mountain west whiskey festival
Mountain West Whiskey Festival
SOUTH DAKOTA’S
PREMIER WHISKEY
TASTING EVENT
industry: event
services: the works
the situation
How do you navigate an already established whiskey events in the area, creating natural competition for attendees, vendors, and attention. In a market the size of Rapid City, that overlap made it even more important to clearly define what would set this event apart.
the solution
HomeSlice leveraged its media network, digital platforms, and event expertise to create buzz, drive attendance, and deliver an elevated experience for guests and vendors alike. By leaning into quality over quantity and building a strong identity around the event, HomeSlice was able to carve out its own space in the market. This standout regional experience continues to grow year after year, fueled by both smart strategy and a shared love for great whiskey.
The Mountain West Whiskey Festival is a true HomeSlice original, built entirely in-house from the ground up. Every detail from initial planning and marketing to location scouting and event execution is handled by the HomeSlice team. Even the merchandise is custom designed by our in-house designers. This hands-on approach allows HomeSlice to maintain complete creative control and ensure a cohesive vision throughout, resulting in an event that feels intentional, well-crafted, and distinctly its own.
WHISKEY @
WORK
HomeSlice extends its passion for whiskey beyond the event itself with the Whiskey @ Work podcast, hosted by two Homies, Mark Houston and Rob Henry. The podcast not only celebrates whiskey culture but also plays a key role behind the scenes, as the hosts help plan many of the finer details of the Mountain West Whiskey Festival each year, including picking the selection.
RICKY FOLSOM
To add personality and a memorable edge to the Mountain West Whiskey Festival, HomeSlice created Ricky Folsom, a larger-than-life, character who’s become a fan favorite in event promotions. Ricky is every bit the rugged cowboy, but with a twist: he’s just as passionate about pushing his own line of over-the-top fruity mixers as he is about whiskey. That unexpected contrast brings humor and originality to the campaign, helping the festival stand out in a crowded market.
ADDY WINNER
MWWF has won awards for Ricky Folsom in the Branded Content category, and the Whiskey @ Work Podcast in the Film, Video, and Sound category.