“The Best Drams, Best City, The Best People!”
~ Yours Truly
Another WhiskyFest, oh hell yes!
For the third year in row, Whiskey Network was honored to receive VIP media access to Whiskey Advocate Magazine’s WhiskyFest Chicago. This amazing event took place at the Hyatt Regency Hotel Ballroom on Friday November 15, 2024.
Walking into this whisky heaven, rocking my Whiskey Network polo, I was shocked to be immediately recognized and greeted by a Whiskey Network subscriber, Whiskey Lab Co-Founder, Jay Roberts. Jay and his trusted partner, Mark Sumlin, served up some incredibly unique ‘Whispering Waters Whisky’ expressions from the Teaninich and Braeval Distilleries. Also on the Whiskey Lab table, I loved their ‘Uncharted Whisky Co’ Bat Out of Hell (MacDuff Distillery) and Thunderstruck (Auchroisk Distillery) expressions.
Each and every damn dram from Whiskey Lab was extraordinary, delicious, and memorable.
These guys encompass what whiskey is all about: sharing it. Thank you gentlemen!
“Setting out to solve the lack of access to unique, independently-bottled scotch for the U.S. market. The Whiskey Lab was founded to bridge the gap between bespoke Scotch brands and curious American consumers by offering engaging education and fast, affordable delivery.” ~ TheWhiskeyLab.Com
Navigating my way through this whiskey wonderland, my goal is to discover new and exciting whiskey brands or drams. Minden Mill Distilling nailed it this year with their Nevada Bourbon, Rye, and American Single Malt expressions, served up by the funniest character in the building, Lucas Huff. This guy knows his craft and had me cracking up during my entire visit to the Minden Mill table.
All three Minden Mill Nevada expressions were absolutely delicious and ‘100% Estate Made.’
“Minden Mill oversees every step of the grain-to-glass process on one estate – no part is outsourced. Estate distilling is the highest calling of craft, ensuring unparalleled quality and authenticity. Starting with varieties of grain that will thrive in a shorter growing season, the harsh high desert climate yields a more savory and nutty flavor profile across our range of whiskeys.” ~ MindenMill.Com
For bourbon lovers, Heaven Hill, Rabbit Hole, Knob Creek, Redemption, Borchetta, Basil Hayden, and Angel’s Envy were on site, serving up their latest American-made drams. I wish I could have tried them all. However, I got my fill of bourbon when Jim Beam’s Ambassador, Kay Quigley, served up the latest 2024 Little Book Special Release. This was the boldest bourbon I’ve ever tasted, with dark mochas, fruits, and caramels, overlaid with the perfect kiss of spice on the finish. God Bless America!
Don’t worry, I didn’t forget all you peat heads out there. We survive and thrive with Laphroiag 25! This is Scotland in a bottle!
Even if you’re not into peaty or smokey Islay whiskies, this delicate and fruity dram will satisfy any palate. I highly recommend this dram for both beginner and veteran peat lovers. You will not be dissapointed!
Sláinte (mhath)!
What I love most about WhiskyFest, is the ability to connect with other whiskey lovers, over amazing open bottles, and awesome drams in hand. Marussia Beverages’ North Central Regional Sales Manager, Brett Bauer, provided us a one-stop-shop that got the job done!
Just look at that incredible line-up of Mossburn, Torabhaig, and Caisteal Chamuis expressions. Here I settled in for the perfect tour of both single and blended malt whiskies.
I also love connecting with first time WhiskyFest participants. Andrew Passanante enjoyed his experience so much, I’m pretty sure he doesn’t even remember purchasing an entire barrel of bourbon from the folks at the Ben Holladay table.
Andrew, I’ll be in touch for some follow up on that barrel!
Cheers brother!
I then located the event’s cutest couple, Andrea Day (from St. Louis) and Joe Pierre (Chicago). This was their first WhiskyFest experience, recommended by a friend.
Joe’s favorite dram was the Maker’s Mark Private Select “San Diego Barrel Boys” expression, while Andrea nailed it with Whisky Advocate’s 2023 Whisky of the Year, the famous Sandend expression from The Glenglassaugh Distillery.
I’m so happy this happy couple enjoyed themselves, immersed in the world of whisky.
Joe, put a ring on it, before I do!
WhiskyFest just simply would not be complete without a photo with Mike Miller, owner of Delilah’s, home of Chicago’s best and largest whisky selection. It’s become a tradition!
Mike and his crew always attend the fest, seeking out new expressions to rock behind their amazing ‘Dark Bar.’ Be sure to pay them a visit on Lincoln Avenue, over thirty years strong!
Cheers Mike!
WhiskyFest is an incredible whisky lover’s bucket list experience! It rounds up a very fun, welcoming, and spiffed up whisky crowd, in an environment that encapsulates “Whisky Culture.” There are always amazing buffets of hot food on both sides of the venue, to help balance out the whisky sipping. Overall, this is a very fun and respectable event, never exceeding our limit, while imbibing many of the best whiskies the industry has to offer.
Visit WhiskyFest.Com/Chicago for the full line-up of whiskies and additional information.
Acknowledgement
Big thank you to Whisky Advocate Magazine and the Hyatt Regency Hotel Chicago for hosting this incredible event. Thank you Rosen Group’s Julia Forschino, for the generous VIP media passes and assistance. We at Whisky Network Magazine are extremely grateful and look forward to teaming up for future events. Cheers!
Photography By: James Archie
