Friday, March 28, 2008

The good folks from the Chicago chapter of the U.S. Bartender’s Guild have announced their line-up of whisky cocktails that will be served at their table (#14). You’ll see the tasty list below:

Belle of Louisville
by Angie Jackson, U. S. Bartenders Guild IL Chapter Member
CEO Ultimate Elixirs
(named after oldest Mississippi style steamboat in operation in the U.S.)
1 ½ oz. Bernheim Original Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey
½ oz. Grand Marnier
½ oz. Kern's peach nectar
½ oz. fresh squeezed lemon juice
2 dashes Fee Brothers Bitters
Combine all ingredients in mixing glass. Add ice to Boston shaker and shake well. Strain into a cocktail glass.

Cherry Snaps
by Bridget Albert, U. S. Bartenders Guild IL Chapter Chairman
SWS IL Director of Mixology
1 bottle Elijah Craig Bourbon
3 pints pitted black cherries
½ bottle Amaretto
½ cup ginger syrup*
* To make ginger syrup:
On low heat simmer for 15 minutes one cup of super fine sugar, one cup of water, and one large ginger root skinned and thinly sliced. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Let cool. Strain liquid over sieve into clean empty bottles. Keep in fridge.

Kentucky Cider
By Greg Heringhaus, U.S. Bartenders Guild IL Chapter General Secretary
2 parts Basil Hayden’s Bourbon Whiskey
1 part Calvados
1 part apple cider

Myong’s Manhattan
By Myong Park, U.S. Bartenders Guild IL Chapter Member
Independent Mixologist
2 oz Evan Williams Bourbon Whiskey
½ oz Lillet Rouge (Punt y Mes works too)
½ oz sweet vermouth
½ oz Aperol (or 1/3 oz Campari)

Black Raspberry Sour
By Charles Joly, U.S. Bartenders Guild IL Chapter Member
Chief Mixologist, The Drawing Room at Le Passage
¾ oz fresh lemon
1 oz raspberry/mint sour
1½ Jim Beam Black
Spanked mint leaf floated on top

Everyone at Malt Advocate is looking forward to seeing you at WhiskyFest Chicago on Friday, April 4th. We have a great event in store for you....lots of terrific whiskies, knowledgeable experts from Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Japan, Canada and of course, the U.S. Here are some event updates we'd like to share with you.

Event room map online
Check out the event room map here if you want to see where your favorite whisky will be poured. This information will also be included in the event program all attendees receive at registration.

Qualify to win whisky-related items at registration!
In our efforts to continue to upgrade WhiskyFest, we’ll be giving all attendees a survey to complete at registration. You can hand in your survey near the ballroom entrance, and you’ll qualify for a drawing to win a beautiful Glencairn whisky decanter, a Bushmills golf bag, Knappogue Castle flasks, a Glenfiddich gift basket or a Stranahan’s distiller’s shirt.

Seminar schedule
The seminar schedule including times and overviews are available; click here to view them now. Seating is limited so if there’s a seminar you are really interested in, get your seat early.

Special guests
In addition to our terrific speaker line-up, we've confirmed the following special guests: Elmer T. Lee of Buffalo Trace, Andrew Symington of Signatory, George Grant of Glenfarclas, Michael Urquhart of Gordon & MacPhail, Peter Currie of Springbank, Alistair Walker of BenRiach, Euan Shand of Duncan Taylor, Julian Van Winkle of J.P. Van Winkle and Sons, Sandra Rodrigues (master blender) of Santa Teresa, Jess Graber of Stranahan’s, Chris Morris of Woodford Reserve, Douglas Campbell (distillery manager) of Tomatin, Euan Mitchell of Isle of Arran, Drew Kulsveen of Willett, Tom Bulleit of Bulleit Bourbon, John Hall of Kittling Ridge, Jack Teeling of Cooley, and Jim Rutledge of Four Roses.

Check out what’s pouring at the independent bottlers’ booths including Gordon & Macphail, Mackillop’s Choice, Scott’s Selection, Signatory, & Duncan Taylor. Sadly, Compass Box will not be at WhiskyFest Chicago this year due to a last minute conflict.

Whisky-related items to purchase
The Malt Advocate magazine booth will have a number of new items for purchase and the booths are located just inside the Grand Ballroom. Please stop by and say hello!

More info on the whisky cocktails table
Check out the U.S. Bartenders’ Guild table where area mixologists will be serving special whisky cocktails created just for WhiskyFest attendees. These creators include mixologists from Crimson Lounge, Otom, Ultimate Elixers, Drawing Room, and Biaggis as well as other USBG members.

Bourbon Country tourism
If you’re interested in visiting distilleries in the U.S., check out new exhibitor Bourbon Country who promotes whiskey tourism.

Whisky week events
Here's what we know so far regarding the events surrounding WhiskyFest Chicago during the first week of April:

Whisky Week Chicago

Saturday, March 29th

Illinois St. Andrew Society 5th Annual Whisky Kilted Pub Crawl
It’s that time of year to celebrate Tartan Day (April 6th Scottish Independence Day), so join the Illinois St. Andrew Society with bonnie lads and lassies bagpipes, Scotch, drink specials, contests and more. New this year: tartan contest. Men, wear a kilt! Ladies, grab your tartan/plaid skirt. All crawlers will vote for their favorite.
Roscoe Village Neighborhood:
Riverview Tavern 5:30 - 7:00 pm (complimentary appetizers)
Mulligan’s 7:30 - 8:30 pm
Village Tap 9:00 - 10:00 pm
Four Treys 10:30 - ??
Pre-register online at www.chicago-scots.org
E-mail: apryl@chicago-scots.org
708-447-5092
Admission: $20.00 Pre-Registration; $25.00 at the door (includes hors d’ oeuvres & shirt)

Monday, March 31st

Whiskies of the world seminar at Delilah’s
The annual Delilah’s whiskies of the world seminar with your hosts Mike Miller, owner of Delilah’s, one of the premiere whisky bars in the world, and Martin C. Duffy, Master of Whisky and spirits ambassador to the Republic of Ireland. Sample whiskies from around the world in an informal seminar.
Delilah’s
2771 N. Lincoln
Chicago
8 to 9 pm
(773) 472-2771
www.delilahschicago.com
Admission: free (seating is limited and is a first come first seated basis)

Tuesday, April 1st

Old Forester Birthday Bourbon Vertical tasting at Delilah’s
More details to come
Delilah’s
2771 N. Lincoln
Chicago
(773) 472-2771
www.delilahschicago.com

Johnnie Walker Night at Sam’s
Come out and sample Johnnie Walker Red Label, Black Label, Green Label, Gold Label and Johnnie Walker Swing (back in the US after 15 years!).
Sam’s Wines & Spirits
1720 N. Marcey St.
Chicago
5-8pm
(312) 664-4394
www.samswine.com
Admission: free

Bushmills Dinner at Grace O’Malley’s
Join Martin Duffy at Grace O’Malley’s (voted #1 Irish pub in Chicago by Fox News) for a five course dinner paired with the original Irish whiskey from Bushmills. Celebrate Bushmills’ 400th anniversary of making whisky (legally) and enjoy the Irish whiskey flights afterwards.
Grace O’Malley’s
1416 S. Michigan Avenue
Chicago
6 to 9 pm
(312) 588-1800
www.graceomalleychicago.com
Admission: call Grace O’Malley’s for details
RSVP required

The Singleton VIP event at Socca
Experience the newest single malt to come to the U.S...The Singleton of Glendullan at the trendiest restaurant in Wrigleyville. Currently available in limited markets; enjoy complimentary appetizers and a glass of The Singleton
Socca Restaurant
3301 N. Clark St.
Chicago
7-10pm
(773) 248-1155
Admission: free

Wednesday, April 2nd

Whiskies from around the world at One North
One North restaurant is hosting its own whisky celebration with whiskies from Canada, Japan, Tennessee, Scotland, Ireland,and Kentucky! Enjoy a buffet, chat with whisky distillers and ambassadors in One North’s elegant dining room.
One North Restaurant
1 N. Wacker Drive
Chicago
5:30 to 7:30 pm
(312) 750-9700
Admission: $30

Bulleit Bourbon tasting
West Lakeview Liquors welcomes Brenda Wojcik, Diageo ambassador for a Bulleit Bourbon tasting. Find out why it is referred to as the frontier bourbon and why it’s so special among Kentucky bourbons.
West Lakeview Liquors
2156 W. Addison St.
Chicago
6 to 9 pm
(773) 525-1916
www.wlvliquors.com
Admission: free

Whisky Extravaganza at Chief O’Neill’s
Chief O’Neill’s hosts one of their patented whisky extravaganzas featuring a formal sit-down seminar of the Distiller’s Editions of The Classic Malts Selection including the rare Oban Distiller’s Edition (mantilla fino sherry) and Lagavulin Distiller’s Edition (pedro ximenez cask). Join Martin C. Duffy Master of Whisky and Gregor Cattanach, global brand ambassador for Johnnie Walker and The Classic Malts. Complimentary whisky, buffet and music!
Chief O’Neill’s
3471 N. Elston Ave.
Chicago
8 to 10 pm
(773) 583-3066
Admission: free
RSVP required! Seating is limited.

Gordon & MacPhail Single Malt Tasting at Clark Street Ale House
Stellar line-up of eight malts presented by Gordon and MacPhail Brand Ambassador
Clark Street Ale House
742 N. Clark Street
Chicago
8-10pm
Admission: $20
Reservations & question: Brian Ciske (630-240-7259)

Bushmills Celebration at Rocks Tavern
Rocks Tavern hosts a Bushmills celebration. Come and taste why Bushmills has been around for 400 years. While you’re at it, see why Rocks is called “Rocks”! Enjoy a variety of whiskey flights from their extensive collection.
Rocks Tavern
1301 W. Schubert Ave.
Chicago
7 to 10 pm
(773) 472-7738
Admission: free

Thursday, April 3rd

Classic Malts & Bulleit Bourbon sampling & bottle signing at Warehouse Liquors
Warehouse Liquors hosts this event with special guest appearances by Tom Bulleit, Founder of Bulleit Bourbon and Evan Cattanach, Global Brand Ambassador for Johnnie Walker and The Classic Malts. Featured whiskies include the new Glenkinchie 12 year old, Singleton 12 year old, Talisker Distiller’s Edition, Lagavulin 16 year old and, of course, Bulleit Bourbon.
Warehouse Liquors
634 S. Wabash Ave.
Chicago
4 to 7 pm
(312) 663-1850
www.warehouseliquors.com
Admission: free

Whiskies of the World at Binny’s
Brett Pontoni hosts the whiskies of the world event at Binny’s newest location. Meet distillers from around the world as well as sample some great whiskies!
Binny’s South Loop
1132 S. Jefferson St.
Chicago
5 to 8 pm
(312) 768-4400
www.binnys.com
Admission: $40 Binny’s card members/$50 for non-members.

Unibroue Raftman Returns to Chicago at Delilah’s
The Raftman is a Unibroue beer that is 5.5% ABV and made with whisky malts (smoked peated malt). It is also a brand that was available in the U.S., but was pulled from the market around 2003. The ‘Raftman’ will only be available for a very short time, while supplies last, or basically, until we finish the kegs.
Delilah’s
2771 N. Lincoln
Chicago
8 to 9 pm
(773) 472-2771
www.delilahschicago.com

The Legends of Bourbon at the Twisted Spoke
Death's Door Spirits first aged whisky barrel will be opened and sampled. President Brian Ellison will be guest bartending. Other distillers present: Van Winkle Bourbon, Heaven Hill Distilleries, Kentucky Bourbon Distilleries. Talk with the creators, taste barrel samples and try new bourbon inspired cocktails and infused snacks.
The Twisted Spoke
501 N Ogden
Chicago
8pm-2am
(312) 666-1500
Admission: Free

The Singleton of Glendullan & Bulleit Bourbon sampling at Sam’s South Loop
Sam’s new South Loop location will be hosting a Single of Glendullan/ Bulleit sampling and bottle signing with special guest appearances by Tom Bulleit and Gregor Cattanach
Sam’s Wines & Spirits (South Loop)
50 E. Roosevelt Rd.
Chicago
5 to 8 pm
(312) 663-9463
www.samswine.com
Admission: free

Singleton VIP event at Bar on Buena
Bar on Buena is hosting a Singleton VIP event and you are the VIP! Join Master of Whisky Robert Sickler for some whisky, food, chat and an informative evening at one of Chicago’s coziest whisky bars! Ask Robin the bartender about their latest whisky flights.
Bar on Buena
910 W. Buena
Chicago
7 to 10 pm
(773) 525-8665
www.baronbuena.com
Admission: free

Johnnie Walker Event at Mrs. Murphy
Join Brian, James and Sue as they welcome Johnnie Walker Journey’s very own Master of Whisky Stephen Wilson as he takes part in their pre-WhiskyFest festivities. Stephen will be sampling out a number of Johnnie Walker marques!
Mrs. Murphy & Sons
3905 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago
7 to 10 pm
(773) 248-3905
www.irishbistro.com
Admission: contact restaurant for details

Bushmills Event at the Abbey Pub
Enjoy the Irish surroundings while sampling out some of the original Irish whiskey...Bushmills! Help to celebrate 400 years of whisky-making by tasting the Bushmills Original, Black Bush, Bushmills 10 year old and 16 year old!
The Abbey Pub
3420 West Grace Ave.
Chicago
8 to 11 pm
(773) 478-4408
Admission: free

Whiskies of the world at Red Ivy
Red Ivey invites you to sample out the whiskies of the world and try some of their new whisky flight combos. Learn the difference between a bourbon and a scotch from Master of Whisky Marcy Rudershausen. Also enjoy live music in a festive pre-fest atmosphere! Special guest appearances from Tom Bulleit and Gregor Cattanach from 8:30 to 10 pm. Featured whiskies include Cask 16, George Dickel Barrel Select, Bushmills 10 year old, Black Bush, The Singleton, Talisker 18 year old, Johnnie Walker Green Label and Swing!
Red Ivy
3525 N. Clark St.
Chicago
8 to 11 pm
(773) 472-0900
www.redivychicago.com
Admission: free

The Palm Bourbon Dinner
Jim Beam Brands Whiskey Professor David Mays will be educating and entertaining guests at a bourbon-inspired dinner at The Palm restaurant. The four-course dinner was created especially for bourbon aficionados and each course will feature food using bourbon as an ingredient, as well as specially selected bourbon for tasting.
The Palm Restaurant
Swissotel Chicago
323 E. Wacker Drive
7:00 p.m. (reception begins at 6:00 p.m.)
www.thepalm.com
(312) 616-1000
Admission: $108 limited seating available

Friday, April 4th

Malt Advocate magazine presents WhiskyFest Chicago
The grand-daddy of all whisky events. More than 200 of the world’s finest whiskies, seminars by distillery managers and master blenders, gourmet buffet and so much more!
Hyatt Regency Grand Ballroom
151 E. Wacker Drive
Chicago
www.maltadvocate.com
(800) 610-MALT
6:30-10pm


Delilah’s Bushmills After Party
Upstairs with food and live music.
Delilah’s
2771 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago
10pm-1:30am
(773) 472-2771

You must be 21 years of age to attend all Whisky Week events



VIP TICKETS ALMOST SOLD OUT
We have a very limited number of VIP tickets still available, and we anticipate being sold out of these shortly. If you’re interested in a VIP ticket, we urge you to order your tickets now!

DETAILED WHISKY LIST NOW POSTED
The expanded list of products being poured at WhiskyFest Chicago is now online. Check it out at http://www.maltadvocate.com/whiskeyfest-chi-whlist.asp. There are a number of special whiskies to try including Glenfarclas 1974 Vintage, Van Winkle 23 year old, Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve, Midleton Very Rare, Tomatin 25 year old, Deanston 30 year old Limited Edition, Bushmills 1608 (VIP hour only), The Glenrothes 1975, Crown Royal Cask 16 and XR (VIP hour only), and Parker’s Heritage Collection. There’s so much more to see on the whisky list so please check it out.

EXPANDED ROOM SPACE
WhiskyFest will now occupy the Hyatt’s entire Grand Ballroom. With more than 24,000 square feet of space, there will be plenty of room at the event. We’re also providing additional seating for attendees in the ballroom.

SPEAKER SCHEDULE NOW POSTED
The seminar schedule is also available and can be found at http://www.maltadvocate.com/whiskeyfest-chi-sched.asp Remember seating is first come, first serve so if there’s a speaker that you really want to see, please get your seat early.

NEW! CRAFT DISTILLERS SECTION
We love the passion and entrepreneurial spirit behind the craft distilling movement here in the U.S., and a small number of these producers will be offering their artisanal spirits to attendees. These include North Shore Distilling, Stranahan’s, Templeton, Black Star Farms, Grand Traverse, and Death’s Door. Please be sure to stop by these tables to meet our new exhibitors.

ROOM BLOCK SOLD OUT
The Hyatt WhiskyFest room block is now completely sold out. The hotel expanded this block twice and there are simply no more rooms to be had at the Hyatt for the night of WhiskyFest. For those who still need a room, there’s a Sheraton across the street from the Hyatt. In addition, the Hilton and Marriott are just a short cab ride away if you do want to stay in the area.

WHISKY COCKTAILS SHOWCASE
The U.S. Bartenders Guild will have a booth at WhiskyFest which will be staffed by well-known Chicago mixologists creating whisky cocktails for you. More detail on this in our next update.



EVENT SPEAKERS
Our terrific line-up of speakers at WhiskyFest include Willie Tait from Isle of Jura, Craig Beam from Heaven Hill, Ronnie Cox from The Glenrothes, Simon Brooking from Laphroaig & Ardmore, Ian Millar of Glenfiddich, Lincoln Henderson from Suntory, Fred Noe, David Mays and Bernie Lubbers of Jim Beam, Martin Duffy of Bushmills and Greg Hall from Goose Island Brewing. Check the Speakers Page to see more information about each of our speakers.

The seminar schedule will be available next month so please check back. And remember that seating is limited so if there’s a seminar you are really interested in, get your seat early.

AND OF COURSE, THE WHISKIES
You can check out what whisky brands will be at WhiskyFest Chicago by going to the Whiskey list. A more detailed list will be posted when the information is provided by the whisky companies.

HOTEL ROOM BLOCK
The Hyatt is sold out for the night of WhiskyFest but we have a WhiskyFest room block set up for event attendees. Call 888-421-1442 to reserve your room and make sure you request the WhiskyFest block. Your rate will be $199 (single or double). Rooms are limited so make your reservations now.

EARLY ENTRANCE OPTION
The VIP ticket option provides entrance to the event at 5:30pm, one hour earlier than general admission which begins at 6:30pm. By getting in an hour earlier, you will have a much less crowded tasting experience, and this year, you’ll also receive a complimentary canvas WhiskyFest Chicago tote bag.

The VIP ticket option is $150. If you are a Malt Advocate Whisky Society member (MAWS), you will be granted the hour earlier entrance at no extra cost-your ticket price remains at $110 (a savings of $40). If you are interested in learning about the great benefits of being a MAWS member, which costs only $69.95, please CLICK HERE.

If you are a Malt Advocate Whisky Society (MAWS) member, and want to get your discount on your ticket order, remember to input the special discount code that can be found in your weekly WhiskyNotes email.

WHISKY-RELATED ITEMS TO PURCHASE
Malt Advocate magazine’s booth will have a number of items for sale including Jim Murray’s 2008 Whisky Bible, the WhiskyFest t-shirt, embroidered WhiskyFest cap and golf shirt, and other whisky books. These items will be discounted only at WhiskyFest.

There will also be a few different whisky glasses for sale at the Malt Advocate booth. Johnson’s Whiskey Tot and the Glencairn nosing glass will both be available. We also have a Malt Advocate Whisky Society glass as well as a Malt Advocate magazine glass. Lastly, if you want additional WhiskyFest glasses, we’ll have those too.