Malt Advocate magazine is once again bringing its blowout event WhiskyFest to town. Taking place at the Hyatt Regency Chicago (151 E. Wacker Dr.) from 6:30-9:30PM on Wednesday, April 1, WhiskyFest will showcase more than 200 whiskies from around the world. You'll get to taste single-malt and blended Scotch, Irish, Tennessee, Japanese, Welsh, Canadian, bourbon and other whiskies, plus an array of rums, tequilas, beer and other spirits, all gathered together in the Hyatt Grand Ballroom.
Various educational seminars featuring distillery managers and whisky experts will take place throughout the evening and are all included in the price of admission. A microdistillers round table, entitled "Small Stills, Big Ideas," will feature representatives from several American craft distilleries, including North Shore, Stranahan's, Death's Door, Templeton, Black Star Farms and Grand Traverse, who will speak about their experiences in this burgeoning spirits market. Also, be sure to check out the WhiskyFest Charity Table, where you'll find rare, old and expensive bottles donated by several whisky producers. Separate tickets ($20) will benefit the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
V.I.P. tickets for WhiskyFest are already sold out, but you can still get your hands on general admission tickets for $95 a pop. In addition, there are several special whisky tastings taking place at bars and liquor stores around town through Thursday, April 2 in honor of WhiskyWeek Chicago. Participating bars and stores include Delilah's, Binny's and Sam's Wines & Spirits.
