In the world of archaeology it’s excavation season, and as I gear up to leave the country Chicago gears up for WhiskyFest 2010. So while I’ll miss out on most of the festivities, I’ll be there in spirit. Here’s a rundown of some of the options that have come across my desk. Party on, Chicago.
Delilah’s Whiskies Around The World
Monday, April 19th at 6:30 (prompt)
Senior Master of Whisky Martin C. Duffy and Delilah’s very own Mike Miller invite you to a complimentary informal seminar featuring whiskies from Scotland (The Classic Malts & Johnnie Walker), Ireland (Bushmills), Kentucky (Bulleit Bourbon), Tennessee (George Dickel) and Canada (Crown Royal) at the bar that has been nominated for Best Whisky Bar in the World.
Delilah’s (Upstairs)
2771 North Lincoln Avenue; (773) 472-2771; ask for Mike.
Classic Malts Food Pairing at Morton’s the Steakhouse-Schaumburg
Tuesday, April 20th at 6:30pm (sharp)
Join Martin C. Duffy, Senior Master of Whisky, as he hosts at feast for the senses featuring a six course meal paired with the Classic Malt Selection.
Pairings Include:
Reception: Tuna Tartare Canapes paired with the Singleton of Glendullan 12yr.
1) Dalwhinnie 15yr, Central Highlands, with Marinated Baby Lamb Chops
2) Lagavulin 16yr, Islay, with Smoked Salmon & Broiled Sea Scallop
3) Glenkinchie 12 yr, Lowlands, with Gouda and Granny Smith Apple
4) Oban 14yr, West Highlands, with Oriental Sirloin Roll
5) Talisker 10yr, Isle of Skye, with Oysters
6) Cragganmore Distiller’s Edition, Speyside, with Legendary Hot Chocolate Cake
Price is $66.00 (includes tax and gratuity)
RSVP is required. Seating is Limited.
1470 McConnor Parkway
Schaumburg, IL 60173-4378
(847) 413-8771 Ask for Sonia.
Whisky Night at One North Kitchen & Bar
Wednesday, April 21st , 5-7pm
An After work treat! Come, rub elbows, mingle and sample a large variety of whiskies from all over the world right in the center of Chicago’s Loop with distillers and whisky ambassadors!
Featuring the top shelf expressions of Johnnie Walker, The Classic Malts, Bushmills Irish Whiskey, Bulleit Bourbon, Crown Royal and George Dickel Tennessee Whisky and many, many more.
Admission – $30 in advance or $35 at the door
RSVP is required.
1 North Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606-2807
(312) 750-9700; ask for Don.
The Classic Malt Selection at Warehouse Liquors
Wednesday, April 21st, 7:30-9pm
Join Martin C. Duffy, Senior Master of Whisky, as he takes you through the western coast single malts of the award winning Classic Malts Selection in a classroom-style setting.
RSVP is required. Seating is very limited.
634 South Wabash Avenue
Chicago, IL 60605-1860
(312) 663-1850; ask for Gene.
Classic (Malt) Whisky Cocktail Classes at Bar On Buena
Wednesday, April 21st, 6:30-9:30pm
Peter Vestinos, Master Mixologist, will lead three separate classes (7:00/8:00/9:00) demonstrating the craft of the cocktail using expressions of the Classic Malts at the funky BOB!
Cost: Complimentary
910 West Buena Avenue, Chicago, IL
RSVP required. For details contact Aaron at aaronzacharias@hotmail.com
The Balvenie Masterclass with Sam Simmons at EPIC
Wednesday, April 21, 7:30 pm
Dr. Whisky himself will be at Epic for a Balvenie tasting on Wednesday.
112 W Hubbard Street
312.222.4940
World of Whisky at Binny’s Beverage Depot (South Loop)
Thursday, April 22nd at 5-8pm
Brett Pontoni hosts Binny’s Annual tasting of over 150 of the finest whiskies the world has to offer. Meet Whisky Ambassadors & Distillers from all over the world.
1132 S. Jefferson St., Chicago
$50 Binny’s Card members / $60 non-members
Call for reservations: 1-888-817-5898
Bushmills Toasts The Kerryman’s 5th Anniversary
Thursday, April 22nd, 9pm
Join Martin C. Duffy, Senior Master of Whisky for Bushmills Irish Whiskey, as he toasts the 5th Anniversary of The Kerryman Pub!
Free admission.
661 N Clark St., Chicago, IL.
Please contact Lisa for details (312) 335-8121
The Malt Advocate’s 10th Annual Whiskyfest
The Hyatt Regency Chicago
Friday, April 23rd, 6:30 – 9:30pm
Standard admission: $110 (SOLD OUT)
VIP admission: $150 (SOLD OUT)
151 East Wacker Drive,
Chicago, IL. 60601
The Irish-American Whiskyfest-After Party at Delilah’s
Friday, April 23rd at 10pm – 1pm
Enjoy the warm afterglow of Whiskyfest upstairs at Delilah’s with samples of Black Bush Irish Whiskey and Bulleit Bourbon, along with cornbeef sandwiches, BBQ chicken wings and live Irish/Southern Music.
Complimentary
Delilah’s (Upstairs)
2771 North Lincoln Avenue
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 472-2771
Ask for Mike
Meet Tom Bulleit at West Lakeview Liquors
Saturday, April 24th 4-5pm
Meet Tom Bulleit, the country gentleman behind the award winning small batch Bourbon, in the cozy confines of West Lakeview’s finest spirits shoppe. He will be sampling out his world famous whiskey and signing bottles.
2156 West Addison Street
Chicago, IL 60618-6136
Call (773) 525-1916 for details.
Ask for Kristina
Johhnie Walker/Illinois St. Andrew Society Pub Crawl
Saturday, April 24th 5pm – 11pm
Visit the pubs of the scenic Roscoe Village neighborhood of Chicago with Illinois’ oldest philanthropic organization and drink the world’s best selling Scotch whisky.
5pm – 6pm The Village Pub, 2159 West Addison St.
6:15-7:15pm – The Village Tap, 2055 W Roscoe St
7:30-8:30pm – Riverview Tavern, 1958 W. Roscoe St.
8:45-9:45 – Four Moons Tavern, 1847 W. Roscoe St.
10-11pm – Four Treys Tavern, 3333 N. Damen Ave.
Cost: $15.00 Pre-Registration; $20.00 at the door*
Includes a complimentary Johnnie Walker “Keep Walking” shirt and drink specials
For Pre-Registration, please visit www.chicagoscots.org or Call /E-mail: Kristen Guthrie at 708 426 7127 / kristenguthrie@chicagoscots.org
Tom Bulleit & Bulleit Mint Juleps at Sully’s House
Saturday, April 24th 6:30-7:30pm
Get set for the Kentucky Derby with Tom Bulleit, Founder of Bulleit Bourbon, and enjoy a Bulleit Bourbon Mint Julep the way it should be made…in a silver cup.
5105 N. Dayton (at Blackhawk Ave.)
For details call Scott at 773-244-1234
A big thanks to Marty at Masters of Whisky for much of the info.
-DodgyDrammer