Preview: Whiskey Obsession Festival

This Friday, March 28, more than 30 master distillers will pack Michael's On East to serve samples of 200 varieties of whiskey from all over the world, as part of the second annual Whiskey Obsession Festival — the largest of its type in Florida.

Math was never my strong suit, but with a $95 general-admission ticket and unlimited tasting of 200 different types of spirits (many of which are produced by small craft distillers), I think the numbers are in your favor. Plus, as far as major purchases go, whiskey is a pretty safe bet.

The night kicks off at 7:30 p.m., or 6:30 p.m. for VIP guests, followed by five educational seminars and an after party at Made Restaurant.

VIP and guest tickets are also available, for $195 and $45, respectively. More info here:

Whiskey seems to be a divisive liquor — people either love it or hate it. I maintain that it's an acquired taste, and even the most staunch opponent can be turned. Maybe I just want everyone to love it as much as I do, but, hey, a whiskey tasting is as good a place as any to acquire the thirst for the king of liquors, right?

Follow me through the five stages of becoming a whiskey fanatic:

• Denial and Isolation: "Whiskey? I'll never enjoy it. Don't even try."

•  Anger: "Oh, man. This is actually pretty good. But I hate admitting when I'm wrong. Don't back down, now."

• Bargaining: "Fine. I'll have some if you do."

• Depression: "Who am I kidding? Whiskey is the best. I've been living a lie my entire life."

Acceptance: "Now that I love it, I can be a part of something and silently judge the outsiders. I was never like them."