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Whiskey River, Take My Mind ...

By Chuck Sudo in Food on Mar 27, 2006 4:35PM

2006_03_whiskeyfest.gifAstute readers of Chicagoist, and fellow Chicagoist-os/Chicagoist-as, know that we kneel at the altar of the Church of Whiskey (Kentucky Straight Bourbon denomination), which nicely complements the Church of Baseball. When an event that celebrates the virtues of all whiskies comes around, we whet our lips in anticipation, stock up on Gatorade, and take large amounts of B complex vitamins before we head out. Hot on the heels of the junior varsity spring formal St. Patrick's Day comes Whisky Fest Chicago.

While the fest itself won't be until Thursday (at the Hyatt Regency Grand Ballroom), the lineup of events leading up to and complementing Whisky Fest is of such scope that one wonders if Chicago has that many whiskey drinkers and, if so, how happy Chicagoist is to be among the lot. Spell it however you want, Whisky Fest is a can't miss event.

Monday, March 27th:
Whisky 101 with Gregor Cattanach of The Classic Malts and Mike Miller of Delilah's
A tasting of whiskies from all major producing countries, discussion of the ins and outs of the industry and tips on having the best WhiskyFest experience.
Delilah's
2771 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 472-2771
7:30 PM

Bottle Signing and Tasting with George Grant of Glenfarclas
Sam's Wines & Spirits
1720 N. Marcey
Chicago, IL
(800) 777-9137
3 to 7 PM

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Tuesday, March 28th:
The Whisk(e)y Forum at Kitty O'Shea's (Hilton Towers) with Martin C. Duffy (Bushmills), Gregor Cattanach (The Classic Malts) and Tom Bulleit (Bulleit Bourbon)
Kitty O'Shea's
720 S. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60605
$20.00 for ISAS Members / $25 for non-members
For more information, contact Apryl Niksch, Director of Events, (708) 447-5092 ext. 359

Johnnie Walker Night at Jilly's featuring all five marques of Johnnie Walker
Jilly's My Favorite Bistro
1007 N. Rush St.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 664-1001 RSVP to Scott
8 to 11 PM

Jim Beam Pool Tournament
Fred Noe (Jim Beam's Great Grandson) and Mike Miller (proprietor of Delilah's) will take on your team at Delilah's upstairs pool room. If you can beat 'em at pool, you can win some special Jim Beam prizes.
Delilah's
2771 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 472-2771
11 PM

Midwest Single Malt Appreciation Society featuring a talk with Compass Box's John Glaser
Open to the public
Duke of Perth
2913 N. Clark St
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 477-1741
7 PM
Nominal Charge

Meet John Glaser of Compass Box at Delilah's
Learn (and of course taste) what running a small artisal vatting company is all about. A complete portfolio tasting plus some speical guest samples.
Delilah's
2771 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 472-2771
8 PM

Gordon & MacPhail Newest Cask Releases with Derek Hancock
Clark Street Ale House
Food will be provided; $20 per person
742 N. Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 642-9253
7 to 9 PM

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Wednesday, March 29th:
Binny's Whiskey Night in the Catacombs
3000 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 935-9400
5:00 to 8:00 PM
$25

Wild Turkey night at Delilah's
Meet Jimmy Russell (master distiller at Wild Turkey for 51 years) and taste the most complete range of Turkey ever compiled anywhere in the world - nine different Turkeys, and maybe some extremely one night only samples.
Delilah's
2771 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 472-2771
10 PM

Legends of Bourbon
Join Fred Noe, David Pickerell of Maker's Mark, Julian Van Winkle, Jiiimy Russell, Craig Beam and others for smoking, drinking and talking about bourbon
Twisted Spoke
8:00 PM - 2:00 AM
3369 N. Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60657
Phone: (773) 525-5300
Cost: None

The Classic Malts' All You Can Eat Fish & Chips Night
Duke of Perth
2913 N. Clark St
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 477-1741
8:30 to 11 PM

Rocks' Whiskey Night featuring The Classic Malts Selection
Rocks Tavern
1301 W. Schubert Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 472-7738 RSVP to George
7 to 10 PM

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Thursday, March 30th:
Bottle Signing and Tasting with Simon Brooking of The Dalmore
Sam's Wines & Spirits
1720 N. Marcey
Chicago, IL
(800) 777-9137
1 to 3 PM

Delilah's WhiskyFest After Party with a Bushmills Ceilidh
Complimentary food, whiskey samples and live music
Delilah's
2771 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 472-2771
10 PM to 1 AM

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Friday, March 31st:
Bottle Signing and Tasting with Peter Curry of Springbank and Alistair Walker of BenRiach
Sam's Wines & Spirits
1720 N. Marcey St.
Chicago, IL
3 to 7 PM

Unibroue Chambly Noir Kick-Off Party
Brand new and fabulous new beer from our favorite Canadian brewery is introduced to the U.S. tonight
Delilah's
2771 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 472-2771
8 PM

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Saturday, April 1st:
Single Malt Scotch Seminar with Jim McEwan
The House of Glunz
1206 North Wells Street
Chicago, IL
7 PM
Space is limited and reservations must be prepaid.
Cost: $50 and will be credited against any Scotch purchase of $100 or more
(312) 642-3000 or wine@houseofglunz.com