Chicago Whisky Fest Week comes and goes,

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.

International Whisky Competition for Whyte & Mackay?

I could not resist the temptation. Does this look like one big marketing gimmick for Whyte and Mackay? We'll have to wait and see.

International Whisky Competition

Although, I appreciate and stock a number of Dalmores, Isle of Juras, and look forward to the release of Amhrut. Why have a stacked competition merely as marketing gimmickery, pomp and circumstance?

Should anyone with credibility get involved if no more entries show up? Who is Michael P. Petrucci?

Was there much creativity in this so far? Perhaps, it sounds interesting in theory. Who actually votes? The judges and the public? How and where will the public vote? Stay tuned, I'll speak with one of the judges, manana.

I would think that you'd get a line up of competitors or an organization worth its credibility, host it, and include those who can carry the day.

Who is missing?

James Murray
William Meyer
John Hansell
Mark Gillespie

I appreciate that Brett Pontoni has thrown his hat into the ring, but I feel like the field

Bill Lumsden's Chicago Audience, Sonnalta, and 10 yr. v. 10 yr. Comparisons

This presentation was a worthwhile experience at Binny's South last week. Dr. Bill gave a fascinating and in depth review of Glenmorangie's wood acquisition program. Glenmorangie is a good dram, but not always the distillery of the moment. It is certainly one that I favor over others, perhaps all, at times.

For me, my preference often depends upon both my mood and anticipated palate. This can be a bit off, at times, but I'm getting better.

When I have an opportunity, my bottle of Glenmorangie Astar will be opened. However, I may go "two deep" before this happens. That is, I want to have an extra in storage before I splurge. Astar is that good, even at a bit below $75/bottle. I have enough less expensive bottles that I have purchased and would drink, first.

Hopefully, Dr. Bill is working on my mood and palate concerns. Perhaps, value, as well, but Glenmorangie is trying to position itself as higher end single malt in the States. I bought a bottle of Astar, which is a no age statement expression. Last week, the Sonnalta was good, but my palate may have been a bit off due to the previous five that I tasted.

The flavor profile of any distillery is a difficult thing for a distillery master to meddle with. Each distillery has its fans and if you know what to expect, then you are more comfortable when you get it. In the interim, I'll have to await a new expression, a fresh taste of the Sonnalta (without distractions), or the right single cask release of Glenmorangie, among other things. In the interim, I hope that there continues to be interest in this Lumsden mastered Distillery.

I tend to favor Lumsden's Ardbeg, but that is like comparing apples to oranges! Quite a few acquaintances prefer the Glenmorangie ten year old to the other expressions. The friend who I invited prefers the La Santa finish. I was not as enamored with Glenmorangie 10 year old as I thought that I was with the Macallan 10 year old among the tens.

However, I have never done a side by side tasting, nor know that I would absolutely prefer one ten over the other at any given time. Which Macallan 10 is widely distributed in the U.S.? My memory fades from the last Macallan tasting. Any thoughts?

Midwest Single Malt Appreciation Society and House of Glunz Host November Scotch Events

For those who suddenly come upon this site, House of Glunz hosts a not so well promoted single malt scotch tasting event at its store at 1206 N. Wells. Yes, there is public transportation back to Rogers Park for those that want it.

Christopher Donavan will host the event with a series of in-house selections according to this link.

The House has a historical relationship in the City of Chicago. The event will cost $35 dollars.

Macallan is having a series of Chicago tastings by invitation or registration at its website for the week starting November 16. I don't have much information, but check with its website sources for more information. It is unclear whether Macallan will have the typical selections. Hopefully, it will pull out something more extraordinary for those accustomed to the standard fare.

The Midwest Single Malt Appreciation Society Hosts its Bunnahaban Tasting on November 18, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at Binny's South in Chicago at South Jefferson and W. Roosevelt Roads. The cost of this event is $30.

Expect at least seven to nine bottles notable expressions of this golden nector, complete with the expertise of some of Chicago's Single Malt intelligencia, and Scottish ex-patriots, depending upon who shows up.

The group usually pits two similar expressions against each other until it picks a single malt of the night.

Does anyone know an Arbegeddon Ringleader? I have a few bottles worthy of such an event.

Of Distillery Show Bottles & Tast-able Collections

Those of who listen to Whiskycast, or follow single malt news appreciate the difference. For every Mr. Disposable Income, there are a thousand bars and distilleries ready to buy back a show piece.

For those who actually drink the show pieces, the results may prove just as good as the occasional brass ring. That is, the arguably affordable bottle under $100, but definitely $200 on an average day.


I have heard of the Laphroaig collections, among others, where a collector has a passion. This dedication should eventually take refuge in a distillery or museum, when the basement becomes full and uninhabitable. Perhaps, the bequest is appreciated when the last will and testament is read.

Whether in Denmark or Italy, Texas or Texarkana, those who horde have a goal. Sometimes, it is more for accomplishment or show, then the real desire to make a buck. I'd rather drink it with good acquaintances or friends who appreciate it.

Recent auctions of the recent Bowmore Whites and Blacks suggest that time has yet to reveal an appraisal even at face value. The bottles may have to sit on the top shelves of those special pubs with laser lights flashing for years. There may or may not be that one moment when the bells go off, the buttons get pressed, and the debit card goes snap!


There is also the possibility that the bottles will sit until the dust builds, the lights go out, and no one knows exactly what is in that cubby hole except for that crumugeon just trying to keep his or her cool until the bottle sells for $200 to someone who happens to just know better or finds out that they have just purchased a treasure later appraised on the antique roadshow.


Will Richard Patterson be the appraiser of the 50 year old Dalmore sold for a song to Jedidiah Jones of Timberforks, Tennessee? Call me Jed, not the Donald. I hope for the unknown Kate Hopkins types to get those tastes; the John Hansell's have enough of them. Those memories are not forgotten!


Thanks Jamie!


The Bowmore portion has increased to two 17 year olds, numerous single cask bottles, the Dusk, and a Provenance for at least six to ten in the collection. A little kindness is appreciated.

Now, if I can only get free tickets to The Whisky Show!

Fall Single Malt Week in Chicago 10/5 - 10/8/09

This is a good week for trying out single malt. On Monday, the Midwest Malt Appreciation Society will host an Ardbeg Tasting with its Ambassador, Davinia Small, at Binny's South Loop at 7:00pm. Binny's is located at Roosevelt and South Jefferson. With the upcoming release of the new and improved Corryvrecken, expect some it to flow at this tasting. The cost for this event is $30 per person.

On Wednesday, October 7, 2009, Sam's Wine and Liquor will host a Dalmore tasting with its Distillery Master, Willie Tait. This will take place at its Clybourne store near Smith and Hawkens.

A number of new bottlings and perhaps a few unusual ones may flow, as well. Sam's Wine will charge $10 in advance, but $7.50 if you have a Sam's Card. This is a great opportunity to taste the range of Dalmore's without having to find a Scotch Malt Whisky Society of America Member for the next event (or join SMWSA for that matter). It is unclear if space is available, but you may want to call. If you ever get the chance to see Richard Patterson, Dalmore's blender and author of Goodness Nose, then go for it! I missed him, when he visited Chicago a few months ago.

Finally, the Annual Single Malt Extravaganza returns to Chicago this Thursday, October 8, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. Chicago will be the first city to kick off the Alan Shayne 2009-2010 Tasting Series on behalf of the Single Malt Whisky Society of America. These events are spectacular! With at least 100 different expressions (varieties/bottlings) from the distillers, you are likely to find a single malt whisky to become passionate over. A buffet dinner is also served, which you can feast on in the alternative. It is okay to spit and spill. You may want to take public transportation home or a designated driver.

The Extravaganza will once again take place at the Union League Club of Chicago near Dearborn and Jackson. Contact the SMSWA at the link for more information. There may be an after party at Delilahs, but this remains unclear.

Binny's will be finishing up its Sale. For those who were unaware, Binny's won the Icons of Whisky Award for the best U.S. Single Malt Retailer. It will complete its unbelievable sale soon unless it already did so on October 1, 2009. For more information contact Binny's. Most of Binny's Single Stock was in the South Loop Store, but there is quite a bit spread throughout this Chicago Spirits retail chain.

Scotch Malt Whisky Society of American about to Throw Extravaganda in Chicago.

Yes, we are rapidly approaching the first of the major single malt whisky fests. Shayne's Shindig will be at the Union League Club of Chicago on Thursday, October 8, 2009 at 6:30pm. For more information, refer to the above link.

Of course, in the interim, Signatory holds a tasting at Binny's in Willowbrook on 9/30 and tomorrow

Deageo will have a master class at Binny's South on Tuesday 9/22/09 at 6pm

It only takes the Red line to Roosevelt and the CTA #12 Bus west to Jefferson to get to Binny's south. For fifteen dollars with a Binny's card (which you can get at the store, why not take public transportation, rather than avoid the opportunity. Phone first!