Photo by Paulsta
Following last weekend’s WhiskyFest in Hollywood, Florida, WhiskyFest Chicago is the next stop on the fall schedule, taking place at Chicago’s Hyatt Regency hotel November 15th. Attendees will be treated to a host of top-tier tipples from around the globe, among them aged scotch single malts including Laphroaig 36 year old, Craigellachie 13 year old, Oban 18 year old, The Singleton of Glendullan 19 year old, and Glen Moray 21 year old; a variety of Scottish blends. There will be a chance to sip hard-to-find Japanese whiskies from Yamazaki, Fuji, Hibiki, and Hakushu; and an Irish contingent consisting of the Spots, Redbreast, Killowen, Method and Madness, and more. Of course, a wide range of American whiskeys will also be flowing, from Heaven Hill, Jefferson’s, Knob Creek, Little Book, Westland, Rabbit Hole, Charles Goodnight, Bulleit, Middle West, just to name a few.
Over the course of the night, guests will be treated to five Master Classes, presented by Bruichladdich, Heaven Hill, James B. Beam Distilling Co., Maker’s Mark, and Redemption Whiskey. Master blender Alan Kennedy will be on hand to lead the Redemption seminar, which will be centered on rye whiskey.
Shortly after WhiskyFest Chicago, the proceedings in New York will kick off on November 20th at the New York Marriott Marquis in Times Square. While many of the whiskies at the Chicago show will also be poured there, the Big Apple has quite a few exclusive names, including Japanese labels Komoro, Nikka, Hatozaki, and Yushan; Scottish distilleries Nc’Nean, Rosebank, and Tamdhu; India’s Rampur; and American brands Balcones, Michter’s, Old Grand-Dad, Sagamore Spirit, and Tenmile. A great many of these whiskies have landed on our Top 20 lists in recent years, while there will be plenty of exciting new drams to sample as well.
Among the whisky personalities in the house will be Balcones master distiller Jared Himstedt; Tenmile master distiller Shane Fraser and assistant distiller Cole Peck; and Komoro master distiller and blender Ian Chang. In terms of Master Classes, there will be eight sessions throughout the evening, presented by Bruichladdich, Glen Moray, The Glenturret, Heaven Hill, Komoro Distillery, Maker's Mark, Redemption Whiskey, and Suntory Whisky.
Both VIP and general admission tickets for Chicago and New York are still available—we look forward to seeing you there!
