Things were chaotic from April 19 to April 25. For those who participated, Whisky Fest Chicago celebrated its tenth anniversary. Among the bottles that greeted the early entrance holders were a Balvenie 1978 single cask bottling that was inspired and selected by a U.K. Beekeeper's Association. Portions of the proceeds were to help fund efforts to improve the lot of U.K. and Euro Bees which are apparently on the decline.
The list and floor diagram was released prior to the event. The Arran Rowan Tree Bottling was also poured, but with so many bottles and representatives, doing the rounds became challenging. In the end, I tasted things that were not even on the official list. I finished the event with a last walk around on the floor after Mickey Head's Ardbeg Talk. I also had time to attend The Glenrothes Class, as well. Apparently, Richard Paterson from Dalmore was stranded in Heathrow due to Icelandic Ash.
Due to work and family obligations, I made the wise, yet unfortunate decision to pass on the First U.S. Ardbeg Committee Meeting. It was just too far south for this Rogers Park Resident. For those who do not know, but appreciate single malt scotch, Binny's sponsors an near equally impressive event at its South Loop location the night before Malt Advocate's Whisky Fest.
Slainte.
