Home > WhiskyFest > Chicago > WhiskyWeek  
WhiskyFest Chicago WhiskyFest ChicagoWhiskyFest San FranciscoWhiskyFest New York
Buy WhiskyFest Tickets

• Sample more than 200 rare and exclusive whiskies from around the world
• Savor an expansive gourmet buffet
• Attend seminars by distillery managers and master blenders

WhiskyFest Chicago
Spring 2011 | 6:30 – 9:30 pm |Hyatt Regency Chicago

 

FAQ
Photo Gallery
Speakers
Seminars
Testimonials
Updates
Whisky List
WhiskyFest Blog
WhiskyWeek

WhiskyFest - WhiskyWeek
   
WhiskyWeek 2011 events have not yet been announced. Below are our events from 2010.
Monday, April 19

WhiskyWeek opening event

Delilah’s Whiskies Around the World

Senior Master of Whisky Martin C. Duffy & Delilah’s very own Mike Miller invite you to an 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. Ideal for novices and expert alike.
6:30 pm (prompt)
complimentary
Delilah’s (Upstairs) | 2771 North Lincoln Avenue | Chicago, IL 60647
773-472-2771, ask for Mike
Website
Map


Back to top 

Tuesday, April 20

Koval Distillery Sampling at Delilah’s

We are hosting a visit and sampling from Koval – Chicago’s only boutique distillery. Owners Robert and Sonat will be on hand to taste out their five white whiskies (American Oat, Levant Spelt, Midwest Wheat, Raksi Millet and Rye Chicago) and discuss their growing local distillery.

8:00 pm
No charge
Delilah’s | 2771 North Lincoln Avenue | Chicago, IL 60647
773-472-277
Website
Map


Back to top 

Heaven Hill Master Distiller on Bourbon & Rye at Delilah’s

Heaven Hill Master Distiller Craig Beam will be stopping in to discuss Bourbon & Rye and the long standing family traditions that define the American Whiskey World.

10:00 pm
No charge
Delilah’s | 2771 North Lincoln Avenue | Chicago, IL 60647
773-472-277
Website
Map


Back to top 

A Classic Malts & Food Pairing at Morton’s the Steakhouse

Join Martin C. Duffy, Senior Master of Whisky, as he hosts a feast for the senses featuring a six course pairing with the Classic Malt Selection.
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
6:30pm (sharp)
$66.00 (includes tax and Gratuity)
RSVP is required. Seating is Limited.
Morton’s the Steakhouse-Schaumburg
1470 McConnor Parkway | Schaumburg, IL 60173-4378
847-413-8771, ask for Sonia.
Website
Map


Back to top  

The Man-Tastings (Ladies are welcome too!)

Enjoy. Sample. Savor.
Whisky experts will be on hand to give in depth details on your favorites!
Macallan 15 yr (American Fine Oak-Jack Daniels Barrels)
Bushmills 16 yr Single Malt Irish Whiskey
Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection
Crown Royal Cask No. 16
7 – 10 pm
$10
Salute Wine Bar & Café  | 46 East Superior | Chicago, IL 60611
For Reservations, call 312-664-0100
More Information
Website
Map


Back to top 

1st Annual Whisky Throwdown at the Irish Bistro

A fun mix of games, challenges, trivia and tastings MC'd by the amazingly talented and versatile Sean Ludford of BevX.com, with his bad-tempered english partner-in-crime, Sue Pitkin, Irish Bistro whisky enthusiast.
7 pm
$10
Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro, | 3905 N. Lincoln Avenue | Chicago, IL 60613 
773 248 3905, ask for Sue Pitkin
Reservations strongly advised as space is limited.
Website
Map


Back to top 

Templeton Rye Whiskey Dinner

Enjoy Templeton Rye influenced dishes created by chef Giuseppe Tentori and Templeton cocktails paired with each dish by house mixologist Benjamin Schiller. Mingle with the Templeton Rye team and enjoy the start of WhiskyWeek™.
6:30-10 pm
Boka | 1729 N Halsted St.
Reservations 312-337-6070
Website
Map


Back to top 


Wednesday, April 21

High West Whiskies Tasting at Delilah’s

In conjunction with our own Hard Country Wednesdays, Delilah’s is very pleased to be hosting a tasting of all currently available High West Whiskies. High West is Utah’s only distillery and one of the most interesting in the industry today. Owner David Perkins will be in all night to sample and discuss his Rendezvous Rye, 16yr and 21yr Rye expressions and his new vatted Bourye – two types of Rye mixed with one Bourbon.

7:00 pm
No charge
Delilah’s | 2771 North Lincoln Avenue | Chicago, IL 60647
773-472-2771
Website
Map


Back to top 

Whisky Night at One North Kitchen & Bar

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, Templeton Rye, and many, many more.
5-7 pm
$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.
Website
Map


Back to top 

The Distiller’s Editions of The Classic Malt Selection at Warehouse Liquors

Join Martin C. Duffy, Senior Master of Whisky, as he takes you through the double mature vintages of the award winning Classic Malts Selection in a classroom-style setting.
7:30-9 pm
RSVP is required.  Seating is very limited.
634 South Wabash Avenue | Chicago, IL 60605-1860
312-663-1850, ask for Gene.
Website
Map


Back to top 

Kenwood Liquors Whiskey Tasting

Enjoy samples of whiskies from around the world. Join Templeton Rye Founder and President Scott Bush for Templeton Rye history and bottle signing.
4-8 p.m.
Kenwood Liquors | 12037 W. 159th ST. | Homer Glen, IL
708-590-8210
Website
Map


Back to top 

Meet the Maker

Meet Founder Keith Kerkhoff and enjoy Templeton Rye specials and learn more about this historic brand. Keith will be ending the evening by drawing for two free tickets to WhiskyFest™.
7-9 pm
Rocks Lincoln Park | 1301 W Schubert
773-472-7738
Website
Map


Back to top 

Fizz Bar & Grill presents Templeton Rye Prohibition Era Whiskey Classic Cocktail Night

Come meet the folks from Templeton Rye. We will feature an interactive cocktail demonstration focusing on classic rye cocktails made famous in the speakeasies of America including the Manhattan, the Old Fashioned and the Sazerac.
8-10 pm
RSVP to guarantee seating. Space is limited: 773-348-6088
Fizz Bar & Grill | 3220 N. Lincoln Ave
Website
Map


Back to top 

 

Gordon & MacPhail Single Malt Scotch Seminar

Clark Street Ale House
8-9:30
$20 per person at the door.
No need to reserve, we have room for all!
Map

Back to top 

Small Batch Bourbon Dinner featuring Bernie Lubbers, Whiskey Professor and Fred Noe, Master Distiller & Great Grandson of Jim Beam

4 course dinner with bourbon pairings, 1 pre-dinner cocktail included
$50 + tax & gratuity
7pm
Reservations Required:
Branch 27 | 1371 W. Chicago Ave.
312-850-2700
Dine@branch27.com
Website
Map


Back to top  

The Balvenie Masterclass with Sam “Dr. Whisky” Simmons

EPIC | 112 W Hubbard St. | Chicago
7:30-9:30
RSVP: Samuel.simmons@wgrantusa.com
Website
Map


Back to top  

Classic (Malt) Whisky Cocktail Classes at Bar On Buena

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
6:30-9:30pm
RSVP required. For details contact Aaron at aaronzacharias@hotmail.com
Website
Map


Back to top  

Single Malt cocktails!

Learn to make Single Malt cocktails with Mixologist Peter Vestinos. Classes throughout the evening at no charge! Starts at 7pm
910 West Buena Avenue, Chicago, IL
For details contact Aaron at aaronzacharias@hotmail.com
Website
Map


Back to top  


Thursday, April 22

Opening the first bottles of Isle Of Jura Prophecy!

We are opening the first bottles of Isle Of Jura Prophecy. This is the first Peated Whisky from this West Coast of Scotland Island Distillery. Master Distiller Willie Tait will be in attendence to discuss the process involved in creating this fantastic new whisky.

10:00 pm
No charge
Delilah’s | 2771 North Lincoln Avenue | Chicago, IL 60647
773-472-2771
Website
Map


Back to top 

World of Whisky at Binny’s Beverage Depot (South Loop)

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.
5-8 pm
$50 Binny’s Card members / $60 non-members
Call for reservations: 1-888-817-5898
1132 S. Jefferson St. | Chicago, IL
Website
Map


Back to top 

Whiskey and Cocktail Dinner at Lush

Mr. Julian Van Winkle of Old Pappy Van Winkle, will be in town for WhiskyFest™, and at LUSH for a whiskey and cocktail dinner event with 4 courses and 5 cocktails.
Our tentative menu includes an appetizer of assorted ham, cheeses, olives, pickles and bread; Shaved fennel salad; venison loin rubbed with coffee, salt and maple sugar along with sauteed greens and pureed root vegetables; chocolate layer cake with bittersweet chocolate pecan frosting. Each course will be paired with a specially crafted Van Winkle cocktail.
LIMITED to 12 guests.
$100 (NOT including tax or tip).
LUSH Wine & Spirits
Please call LUSH at 312-666-6900 or email kelly@lushwineandspirits.com for a reservation.
Website

Back to top 

High West Distillery Whiskey dinner at Sprout Restaurant

Sprout's Executive Chef (and former "Top Chef" contestant) Dale Levitski has paired three courses with the innovative and highly rated whiskies from High West Distillery for an unforgettable culinary evening. High West's proprietor and distiller David Perkins will give an educational overview of how whiskey is made, its history, and how to appreciate it, especially with food. Sprout is Chicago's exclusive venue for the unveiling of High West's Silver Whiskey, a new ultra-premium clear whiskey. High West Distillery is the world's only ski-in gastro-distillery located at 7000' in Old Town Park City Utah.
6-8 pm
$60 (limited space)
Sprout Restaurant | 1417 W. Fullerton Ave | Chicago, IL 60614
773. 348.0708
Contact Marisa Vande Velde by phone or e-mail for reservations.marisavv@gmail.com
Website
Map


Back to top 

Bushmills Toasts The Kerryman’s 5th Anniversary

Join Martin C. Duffy, Senior Master of Whisky for Bushmills Irish Whiskey, as he toasts the 5th Anniversary of The Kerryman Pub!
No Cover!
661 N Clark St., Chicago, IL.
Please contact Lisa for details (312) 335-8121
Website
Map

Back to top   

Maker’s Mark Distiller Kevin Smith guest bartending

Bottom Lounge
8 pm
Free
1375 West Lake Street | Chicago, Illinois
(312) 666-6775
Website
Map


Back to top  

Whisk(e)y Flight Night

Try over 20 flights at 25% off!!
910 West Buena Avenue, Chicago, IL
For details contact Aaron at aaronzacharias@hotmail.com
Website
Map


Back to top  


Friday, April 23

10th Annual WhiskyFest™ Chicago


Gather. Taste. Discover. Share.
Over 200 Whiskies in One Place, on One Night
WhiskyFest Chicago will feature more than 200 of the world's finest, rarest, and most expensive, single malt and blended Scotch, Irish, bourbon, Tennessee, Japanese, Welsh, Canadian and other whiskies from around the world to sample in one Grand Ballroom. High-end rums, tequilas beer and other spirits will be represented as well. Pouring list.

Learn from Master Distillers and Blenders
The focus is on education, and many distillery representatives will be on hand at the pouring booths to explain how the whiskies are made. Seminars, many featuring their own tastings, run throughout the evening. Meet distinguished members of the whisky community, and learn first-hand how their brands are made. Speakers and seminar info.

6:30 – 9:30pm
Hyatt Regency Chicago | 51 East Wacker Drive | Chicago, IL
Phone number: 800-514-3849
Website
Map


Back to top 

The Irish-American WhiskyFest After Party at Delilah’s

Enjoy the warm afterglow of WhiskyFest™ upstairs at Delilah’s with samples of Black Bush Irish Whiskey and Bulleit Bourbon, along with corn beef sandwiches, BBQ chicken wings and live Irish/Southern Music.
10 pm – 1 am
Complimentary
Delilah’s (Upstairs) | 2771 North Lincoln Avenue | Chicago, IL 60647
773-472-2771, ask for Mike
Website
Map


Back to top 


Saturday, April 24

Meet Tom Bulleit at West Lakeview Liquors

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.
4-5 pm
Complimentary
2156 West Addison Street | Chicago, IL 60618-6136
Call (773) 525-1916 for details, ask for Kristina
Website
Map


Back to top 

Ardbeg 10th Anniversary Committee Celebration

Join the Ardbeg Committee for a very special 10th Anniversary Committee Celebration filled with surprises, delicious Ardbeggian fare and wee drams of course. All attendees are invited with one guest and must register at www.ardbeg.com/uscelebration. Note, space is limited, reserve your spot now! To join the Committee, simply sign up on www.ardbeg.com. We hope you see you then! (Note, all guests must be 21 years of age to enter).

Time: 12:00 Noon - 5:00 PM
Location: Bottom Lounge | 1375 West Lake Street | Chicago, Illinois
Event: Celebratory luncheon and drams will be served
Website
Map


Back to top 

Johhnie Walker/Illinois St. Andrew Society Pub Crawl

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

Back to top 

Tom Bulleit & Bulleit Mint Juleps at Sully’s House

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.)
Chicago, IL.
For details call Scott at 773-244-1234
6:30-7:30pm
Website
Map


Back to top