Bern’s Steak House, Tampa’s legendary culinary landmark known for its world-class wine collection and dining excellence, announces the return of Whiskey Tampa Foxtrot (WTF), for its 10th year celebrating exceptional whiskey, culinary craftsmanship, and philanthropy, taking place Monday, Nov. 9 through Saturday, Nov. 14.
This year, Whiskey Tampa Foxtrot returns with an especially impressive lineup, bringing together some of the most respected names in American whiskey for six consecutive nights of intimate dining experiences throughout Bern’s Steak House. The 2026 series will feature Booker’s, Willett, Rare Character, Garrison Bros., with WhistlePig taking over the final two evenings for dedicated Boss Hog and Bern’s Private Selects dinners. Adding to the significance of this year’s series, guests will have the rare opportunity to hear directly from distinguished multigenerational master distillers and whiskey innovators, including several new faces to Whiskey Tampa Foxtrot. Across the six nights, these industry leaders will personally guide guests through exceptional selections spanning highly allocated releases, limited editions, rare aged expressions and exclusive Bern’s private selections, underscoring the depth and caliber of one of the event’s strongest lineups to date.
Each evening will pair a curated whiskey selection with a multi-course menu from Chef de Cuisine Brent Hunt, Pastry Chef Hannah Thomas, and the entire Bern’s culinary team. Together, the dinners will showcase the depth and breadth of the whiskey world while continuing the event’s philanthropic mission. Guests will indulge in a variety of dishes such as Whiskey-Aged Japanese Wagyu Tenderloin with bearnaise flan, haricot vert, and au poivre, Foie Gras with apples and pumpkin brittle, Chilled Lobster with mâche, avocado, and passion fruit, and Chocolate and Malt Tart with raspberry, hazelnut, and smoked raspberry sorbet. All menu details can be found on the Laxer Family Foundation’s Eventbrite page.
Proceeds from Whiskey Tampa Foxtrot 2026, including funds raised through the six-night dinner series and an online auction running throughout the event will benefit Operation Healing Forces and the Navy SEAL Foundation through the Laxer Family Foundation. Dedicated to empowering at-risk and aspiring youth, honoring distinguished U.S. veterans and supporting emerging culinary talent, the Laxer Family Foundation leads the annual initiative as part of its broader mission. The auction is made possible in part by the generous support of longtime partners, with Willett continuing their support through their barrel donation and exclusive private distillery experience. Additional offerings this year include a VIP tour of Buffalo Trace Distillery paired with a barrel selection experience alongside Bern’s Director of Spirits, Nate Wilson, Bern’s Private Selects lots and other unique offerings. Together, the dinners and online auction play an important role in advancing the Laxer Family Foundation’s mission and generating meaningful support for the organizations and initiatives it serves.
“Every year, we challenge ourselves to make Whiskey Tampa Foxtrot something truly special, and the caliber of this year’s lineup speaks for itself,” said David Laxer, owner of Bern’s Steak House. “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.”
Tickets for each dinner will be available through Eventbrite starting at 10 a.m. ET Saturday, Oct. 3. Given the intimate nature of each experience and the popularity of Whiskey Tampa Foxtrot, tickets are expected to sell quickly. All tickets are sold in pairs, with a limit of one pair per purchase.
The Whiskey Tampa Foxtrot 2026 dinner lineup includes:
- Booker’s Dinner: Monday, Nov. 9, 2026, 6:00pm ($425 per person, sold in groups of two)
- The 10th anniversary celebration begins with an intimate Booker’s whiskey pairing dinner in the Bern’s Rhone Room. Eighth-generation Beam Distiller Freddie Noe will lead guests on a journey through Booker’s Reserve 2024, 2025, and 2026, alongside Little Book The Infinite I and III, which are rare expressions thoughtfully selected and presented by Freddie himself. Each pour will be paired with an exquisite culinary experience crafted by Chef de Cuisine Brent Hunt and the Bern’s culinary team, followed by a decadent finale from Pastry Chef Hannah Thomas. For additional menu details, please visit this dinner’s Eventbrite page here.
- Willett Dinner: Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026, 6:00pm ($425 per person, sold in groups of two)
- The celebration continues with a dedicated Willett dinner in Bern’s Bordeaux Room. All of the Willett dinners hosted at Bern’s have been special, but this one carries a unique significance with fifth-generation Master Distiller Drew Kulsveen joining for the evening. Alongside Bern’s Selects “Bern’s Has Your Six” 9-Year Bourbon and “Tactical Parking” 15-Year Bourbon, Drew and Barrel Program Manager Ethan Warneck have selected three rare expressions: a 12-Year Bourbon (B#1992), an 18-Year Bourbon (B#1220), and an 11-Year Rye (B#2383). To complement these exceptional pours, Chef de Cuisine Brent Hunt, alongside the Bern’s culinary team, will present a series of savory courses, followed by an exquisite dessert from Pastry Chef Hannah Thomas. An extraordinary lineup of Willett whiskey, thoughtfully paired cuisine, and an opportunity to share the evening with one of Kentucky’s most celebrated distilling families will make for a dinner not to be missed. For additional menu details, please visit this dinner’s Eventbrite page here.
- Rare Character Dinner: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026, 6:00pm ($375 per person, sold in groups of two)
- Rare Character takes center stage for the third evening of Whiskey Tampa Foxtrot with an intimate dinner in Bern’s Harry Waugh Room led by Pablo Moix. This special dinner features Rare Character Bern’s 70th Anniversary Curated Batch & Commander’s Club, Brook Hill 17 Year, Old Cassidy, and Black Maple Hill 11 Year Rye—each brought to life through dynamic dishes by Chef de Cuisine Brent Hunt and Bern’s culinary team. Pastry Chef Hannah Thomas will bring the evening to a showstopping sweet finish. For additional menu details, please visit this dinner’s Eventbrite page here.
- Garrison Brothers Dinner: Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026, 6:00pm ($400 per person, sold in groups of two)
- The series continues Thursday with a Garrison Brothers dinner in Bern’s Harry Waugh Room. Garrison Brothers Master Distiller, Donnis Todd may be new to Whiskey Tampa Foxtrot, but he’s no stranger to Bern’s. Over the years, Donnis has guided Bern’s through some remarkable single-barrel selections, and now he’s returning to lead guests through his latest handiwork. Guests will taste an exceptional lineup, including Cask Strength “Lady Bird,” “Balmorhea,” Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry cask finishes, and the rare Limited Edition “Sonora.” Each pour will be thoughtfully paired with a tailored savory menu created by Chef de Cuisine Brent Hunt and the entire culinary team, culminating in a signature sweet creation from Pastry Chef Hannah Thomas. For additional menu details, please visit this dinner’s Eventbrite page here.
- WhistlePig Boss Hog Dinner: Friday, Nov. 13, 2026, 6:00pm ($425 per person, sold in groups of two)
- WhistlePig takes over Bern’s Table for the first of two consecutive evenings, beginning with an intimate dinner centered around Boss Hog. Watching a distiller step into a role and truly make it their own is something special. As Research & Development Distiller at WhistlePig, Mitch Mahar has established himself as one of the most innovative and artful figures in whiskey today. Mitch will lead guests on an immersive journey beginning with The Spirit of Mauve and continuing through Siren’s Song, The Juggernaut, and Feather & Flame, culminating in the highly anticipated new release, The Golden Pharaoh. To complement the creativity in the glass, Chef de Cuisine Brent Hunt and his team will present a thoughtfully curated series of savory plates, followed by a standout sweet creation from Pastry Chef Hannah Thomas. For additional menu details, please visit this dinner’s Eventbrite page here.
- WhistlePig Bern’s Private Selects Dinner: Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, 6:00pm ($375 per person, sold in groups of two)
- Whiskey Tampa Foxtrot culminates Saturday with a second WhistlePig experience at Bern’s Table, this time highlighting Bern’s Private Selects and bringing the six-night celebration to a close. Mitch Mahar will lead a special tasting featuring Bern’s Selects 15-Year Rye, alongside 12-Year Bespoke finishes in Coconut, Pineau des Charentes, and Mezcal. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of “Whiskey Tampa Foxtrot,” the lineup will also feature Bern’s first Bespoke Madeira/Port blend, originally crafted in 2016. Guests will enjoy thoughtfully designed culinary pairings from Chef de Cuisine Brent Hunt and the Bern’s culinary team, while Pastry Chef Hannah Thomas brings the week to a sweet finish, making for a memorable finale to an exceptional week of whiskey. For additional menu details, please visit this dinner’s Eventbrite page here.
Bern’s Steak House will offer complimentary parking for all dinner guests. For more information about Whiskey Tampa Foxtrot 2026 and ticket purchases, visit laxerfamilyfoundation.org or follow Bern’s Steak House on Instagram and Facebook for the latest announcements.
