239 bottles drawn from a single cask, this whiskey was elegant, complex, and unforgettable. For many at the festival, it was a once-in-a-lifetime taste of history.
More Than Just Whiskey
What sets Fog City Social apart is its ability to foster genuine connection. This wasn’t about rushing from booth to booth with a tasting glass—it was about slowing down, sharing stories, and celebrating the people who make the whiskey world so dynamic. From emerging independent bottlers to industry icons, the event captured the full spectrum of what whiskey culture can be.
Closing Thoughts
As I left the Ring Con Center with a festival-exclusive bottle in hand, I felt the same way many attendees did—energized, inspired, and grateful for the shared passion that makes this community so special.
Fog City Social isn’t just another whiskey festival. It’s a reminder that behind every dram is a story worth telling. And I can’t wait to see what next year brings.
🎧 Catch the full episode of Barrel Room Chronicles (Season 4, Episode 12) to hear these conversations and more.
[đź”— Listen Now]
Kerry Moynahan
Host
Kerry Moynahan grew up in San Jose, California, and moved to Los Angeles after receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Cinema Production from San Francisco State University. Kerry established her career in entertainment working on sitcoms such as FRIENDS, films including Seabiscuit and War of the Worlds and reality programs. Thanks to a swift ascent into the world of television, she became a producer at the E! Network and joined the Producers Guild of America. She has also contributed to the success of many Golden Globe, Critics Choice, and Emmy-nominated programs, including The Taste, Dancing with the Stars, Better Things, and Lawmen: Bass Reeves among others.
A longtime spirits enthusiast with a specific emphasis on whiskey, Kerry belongs to numerous whiskey and spirit societies, including the Scotch Club, Women Who Whiskey and The Los Angeles Whisk(e)y & Spirits Guild to name a few. She is a Certified Bartender and Bourbon Steward and holds a certificate of completion at the Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh, Scotland. In (2021), Kerry brought her passion into her professional realm and launched Barrel Room Chronicles, where she hosts and produces a program that celebrates and explores of all things spirits, with a focus on whiskey. Each episode examines the many colorful personalities who love, make, and write about whisky, including interviews from distillers, blenders, authors, ambassadors, bartenders, and innovators in the spirits industry. In 2023 and 2024, the program received a prestigious Telly Award, which annually showcases the best work created wit… Read More
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