Say so long to fruity summer spritzer weather and hello to sippin’ season. Cooler temps and Smoke & Barrel are here at last. Get tickets now for events scheduled Thursday through Sunday for the ideal opportunity to savor bourbons, whiskeys and scotches to the heart’s content —and perhaps find a surprising new favorite.

Each day’s event is ticketed. Tickets are limited, more so for some days than for others, but as of Tuesday, there were remaining tickets for each activity through Eventbrite.

Smoke & Barrel has been regarded as a premiere occasion since its introduction in 2018, but this year a little bucking of tradition was in order, according to Saige Mestayer. Instead of the Thursday’s dinner and cocktail pairing, get ready for something different.

The Cocktail Royale Finale is 6:30-9 p.m. Thursday at the Stables at Le Bocage. Tickets are $75. The Finale is the culmination of a week-long cele-tition? Compe-bration? Witness the craft of mixology as bartenders create their signature bourbon-citrus cocktails vying for the coveted People’s Choice and Critics’ Choice awards. Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or just love a good drink, this event is your chance to sample these creative concoctions perfectly paired with delectable small bites and appetizers.

Meet the Makers Distiller’s Dinner is 7-9 p.m. Friday at the Pioneer Club. Tickets are $200. Distillers, founders and brand ambassadors – JT Meleck Distillers and Kentucky Owl are just a couple of examples – will be dusting off a bottle or two for the evening. Drink paired with an assortment of hors d’oeuvres and hand passed bites.

Grandest to date

The Grand Tasting Event is Saturday, 1-9 p.m. under the live oaks at the Calcasieu Parish Courthouse in Downtown Lake Charles. Tickets are $125. This is the Smoke & Barrel 2024 ultimate celebration of the senses. This large-scale, premiere tasting event promises to be unforgettable. Savor the finest bourbons, indulge in mouth-watering barbecue, shop local artisan and food vendors and enjoy a day filled with raising funds for the United Way Success by Six program.

“You asked me what’s different this year? Last year we had 18 tents,” Mestayer said. “This year we have 30. Each tent has two to seven tables. That means upwards of 130 spirits to sample.”

Smokin’ Brunch 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday at Golden Nugget Casino Charthouse. Tickets are $40 to $60 and include one entree and one cocktail.