WhiskyFest San Francisco and New York Draw Big Crowds

Distillers from across the country, and the world, pull out the stops with their best pours.

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This dazzling fall season thus far has included WhiskyFest events in San Francisco and New York City, and crowds of avid fans flocked to both to taste hard-to-find drams, new releases, and some familiar favorites as well. WhiskyFest San Francisco was held October 28th, and New York followed on November 3rd.

At the Marriott Marquis in San Francisco, VIP ticket holders had an opportunity to taste rarefied pours including a 30 year old single grain whisky from Fuji Whisky, Benromach Heritage 40 year old, and St George Spirits 40th Anniversary single malt. Buffalo Trace had skipped the 2021 WhiskyFest events, but was back this year to a tidal wave of people at the booth. “Right when we started it was a mad dash of humanity—a wall of humans came straight for the Antique Collection,” says Buffalo Trace brand manager Tyler Himes. “After that first hour though, we had great conversations, and a lot of people were excited about the Weller single barrel.”

Beyond the VIP Hour, there was still plenty of whisky to enjoy, with over 400 different pours available. The whisky regions of Scotland were well-represented thanks to the likes of Ardbeg, Bruichladdich, Octomore, Compass Box—where master blender John Glaser was pouring up tastes of his whiskies—Glenmorangie, Glen Moray, Gordon & MacPhail, Talisker, and Dewar’s. Japan was also heavily accounted for, with Nikka, Yamazaki, Fuji, Kikori, Hatozaki, and more sharing their wares. Irish whiskey fans could take delight in the presence of Powers, Glendalough, and Knappogue Castle, while French whisky Brenne was also among the international names.

Compass Box master blender John Glaser treated guests to his whiskies during WhiskyFest New York. (Photo by Shannon Sturgis)

American whiskey fans weren’t disappointed, as Tennessee whiskeys, American single malts, and ryes were all there. Among them were Booker’s, Texas distillery Balcones, Alameda, California-based St. George Spirits (with head distiller Dave Smith), High West (represented by distilling and blending manager Isaac Winter), and Tennessee-based Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery (where co-founder and head distiller Andy Nelson was pouring).

For third-time WhiskyFest goer Rich Johnson, the event was special not just for the whiskies, but for the people pouring them, too. “Some of the booths had owners and distillers around tonight, and it was so great to get a chance to talk to them,” said Johnson. As a VIP hour attendee, he had the chance to sip on the Benromach Heritage 40 year old—a favorite of the night. “That’s a $2,000 bottle of whisky and I got to have a nice big pour of that, so that was fantastic,” he added.

The seminars at WhiskyFest San Francisco offered eight different options. Kurt Wong, a Reno, Nevada resident at his second WhiskyFest, had a seat at the Fuji Whisky seminar, “From The Peak of Mt. Fuji to Your Glass—Taste the Gifts from Mt. Fuji Distillery with Master Blender, Jota Tanaka”. For him, the seminar provided an opportunity to engage with the whisky. “It was very insightful and a unique opportunity; you really do see the whisky in a different light,” said Wong. Along with the Fuji seminar, there were seminars from High West, James B. Beam Distilling, Heaven Hill, Suntory, Glen Moray, Maker’s Mark, and Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery.

At WhiskyFest New York Westward Whiskey head distiller Miles Munroe was pleased with that first hour’s crowd. “It was an intense first wave of people, and I have to say: It warmed my cold, distiller’s heart that not a single person asked me for my oldest whiskey,” he said. “They were so engaged in each individual whiskey being poured.” During the VIP hour, Westward had three distinctive whiskeys on hand: Single Malt Tempranillo Cask, Two Malts Chocolate Rye—2022, and Single Malt Founders Barrel: Ken’s Artisan Sourdough.

There were over 400 whiskies on offer throughout the night, coming from distilleries and brands across the globe. (Photo by Monica Semergiu)

For Al Bayseck, who experienced WhiskyFest New York for the first time (following five trips to WhiskyFest Chicago), a stop at Stranahan’s as the doors opened was first on the list. “I love WhiskyFest—I’ve always enjoyed myself because I get to try some of the best whiskies in the world … with that said, the first place I always go is Stranahan’s,” he said. “They were pouring their Mountain Angel single malt during the VIP hour, and I absolutely love being able to taste that.”

Hundreds of additional guests poured into the ballroom as the VIP hour concluded, and they were eager to sample the 400-plus whiskies that awaited them. Rob Berndt, who was at his fifth WhiskyFest, was most keen on getting his hands on the newer whiskies in the room. “I had never heard of Copper & Cask before tonight; now I get to try something new, learn, and talk about what might be familiar about that new whiskey,” he said. “That’s the thing I love about WhiskyFest—the knowledge you get; you’re actually getting from the distillery so you can take a deep dive and really get a depth of knowledge.”

WhiskyFest New York’s 12 seminars featured Nelson’s Green Brier, Fuji Whisky, Glen Moray, Lux Row Distillers, Heaven Hill, Widow Jane, Compass Box, The Glenturret, High West, Keeper’s Heart, Dewar’s, and James B. Beam Distilling. The fun continues in Las Vegas on December 2nd at Resorts World. Buy your tickets here.

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5 Reasons Every Whisky Lover Should Attend WhiskyFest New York

Rare pours, whisky makers from around the globe, top notch seminars, and more highlight this year’s festivities.

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After swinging through San Francisco, WhiskyFest heads to New York this week for one of the largest gatherings of whisky lovers and whisky makers in the world. VIP and General Admission tickets are still available for the event, which takes place this Thursday evening, November 3rd, at the Marriott Marquis Times Square. With 400 whiskies plus other spirits to choose from, it’s a can’t-miss show. Here are five reasons why every whisky lover should attend.

Rare Whiskies During VIP Hour

Attendees will sample phenomenal whiskies throughout the evening, but VIP ticket holders are in store for something truly special, as whisky makers pour their finest and rarest bottles. VIP pours at WhiskyFest New York this year include Benromach Heritage 40 year old (2022 release), Eagle Rare 17 year old, Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select, Michter’s 20 year old, Nikka Discovery Series Aromatic Yeast, St. George Spirits 40th Anniversary, and much more.

Taste Whiskies From Around the Globe

WhiskyFest is a great opportunity to taste that rare bourbon or scotch you’ve been curious about, but it also presents the chance to taste whiskies from all parts of the globe, including emerging countries. Indian whisky will be well-represented with Paul John and Rampur on hand, plus you can discover Morris Australian single malt, Brenne French whisky, Kavalan from Taiwan, and a handful of Japanese brands like Fuji, Kikori, and Hatozaki.

Attend an Illuminating Seminar

If you want an in-depth look at some of these whiskies away from the main event area, duck into one of the 12 seminars for educational tastings that often feature exclusive whiskies. This year’s seminars are being presented by Nelson’s Green Brier, Fuji, Glen Moray, Lux Row, Heaven Hill, Widow Jane, Compass Box, Glenturret, High West, Keeper’s Heart, Dewar’s, and Jim Beam’s Legent and Little Book.

Meet The World’s Top Whisky Makers

Even if you can’t get away to attend a seminar, you can still meet some of the world’s brightest whisky-making minds on the WhiskyFest floor. This year, WhiskyFest New York has attracted some big names, including John Glaser, founder and whiskymaker at Compass Box; Matt Hofmann, founder and master distiller at Westland; Brendan Coyle, vice president and master distiller at High West; Jared Himstedt, head distiller at Balcones; Brian Nation, master distiller for Keeper’s Heart; Caleb Kilburn master distiller at Kentucky Peerless, and many others

Bring Your Tasting Group and Test Your Palate

WhiskyFest is a great occasion to take your tasting club out of its element and put everything you’ve learned to the test. No matter how many whiskies you typically taste in a single session, WhiskyFest will expand your horizons as you sample quarter-ounce pours throughout the night. Experience a vertical tasting with brands like Laws Whiskey House, Virginia Distillery Co., and New Riff Distilling. And try to take notes—with so much to taste, you and your fellow club members will discover many different whiskies that will inspire discussion and future gatherings.

Don’t delay, buy your tickets today!

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WhiskyFest Returns This Fall With a Trio of Exciting Events

Celebrate the season with unforgettable whiskies and meet the people who make them

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If the autumn leaves make you long for brown spirits, there’s no better place to sample whiskies from around the globe than WhiskyFest. The fall slate of events is quickly approaching, with whisky lists and seminar schedules still growing. Whisky lovers in San Francisco, New York, and Las Vegas are in for a special evening of rare pours and insights from some of the brightest whisky-making stars from around the world.

First up is WhiskyFest San Francisco on October 28. VIP attendees are granted early access and are able to taste a number of limited releases exclusive to the VIP hour, including, Blanton’s Gold Edition, Bushmills 29 year old Pedro Ximénez Cask, Ardbeg Traigh Bhan 19 year old (Batch 4), Compass Box Ultramarine, Parker’s Heritage Collection Wheat whiskey, and more. Japanese whisky will be well-represented, with Nikka, Hibiki, Kikori, and other distillers pouring a range of styles. Meanwhile, Bay Area favorite St. George Spirits headlines a cast of craft producers that includes FEW Spirits, Balcones, and Virginia Distillery Co., among many others.

Woman takes notes as she tastes a whiskey

Advance your whisky knowledge by attending a WhiskyFest seminar. The guided tastings sometimes feature rare whiskies not available at the grand tasting. (Photo by Shannon Sturgis)

On the seminar front, attendees can do a deep dive into the world of whisky, with guided tastings led by head distillers and master blenders. Andy Nelson, co-founder and head distiller at Nelson’s Green Brier, talks about his family distillery’s reappearance on the Tennessee distilling scene after being closed for more than a century. Meanwhile, Jota Tanaka, master blender at Mt. Fuji Distillery, will be recapping the distillery’s 50 year history and pouring a special single grain cask sample, among others. More seminars are listed on the WhiskyFest website, with others still to be announced.

After San Francisco, WhiskyFest moves to New York on November 3. Typically the biggest of the WhiskyFest events, VIP pours include many of the same whiskies offered in San Francisco such as the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, Elijah Craig 18 year old, Michter’s 20 year old, and Calumet Farm 16 year old, in addition to those listed above and more. Folks looking to soak up some more in-depth whisky knowledge will have 12 seminars to choose from, including the aforementioned sessions led by Nelson and Tanaka, as well as others from High West, Dewar’s, Glen Moray, Keeper’s Heart, and Beam Suntory. Be sure to check the WhiskyFest website for updates leading up to the big day.

WhiskyFest New York will likewise have plenty of noteworthy whisky-makers in attendance. Compass Box lead whisky maker John Glaser will be in San Francisco and New York, pouring several of his artful blends like The Spice Tree, The Story of The Spaniard, and The Peat Monster. Those in New York will also have a chance to meet John Rempe, master distiller at Lux Row; Brian Nation, master distiller at Keeper’s Heart, Brendan Coyle, master distiller at High West; Caleb Kilburn, master distiller at Kentucky Peerless; Jared Himstedt, head distiller at Balcones; and many more.

A man pours whiskey at a trade show

WhiskyFest gives whisky lovers the chance to explore a brand they know and love, like Woodford Reserve, more fully through vertical tastings. (Photo by Shannon Sturgis)

The WhiskyFest year concludes with the first-ever event in Las Vegas on December 2. While details are still developing, we can confirm that Beam Suntory will have three seminars to choose from and will be pouring great whiskies all night including Booker’s, Little Book, and Yamazaki to name a few. All three WhiskyFest’s in fact continue to grow in scope and attendance as they draw near. Swiss single malt producer Seven Seals has signed on for San Francisco and Las Vegas; Ireland’s Hinch Distillery has signed on for San Francisco and New York; while Darren Peck, head distiller for Morris Australian single malt, will be present in San Francisco.

There is still time to purchase your tickets to all three fall WhiskyFest events, but act fast as they are selling quickly. And for those who have already purchased tickets, visit the WhiskyFest website to plan which seminars to attend, and which whiskies to go for first. Every WhiskyFest offers an abundance of whisky to discover and taste, from new expressions to full vertical flights. Come share a dram with us and see for yourself this fall.

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Big Smoke Meets WhiskyFest Rocks Again In Florida

Whisky and cigar lovers gather to enjoy sips and smokes in Florida.

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This past Memorial Day Weekend, Cigar Aficionado’s Big Smoke partnered with WhiskyFest for an event that combined superlative cigars and great whiskies at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. 

The day started with a series of cigar-focused seminars, highlighting speakers like Rocky Patel of Rocky Patel Premium Cigars, Rafael Nodal of Tabacalera USA (behind the Montecristo cigar brand, among others), Pete Johnson of Tatuaje, and more. A whisky and cigar pairing closed out the morning, as Jorge Padrón of Padrón Cigars was joined by Cigar Aficionado executive editor David Savona for a taste of Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series Torpedo—Cigar Aficionado’s 2021 Cigar of the Year—and Lagavulin 11 year old Offerman Edition: Guinness Cask Finish, Whisky Advocate’s 2021 Whisky of the Year.

Following an afternoon break, the event resumed in the evening in the hotel’s sprawling ballroom. There, hundreds of whiskies were poured, accompanied by a selection of cigars from some 27 makers. A VIP hour opened the night’s grand tasting event, where whiskies like Bardstown Bourbon Co.’s Founders KBS collaboration, Calumet Farm’s 15 year old and 16 year old bourbons, Parker’s Heritage Collection Wheat, and Glendalough Mizunara 7 year old Irish single malt were on offer.

Father-and-son duo Daryl and Jerrell attended Big Smoke Meets WhiskyFest for the first time; while both love whisky, Jerrell is also a burgeoning cigar lover. “The Widow Jane Lucky 13 year old bourbon was amazing, and we’re looking forward to trying everything,” said Jerrell. For his part, Daryl was looking forward to tasting the many scotch whiskies on hand, among them Benriach Original Twelve, Tamdhu 15 year old, Talisker Storm, Glen Moray Elgin Classic, and Mortlach 20 year old.

Hundreds of whiskies were poured throughout the course of the evening.

Matt Lenser, who was attending his fourth WhiskyFest, was likewise keen on the scotches, particularly the Mortlach 20 and 16 year olds. Prior to tasting, he had developed a plan for his palate. “I love how many rare or expensive whiskies there are here, and I enjoyed getting to try them, particularly the good, sherried scotch,” he said. “My strategy was to drink whisky first, then smoke later.”

Over at the Tabacalera cigar booth, head of product capability Rafael Nodal was excited to be back on the floor once more, and offered up a pairing suggestion of his own. “This Aging Room Maduro cigar is special, as it has tobacco from all four regions of Nicaragua,” he explained. “I’d pair it with a bourbon; tobacco very well-aged needs a bourbon that’s very complex, with a lot of flavor.” Plenty of aged bourbons were available on the floor, including Blade and Bow 22 year old, Widow Jane Decadence, and Heaven Hill 7 year old bottled in bond. 

While there were plenty of big-name whiskies throughout the ballroom, craft distillers were also well represented at the evening’s festivities. From Ohio, Middle West Spirits poured five whiskeys from its portfolio, including a slew of limited releases; Chicago’s FEW Spirits was also there, as were Virginia Distillery Co., Indiana’s Hard Truth Distilling, and Texas-based Belfour Spirits. The latter is newer to WhiskyFest, and master distiller Dayn Belfour was thrilled at the chance to share his whiskeys with the crowd at the distillery’s first WhiskyFest. “Everyone is very curious about who we are, and who my family is,” he said. “They’re loving how dessert-like, velvety, and easy to drink the whiskey is. These are all brand new whiskeys, and once people try them, they’re drinking them right up.” Belfour was pouring its Pecan Finished bourbon, as well as a Small Batch bourbon and a rye.

WhiskyFest will resume in the fall, when it returns to San Francisco and New York, and also adds Las Vegas as a new venue. Tickets are available here.

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WhiskyFest Chicago Brings Fans Together Again

A night filled with great pours and fun times at the Hyatt Regency in Chicago.

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A spirited crowd of whisky lovers gathered on May 13th at the Hyatt Regency in Chicago for the first WhiskyFest of 2022—a night that delivered hundreds of delectable drams as well seminars from Heaven Hill, Bardstown Bourbon Co., FEW Spirits, and Ardbeg and Glenmorangie. 

As the clock struck 5:30 P.M., a jam-packed VIP hour kicked off, and attendees were treated to host of great whiskies including Balblair 25 year old, Old Pulteney 25 year old, anCnoc 24 year old, Glenmorangie Extremely Rare 18 year old, Glenmorangie Signet, Gordon & MacPhail Glenlivet 1976 Private Collection 1; Indian single malt Mithuna by Paul John; and Nikka Yoichi non-peated and Miyagikyo peated single malt whiskies from Japan. 

A number of Whisky Advocate Top 20 honorees from the 2021 list were on offer, including Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt (No. 15), Peerless Small Batch Double Oak bourbon (No. 8), and Jack Daniel’s 10 year old Tennessee whiskey (No. 4). Past Whisky of the Year honorees were also poured, namely Larceny Barrel Proof, George Dickel Bottled in Bond, Nikka From The Barrel, and Elijah Craig Barrel Proof.

Aside from getting a chance to taste some of the more well-known pours, attendee Mike Woods was excited about a brand new whisky on the floor. “Fuji whisky is a brand new Japanese whisky that I got to try tonight—it’s like 1,000 butterflies dancing on your tongue, just amazing,” he said. “This is its debut in the States, and it’s so cool that a festival like this can be a great showcase for a fantastic new brand.” For its WhiskyFest debut, Fuji poured its original whisky, a single grain expression, and its 30 year old single grain, the latter available during VIP hour only. 

WhiskyFest Chicago brought top-tier whisky directly to fans.

Fadi Najjar, who attended the VIP hour, also agreed that Fuji was a standout of the evening. “That 30 year old was unbelievable,” he said. “This was my first WhiskyFest, and that one alone made it well worth it.” A collector, Najjar favors Islay scotch, Japanese whiskies, and bourbon.

Of course, hundreds of other whiskies were available beyond the VIP pours. The American contingent was represented by prized brands like Balcones, Blanton’s, Sazerac, WhistlePig, New Riff, and Blade and Bow. At the Blade and Bow table, where the flagship whiskey and a 22 year old bourbon were available, repeat tasters became the norm for the evening. “We’ve had a great night here, with people telling us candidly how much they love the whisky,” said traveling ambassador Tim DeLonjay. “We’ve had repeats, and several people who aren’t bourbon drinkers told us they love it.” 

From across the pond, plenty of Irish brands were also on hand, with Powers pouring as well as Limavady, Roe & Co., Knappogue Castle, and Bushmills. Scotch, too, was available aplenty—with top expressions from Ardbeg, Mossburn, Caisteal Chamuis, Mortlach, Tamdhu, Talisker, to name just a few.

Seminars punctuated the evening, providing attendees with a chance to engage with brands even more closely. Bardstown Bourbon Co.’s vice president of development Dan Callaway led a seminar on the company’s Discovery Series #7, tasting attendees through the individual whiskeys in the final blend and explaining the creation process. From FEW Spirits, founder and master distiller Paul Hletko was joined by director of advocacy Kyle McHugh for a talk on all-things Chicago-style whiskey. Later, Heaven Hill master distiller Conor O’Driscoll sampled guests through the distillery’s Heritage Collection, while also offering some glimpse of future plans. Ardbeg and Glenmorangie concluded the night’s seminars with a joint discussion of both whiskies.

WhiskyFest teams up with Cigar Aficionado’s Big Smoke event for cigars and whisky at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel in Hollywood, Florida on May 28. The year’s remaining WhiskyFest events in San Francisco, New York, and Las Vegas are slated for the fall. Purchase your tickets here.

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WhiskyFest Chicago Kicks Off a Year of Exciting Events

The first WhiskyFest of 2022 returns to the Windy City on May 13th.

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After making a triumphant return in 2021, WhiskyFest is bringing back its slate of spring events, starting with WhiskyFest Chicago on May 13th. Just six months after visiting the Windy City for an evening of great whiskies, WhiskyFest will be back at the Hyatt Regency with new opportunities to meet distillers, taste a range of whisky styles, and celebrate together.

Chicago remains one of the country’s preeminent whisky cities, boasting a robust culinary scene and a fleet of world class bars. That means that the city’s whisky lovers come equipped with a thirst for knowledge and an expectation for quality and WhiskyFest is sure to deliver on both.

While the full whisky list is still growing, attendees can expect to sample whiskies from around the globe, including American whiskeys from Michter’s, Heaven Hill, Dickel, Peerless, and Heaven’s Door; scotches from Balblair, Tamdhu, and Old Pulteney; Irish whiskeys from Power’s, Glendalough, and Limavady; Japanese whiskies from Hatozaki and Nikka; and more. Additionally, Buffalo Trace brings its stable of brands back to the WhiskyFest limelight, where they’ll be pouring Blanton’s, Eagle Rare, E.H. Taylor, George T. Stagg, William Larue Weller, Thomas H. Handy, Stagg Jr., and more.

WhiskyFest is a great opportunity to taste coveted whiskies, and a chance to discover something new. A handful of brands will be making their WhiskyFest debut in Chicago including Japanese whiskies Bikoku, Shunka Shuto, and Teitessa; blended malt scotch Caisteal Chamuis; and OMAGE brandy.

Subscribe to WhiskyNotes or visit whiskyfest.com for whisky list updates and the seminar lineup. VIP and General Admission tickets are still available at early bird prices, but won’t last long, so grab yours today. Then book your room at the Hyatt before the room block expires on April 22nd.

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Big Smoke Meets WhiskyFest Returns For Round Two

This May, Big Smoke Meets WhiskyFest is back on, bringing with it a day full of exceptional cigars and whisky.

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This Memorial Day Weekend, Big Smoke Meets WhiskyFest is returning for its second run, promising a night of superb cigars, outstanding whiskies, and opportunities for pairings aplenty. The event will take place at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida on May 28th, and the day will kick off with a series of cigar-focused seminars. It will then conclude with a grand tasting of whisky and other spirits, supplemented by ample cigar smoking and live music outside on the terrace.

On the morning of the 28th, attendees will have their pick of four cigar seminars that highlight industry legends, among them Rocky Patel of Rocky Patel Premium Cigars, Carlos Fuente Jr. of Arturo Fuente Cigars, and Rafael Nodal of Tabacalera USA (which markets famous Cuban cigar brand Montecristo). A cigar-and-whisky pairing seminar will also take place, with Whisky Advocate’s 2021 Whisky of the Year—Lagavulin 11 year old Offerman Edition: Guinness Cask Finish—featured alongside Cigar Aficionado’s 2021 Cigar of the Year, Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series Torpedo. Alan Rubin, founder of Alec Bradley Cigar Co. (a newer addition to the cigar industry, though now in its 26th year), will also be leading a seminar along with his sons Alec and Bradley.

Let the Whisky Pours Begin

But of course for us whisky lovers, it’s the nighttime portion—where a ballroom full of whiskies ripe for the tasting awaits—that’ll take the cake. A VIP hour will commence at 5:30 p.m.; an exclusive selection of whiskies will be available during this time, as will a number of cigars. After the VIP hour, general admission begins, and here all attendees will have a variety of whiskies at their fingertips. While American whiskeys from the likes of Texas stalwart Balcones, Tennessee mainstay George Dickel, and rye and bourbon bulwark Heaven Hill will be available, so too will Scottish, Irish, and French whiskies, coming from Tamdhu, Glendalough, Brenne, and more. Craft distillers like Chicago-based FEW Spirits and New York City’s Widow Jane will also be present. Additionally, should you crave something different during the night, Bacardi, Cincoro tequila, and Diplomático rum will offer up some alternative drinks throughout the night.

If you’re keen on enjoying a day of fine cigars and whisky, tickets for Big Smoke Meets WhiskyFest are still available. Word to the wise, though, at least for those who want access to every part of the day—tickets for the VIP Hour, as well as an All-Access Package that includes the morning seminars and VIP admission, are selling fast. Don’t delay, buy your ticket today.

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WhiskyFest San Francisco Brings High Energy and Great Whiskies

The final stop on the 2021 WhiskyFest calendar delivered a night of great cheer and spectacular sipping.

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This year’s whirlwind WhiskyFest season concluded in San Francisco on Friday December 3rd, as whisky lovers filled the Marriott Marquis ballroom, Glencairn glasses in hand, ready for a night of spectacular pours. Positive energy was in the air as attendees discovered new whiskies and revisited old favorites.

A big world of whisky was well represented, including local California distillers like Rod & Hammer’s SLO Stills, St. George Spirits, Bespoken Spirits, and Gold Bar Whiskey. Whiskies from Scotland, Ireland, Japan, India, and France were also on offer, giving WhiskyFest goers a chance to taste around the globe in a single night.

Men behind a booth with whisky

St. George Spirits from Alameda was one of the California-based distillers present at WhiskyFest San Francisco. (Photo by Gabriela Hasbun)

There were great American whiskeys in abundance as well, including new and rare expressions. Jack Daniel’s was pouring its much sought-after 10 year old Tennessee whiskey as well as its Single Barrel Coy Hill, the highest proof whiskey ever released by the distillery. Balcones had its ZZ Top collaboration Tres Hombres flowing all night, and Nevada’s Frey Ranch brought its single grain oat and wheat whiskeys, which were unveiled just last month and are highly limited.

Frey Ranch founder Colby Frey was attending his first ever WhiskyFest, and enjoyed the opportunity to discuss farming practices and grains with fans. “It’s so cool, because everybody really understands and loves whiskey and wants to learn about it,” he said. “It’s been amazing.”

WhiskyFest offers a chance to meet and reacquaint with the world’s best whisky makers, taste their whisky, and learn all about it. Attendees at this year’s WhiskyFests also had a chance to taste all four of the Whisky Advocate Whiskies of the Year—Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, Nikka From the Barrel, George Dickel Bottled in Bond, and Larceny Barrel Proof.

Many people came with specific whiskies in mind. Christine Mamuad headed for the Glenmorangie table to try the newly released A Tale of Winter, while Parker’s Heritage Collection Wheat whiskey, Ardbeg Traigh Bhan Batch 3, and Fuji 30 year old single grain were all in very high demand.

Whisky glass

There was no shortage of memorable pours on the WhiskyFest floor. (Photo by Gabriela Hasbun)

Attendee Gnana W. estimated that he’s been to around a dozen WhiskyFests, and noted that while he was very pleasantly surprised by Glyph’s molecular whisky, he was most excited to try single malts from Balblair, which was pouring its 12, 15, 18, and 25 year old expressions. The 15 year old was the No. 11 whisky on the 2020 Top 20, and as people tasted throughout the night, there was lots of chatter about what might appear on this year’s list. Whisky Advocate will be revealing the Top 20 for 2021 during all of this week, with the big day coming on Thursday, Dec. 9, and a new Whisky of the Year will be crowned.

WhiskyFest’s return this fall reminded everyone that great whisky tastes even better when you’re able to share it. Subscribe to WhiskyNotes to be among the first to know when tickets will be available for the 2022 events.

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WhiskyFest Returns to New York

Fans flock to a long-awaited homecoming that featured fantastic whiskies, fun, and friendship.

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Our autumn run of WhiskyFest events continued with WhiskyFest New York this past Thursday, November 11, at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square. The pours were flowing for an exuberant crowd of whisky lovers, who also had their choice of four seminars presented throughout the night.

VIP ticket holders sampled a world of rare whiskies, including aged single malt scotches like Balblair 25 year old, Benromach 45 year old Heritage, Bunnahabhain 25 year old, and Glen Moray 21 year old, as well as Irish gems like Glendalough 25 year old and the newly released Bushmills 12 year old. There were also aged-stated whiskies from Japan for the VIPs, among them a 30 year old single grain whisky from Fuji Gotemba, complemented by an array of whiskies from Kaikyo and Nikka. American labels on offer in the VIP hour included Proof and Wood 100 Seasons 25 year old, Heaven’s Door Bootleg Volume II, 2020, Blackened x Willet Kentucky Straight Rye, and Blood Oath Pact 7.

All attendees had a chance to taste top expressions from Bardstown Bourbon Co., Four Roses, Heaven Hill, Michter’s, and Woodford Reserve, as well as craft whiskeys like Yellow Rose, Widow Jane, WhistlePig, and New Riff. “It’s our first WhiskyFest ever, and it’s proven a fantastic night in learning more about our fans,” said New Riff co-founder Jay Erisman. “I’ve been thrilled, as a rye-centric distiller, to see all the excitement there is for rye.”

Nicole Austin, head distiller and general manager of Cascade Hollow Distillery, the home of George Dickel, was similarly wowed by the crowd’s energy. “I forgot how much I enjoy talking to people who are genuinely enthusiastic about whiskey,” she said. “It’s exciting to connect with them. People are asking questions, and they’re sincerely interested in learning more.” In addition to its Bottled in Bond and 15 year old single barrel whiskeys, Dickel was pouring its newly released rye blend, made in collaboration with Leopold Brothers.

Among the energized attendees in the crowd was whisky lover Jeffrey De Luca. “Thank God we’re back,” he said. “I’ve been coming to WhiskyFest since the early 2000s, and I come every year.” He was accompanied by a group of friends, who have joined him at the event since 2010.

To take a break from the tasting floor, attendees had their pick of four different seminars—led by Dewar’s, Widow Jane, Heaven Hill, and Glenmorangie. A vertical tasting was presented at Dewar’s, led by North American brand ambassador Gabriel Cardarella, while Widow Jane president, head blender, and head distiller Lisa Roper Wicker guided attendees through a blending session where they were tasked with recreating Widow Jane 10 year old bourbon. From Heaven Hill, master distiller Conor O’Driscoll and West Coast whiskey ambassador Jack Choate discussed the history of rye whiskey, and at the Glenmorangie seminar, national ambassador Dan Crowell led guests through a tasting of a variety of great drams.

The final WhiskyFest event of the year will be held on December 3, at the Marriot Marquis in San Francisco. Get your tickets here.

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WhiskyFest Chicago 2021 Delivers a Night of Great Whiskies

Whisky Advocate’s renowned event makes its return to the Windy City.

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Droves of dedicated whisky fans descended upon the Hyatt Regency in Chicago on November 5, for a night filled with top-flight drams and great times. Over 250 whiskies were poured, and seminars were presented by Heaven Hill and Chicago’s own FEW Spirits.

During the sold-out VIP hour, attendees filled the Hyatt’s ballroom, sampling exclusive pours like the new Yoichi non-peated and Miyagikyo peated single malt whiskies from Nikka, Michter’s Toasted Barrel Finish bourbon and 10 year old single barrel Kentucky straight bourbon, Glendalough 25 year old, and Glen Moray 21 year old. Heaven Hill was in attendance, pouring the 2020 Whisky of the Year—Larceny Barrel Proof—as well as favorites like the 7 year old bottled in bond and Elijah Craig Straight Rye, the No.-7 whiskey of our 2020 Top 20.

For Geoff Raye, who has now attended WhiskyFest for eight straight years, the first hour of the event is a can’t-miss. “VIP hour is mandatory for me at this point,” he said. “I got to try Glendalough 25, and Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost & Rare.” Attendee John Aberman was thrilled with the VIP selection at Kentucky Peerless. “It’s really hard for me to find Peerless, let alone any of their more limited releases, so the Absinthe Finished rye is a special treat, and really off the beaten path,” he said.

After the VIP hour came to a close, hundreds more devoted whisky lovers streamed in, and they had their pick aplenty. American whiskeys from across the country were represented, including Oregon’s Westward Whiskey, California-based St. George Spirits, Indiana’s Hard Truth Distilling, and Balcones from Texas. Balcones enjoyed the opportunity to connect with fans of the brand and newcomers to Texas whiskey alike. “I’ve been fielding questions from consumers about mashbill and grain, as well as questions about the distillery, and it’s great to see all the excitement people have not just for us but for whiskey in general,” said Balcones single barrel program manager Alexander Elrod. The American delegation was complemented by such international names as Paul John from India, Hatozaki from Japan, and plenty of distilleries from Ireland—Bushmills, Powers, Dingle, and more—and from Scotland, Johnnie Walker, Benriach, Edradour, and Glen Moray to name a few.

While tasting was certainly the main event, seminars also enhanced the evening. FEW Spirits founder and master distiller Paul Hletko led a talk on what’s guided FEW to success in the decade since it opened its doors, and gave people the chance to taste through seven different whiskeys, including a newly launched bottled in bond bourbon. From Heaven Hill, national brand ambassador Bernie Lubbers spoke about the resurgence of American rye as attendees tasted through a variety of ryes within the Heaven Hill range.

WhiskyFest returns to New York City on November 11th at the Marriot Marquis. The final WhiskyFest of the year will be held in San Francisco on December 3. Order your tickets here.

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