Maverick Whiskey Wednesday Explores Barrels—and the Cocktails That Complement Them
Barrels do an enormous amount of the work in whiskey.
They provide color, flavor, aroma, texture, and eventually give whiskey drinkers something to argue about on the internet.
On Wednesday, August 26, 2026, Maverick Whiskey in downtown San Antonio continues its Whiskey Wednesdays education series with All About Barrels – and Cocktails to Complement Them.
The class runs from 6 to 7 p.m. inside Maverick's Lockwood Saloon.
What's So Important About the Barrel?
Distillation creates the spirit, but maturation transforms it.
For this edition of Whiskey Wednesdays, the focus turns toward the barrels that help shape what eventually ends up in your glass—and how those flavors can work their way into cocktails.
The evening is hosted by Michael Phillips, Maverick's bar manager and creator of the Whiskey Wednesdays program.
The series uses guided tastings, discussions, demonstrations, hands-on activities, and sensory tools to explore different corners of the whiskey world.
For August 26, that means getting considerably nerdier about barrels.
We're comfortable with this.
Whiskey Education Without the Classroom
Whiskey Wednesdays isn't designed as a traditional lecture.
Each week's topic changes, with previous and upcoming sessions exploring subjects ranging from bourbon and rye to grains, proof, sensory evaluation, blending, whiskey history, cocktails, ice, glassware, and technique.
Maverick spirits are incorporated throughout the experience, giving guests an opportunity to taste while exploring the evening's subject.
That makes the series approachable whether you're just beginning to explore whiskey or you're already the person at dinner who explains barrel char levels without being asked.
About Maverick Whiskey
Located in downtown San Antonio, Maverick Whiskey operates inside the historic Lockwood Bank building just a few blocks from the Alamo.
The distillery produces whiskey and other spirits while operating a restaurant and bar, giving visitors several ways to experience what Maverick is making without necessarily committing to a traditional distillery tour.
Whiskey Wednesdays takes that a step further by turning the Lockwood Saloon into a small weekly whiskey classroom.
Except this classroom has cocktails.
Public education continues to evolve.
Event Details
Event: Whiskey Wednesdays: All About Barrels – and Cocktails to Complement Them
Date: Wednesday, August 26, 2026
Time: 6:00–7:00 p.m.
Location: Maverick Whiskey – Lockwood Saloon
Address: 115 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78205
Host: Michael Phillips
What to Expect:
Exploration of whiskey barrels and maturation
Cocktails designed around the evening's topic
Guided whiskey education
Tastings and discussion
Demonstrations and sensory exploration
Maverick spirits
Small-group setting
Seating is limited, and advance reservations are recommended. Walk-ins are welcome when space is available.
Keep Exploring Texas Whiskey
If you're heading to downtown San Antonio, check out other upcoming Maverick Whiskey events and see what else is happening at the distillery.
You can also browse upcoming South Texas whiskey events or head to the complete Texas Whiskey Events Calendar for classes, tastings, bottle releases, pairing dinners, festivals, live music, and other whiskey events happening around the state.
Support Texas Whiskey Geek
If this calendar helped you find another perfectly reasonable excuse to learn about whiskey on a Wednesday, check out the Texas Whiskey Geek Merch Store.
Merch purchases help support independent Texas whiskey reviews, distillery visits, photography, event coverage, and keeping this calendar updated—along with occasionally convincing people that knowing the difference between toasted and charred oak constitutes a useful life skill.
Event Disclaimer
Event topics, hosts, tastings, cocktails, schedules, seating, and availability may change. Please verify current information directly with Maverick Whiskey before traveling.
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