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Bern’s Steak House, the internationally acclaimed culinary destination in Tampa, Florida, has officially announced the return of its premier spirits event, Whiskey Tampa Foxtrot (WTF), marking a decade of celebrating high-end American whiskey, gourmet gastronomy, and charitable giving. Scheduled to run from Monday, November 9, through Saturday, November 14, the 2026 iteration of the event promises to be the most expansive in its ten-year history, featuring an elite roster of master distillers and rare spirit expressions paired with a bespoke menu designed by the restaurant’s award-winning culinary team.
The event serves as a cornerstone of the Tampa Bay area’s luxury dining calendar, drawing connoisseurs from across the country to experience one of the nation’s most celebrated spirits programs within the halls of a James Beard Award-winning institution. This year’s series is structured as six consecutive nights of intimate, guided dinners, each focusing on a specific powerhouse of the American whiskey industry. The 2026 lineup features an impressive array of producers including Booker’s, Willett, Rare Character, and Garrison Brothers, culminating in a two-night residency by Vermont-based WhistlePig, which will showcase its prestigious "Boss Hog" series and exclusive Bern’s Private Select barrels.
A Milestone Decennial Lineup of Master Distillers
The tenth anniversary of Whiskey Tampa Foxtrot represents a significant evolution from its inaugural year. What began as a local celebration has transformed into a nationally recognized summit for whiskey innovators. For the 2026 series, guests will interact directly with multigenerational master distillers and industry pioneers, many of whom are making their debut at the event. These experts will provide a narrative backdrop to the evening, explaining the technical nuances of mash bills, barrel charring, and the environmental factors that influence the maturation of their specific spirits.
The inclusion of Booker’s, a brand synonymous with the Jim Beam small-batch legacy, sets a high bar for the week. Known for its "uncut and unfiltered" profile, Booker’s offerings are typically aged between six and eight years and bottled at cask strength, providing a robust profile that challenges and delights the palate. Similarly, the presence of Willett—a family-owned distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky—brings a sense of heritage to the series. Willett is renowned for its diverse portfolio, ranging from high-rye bourbons to historic pot still expressions.
Rare Character and Garrison Brothers represent the modern vanguard of the industry. Rare Character has gained a cult following for its focus on single-barrel selections and transparency in sourcing, while Garrison Brothers, the first legal bourbon distillery in Texas, offers a unique "Texas Heat" profile characterized by rapid maturation and deep, dark caramel notes. The final two nights, hosted by WhistlePig, are expected to be the most sought-after tickets of the week. WhistlePig has redefined the rye whiskey category, and the "Boss Hog" series is widely considered one of the most innovative limited-edition releases in the world, often utilizing exotic wood finishes and experimental aging techniques.
Culinary Integration and the Art of the Pairing
The Whiskey Tampa Foxtrot experience is defined by the synergy between the glass and the plate. Chef de Cuisine Brent Hunt and Pastry Chef Hannah Thomas have developed a multi-course curriculum designed to stand up to the high proof and complex flavors of the featured whiskeys. The culinary team utilizes the restaurant’s legendary dry-aging facilities and locally sourced ingredients to create dishes that are both innovative and grounded in Bern’s tradition of excellence.
A highlight of the 2026 menu is the Whiskey-Aged Japanese Wagyu Tenderloin. This dish utilizes a specialized aging process where the beef is encased in whiskey-soaked aromatics, resulting in a buttery texture with a faint, oaky sweetness. It is served alongside a savory bearnaise flan and a classic au poivre sauce. Other featured dishes include Foie Gras paired with seasonal apples and a pumpkin brittle to provide a textural contrast, and Chilled Lobster served with mache, avocado, and a bright passion fruit reduction to cleanse the palate between heavy pours.
The dessert course, led by Hannah Thomas, bridges the gap between the dining room and Bern’s world-famous Harry Waugh Dessert Room. The Chocolate and Malt Tart, featuring raspberry, hazelnut, and a smoked raspberry sorbet, is specifically engineered to complement the vanillin and toasted oak notes found in well-aged bourbon.
Philanthropy at the Core: The Laxer Family Foundation
Beyond the culinary and spirit-focused aspects of the week, Whiskey Tampa Foxtrot is a major fundraising vehicle for the Laxer Family Foundation. The foundation, led by the family that has owned and operated Bern’s Steak House since 1956, focuses on three primary pillars: empowering at-risk youth, honoring U.S. veterans, and fostering the next generation of culinary talent.
The proceeds from the 2026 dinner series and the concurrent online auction will be directed toward Operation Healing Forces and the Navy SEAL Foundation. Operation Healing Forces is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing therapeutic retreats for active-duty and retired Special Operations Forces and their spouses, helping them navigate the physical and emotional transitions of military life. The Navy SEAL Foundation provides immediate and ongoing support and assistance to the Naval Special Warfare community and its families.
David Laxer, owner of Bern’s Steak House, emphasized the importance of this mission in a recent statement: "Every year, we challenge ourselves to make Whiskey Tampa Foxtrot something truly special, and the caliber of this year’s lineup speaks for itself. To bring this collection of whiskey producers and experiences together over six nights is incredibly exciting, but the purpose behind the week remains what matters most. We’re proud to create memorable experiences for our guests while supporting Operation Healing Forces and the Navy SEAL Foundation and the important work they do for our veteran community."
The Online Auction and Exclusive Spirit Lots
A significant portion of the event’s impact comes from its online auction, which features items and experiences that are generally unavailable to the public. For 2026, long-time partner Willett has donated a full barrel of whiskey along with an exclusive private distillery experience in Kentucky. This lot allows the winning bidder to participate in the selection process, effectively creating their own private label under the guidance of the Willett family.
Another marquee auction item is a VIP tour of the Buffalo Trace Distillery. This experience includes a barrel selection session with Nate Wilson, the Director of Spirits for Bern’s Steak House. Wilson is responsible for maintaining Bern’s massive spirits inventory and has a reputation for selecting some of the finest "private select" barrels in the country. Other auction lots include rare bottles from the Bern’s cellar, vintage glassware, and luxury travel packages.
Historical Context and the Bern’s Legacy
To understand the significance of Whiskey Tampa Foxtrot, one must consider the history of Bern’s Steak House. Founded by Bern and Gert Laxer in 1956, the restaurant began as a small sandwich shop before evolving into a world-class steakhouse. It is home to one of the largest privately-owned wine collections in the world, with over 600,000 bottles stored in a climate-controlled warehouse.
While Bern’s has historically been known for its wine, the last decade has seen a concerted effort to elevate its spirits program to the same level of prestige. The Whiskey Tampa Foxtrot event was born out of this desire to highlight the complexity of American whiskey. The restaurant’s "Private Select" program, where the staff travels to distilleries to hand-pick specific barrels for their guests, has become a model for other luxury establishments nationwide.
The event also highlights the economic and cultural growth of Tampa. Once considered a secondary market for fine dining, Tampa has seen a massive influx of culinary talent and investment over the last decade. Events like WTF solidify the city’s status as a top-tier destination for high-end tourism and gastronomy.
Logistics and Ticket Acquisition
Due to the intimate nature of the dinners—held in various private dining rooms within the sprawling Bern’s complex—tickets are extremely limited. The restaurant has announced that tickets will go on sale via Eventbrite on Saturday, October 3, at 10:00 a.m. ET. Historically, these tickets sell out within minutes of being released.
Tickets are sold exclusively in pairs to ensure a cohesive dining experience, with a limit of one pair per purchase. This policy is intended to prevent scalping and ensure that as many unique guests as possible can attend the series. The restaurant provides complimentary parking for all dinner guests, a necessary amenity given the high-traffic nature of the Howard Avenue district.
Analysis of the Whiskey Market and Event Impact
The success of Whiskey Tampa Foxtrot reflects broader trends in the global spirits market. According to recent industry data, the "ultra-premium" whiskey segment has seen double-digit growth annually for the past five years. Consumers are increasingly seeking out "experience-based" consumption, where the story behind the bottle and the environment in which it is consumed are as important as the liquid itself.
By combining rare spirits with world-class cuisine and a philanthropic mission, Bern’s Steak House has created a sustainable model that benefits both the consumer and the community. The 10th anniversary of Whiskey Tampa Foxtrot is not just a celebration of a decade of successful events; it is a testament to the enduring appeal of quality, heritage, and the spirit of giving.
As the series approaches its November start date, the anticipation among the "whiskey-phile" community continues to build. For the lucky few who secure tickets, the week promises an unparalleled journey through the history and future of American whiskey, all while supporting those who have served the nation in its most elite military capacities. For more information and to view the full auction catalog, interested parties are encouraged to visit the Laxer Family Foundation website or follow the restaurant’s social media channels for real-time updates.
