Join Whisky Advocate at North America's leading whisky festival!
At WhiskyFest you will enjoy hundreds of whiskies from around the world including single malt and blended Scotch, Irish, bourbon, rye, Tennessee, Japanese, Canadian, and craft-distilled whiskies.
Attend fun and educational Master Classes taking place throughout the evening, with tastings of their own, to learn from experts in the whisky. Enjoy delicious hot and cold food selections. Each attendee receives a commemorative Glencairn Crystal nosing glass to use for the evening and to take home!
2024 Whisky Pour List
Jack Daniel's
Tennessee Whisky
Bonded Tennessee Whisky
Whisky Advocate's
Whisky Of The Year 2022
Bonded Tennessee Rye
Single Barrel Select
Sinatra (VIP hour only)
10 yr. (VIP hour only)
Whisky Advocate's
#4 Whisky of the Year 2021
818 Tequila
Eight Reserve
Añejo
Aberfeldy 12 yr.
Basil Hayden Toast
Bib & Tucker
6 yr.
Double Char
10 yr.
12 yr. Single Barrel (VIP hour only)
Borchetta Bourbon
Small Batch
2024 Cask Strength Limited Release
2023 Cask Strength Limited Release (VIP hour only)
2022 Cask Strength Limited Release (VIP hour only)
Bowmore
12 yr.
15 yr. Darkest
18 yr.
Bulleit
Bourbon
Rye
10 yr. Bourbon
10 yr. Rye
American Single Malt (VIP hour only)
Bruichladdich
The Classic Laddie
Islay Barley
Port Charlotte 10
Octomore 15.1 (VIP hour only)
Bunnahabhain
12 yr.
Stiuireadair
Toiteach a Dha
Caisteal Chamuis
Sherry Island
Bourbon Island
Charles Goodnight Texas Straight Bourbon
Compass Box
Orchard House
Peat Monster
Whisky Advocate’s #9 Whisky of the Year, 2020
Nectarosity
Crimson Casks
Metropolis (VIP hour only)
Celestial (VIP hour only)
Craigellachie 13 yr.
Crown Royal
Blackberry
Deluxe
18 yr. (VIP hour only)
Deanston
12 yr.
Virgin Oak
Dewar’s
12 yr.
Whisky Advocate’s #4 Whisky of the Year, 2022
15 yr.
18 yr.
19 yr.
Double Double
21 yr, (finished in Oloroso sherry casks)
(VIP hour only)
Whisky Advocate’s #2 Whisky of the Year, 2019
21 yr. (finished in Mizunara oak casks)
(VIP hour only)
Whisky Advocate’s #7 Whisky of the Year, 2023
Ferg & Harris Secret Speyside 12 yr. PX Cask
Five Farms Irish Cream Liqueur
FUJI Whisky
Original
Japanese
Whisky Advocate’s #19 Whisky of the Year, 2023
Single Grain Whiskey
50th Anniversary Edition Single Malt (VIP hour only)
Glen Moray
Phoenix Rising
12 yr.
15 yr.
18 yr.
Whisky Advocate’s #10 Whisky of the Year, 2017
21 yr. (VIP hour only)
Warehouse 1:
Rioja Matured
Peated Rioja Finish
Glen Scotia 9 yr. Campbeltown Malts Fesitival Edition 2024
Double Cask Single Malt
Gold Spot The Generations Edition (VIP hour only)
Grand Mayan Tequila
Silver
Reposado
Extra Aged
Ultra Limited Release (VIP hour only)
Green Spot
Hakushu Heavily Peated (VIP hour only)
Hard Truth Distilling Co.
Sweet Mash Rye
High Road Rye
Sweet Mash Bourbon
Wheated Bourbon
Farmers Reserve (VIP hour only)
French Oak Harvest Rye (VIP hour only)
Heaven Hill
Bottled in Bond 7 yr.
Whisky Advocate’s #4 Whisky of the Year, 2019
Grain to Glass
Bourbon
Wheated Bourbon
Rye Whiskey
Heritage Collection 18 yr. Bourbon (VIP hour only)
Hibiki Harmony
Holladay Distillery
Ben Holladay Bottled in Bond 6 yr. Bourbon
Holladay Soft Red Wheat Bottled in Bond 6 yr. Bourbon
Holladay Soft Red Wheat Rickhouse Proof (Full Proof)
(VIP hour only)
Jefferson's
Very Small Batch Bourbon
Ocean
Tropics
Reserve (VIP hour only)
Angel’s Envy
Jim Beam
Black
Winter Reserve
Johnnie Walker
Black Label
Red Label
Gold Label
Blue Label (VIP hour only)
Killowen
Rum & Raisin 5 yr. Single Malt (VIP hour only)
Pangur Irish Poitin (VIP hour only)
Knob Creek Bourbon x Rye
Lagavulin
16 yr.
Distillers Edition (VIP hour only)
LALO Tequila Blanco
Laphroaig
10 yr.
10 yr. Sherry Cask
36 yr. (VIP hour only)
Little Book Special Release (VIP hour only)
Loch Lomond
Original Single Malt
12 yr. Single Malt
18 yr. Single Malt (VIP hour only)
Lux & Umbra Dry Gin
Mary Dowling
Double Oak Bourbon
Tequila Finish Bourbon
Winter Wheat Bourbon
Mash & Mallow S’Mores Whiskey
Method and Madness
Single Grain
Single Malt
Single Pot Still
Middle West Spirits
Straight Wheat Whiskey
Straight Rye Whiskey
Straight Bourbon
Bourbon Cream
Oloroso Wheat Whiskey (VIP hour only)
Ported Pumpernickel Rye (VIP hour only)
Mijenta Tequila
Blanco
Reposado
Añejo Gran Reserva
Cristalino
Minden Mill
Nevada Straight:
Bourbon
Rye
American Single Malt
Mossburn
Foursquare
Speyside
Island Blended
Oban
14 yr.
Little Bay
18 yr. (VIP hour only)
OYO
Original
Honey Vanilla Bean Vodka
Stone Fruit Vodka
Barrel-Finished Honey Vanilla Bean Vodka
Praedictum 15 yr. Kentucky Straight Bourbon
(VIP hour only)
Rabbit Hole
Heigold High Rye Double Malt Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky
Dareringer Kentucky Straight Bourbon finished in PX Sherry Casks
Redbreast
12 yr.
Lustau
18 yr. (VIP hour only)
Redemption
Sur Lee
Cognac Cask
Wheated Bourbon
Rye
10 yr. Barrel Proof Rye (VIP hour only)
18 yr. (VIP hour only)
Royal Brackla 12 yr.
The Cardrona Distillery
The Singleton of Glendullan
14 yr.
18 yr.
19 yr. (VIP hour only)
Stonestreet Founder’s Edition Kentucky
Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Tequila Komos Extra Añejo
Añejo Reserva
Toki
Torabhaig
Allt Gleann
The Legacy Series
Batch Strength The Legacy Series (VIP hour only)
Cnoc Na Moine The Legacy Series
The Cardrona Distillery
Just Hatched Single Malt
Growing Wings Single Malt
Full Flight Single Cask Sherry Cask (VIP hour only)
The Reid Single Malt Vodka
Two Stacks Irish Whiskey
The First Cut Signature Blend
Single Grain Double Barrel
Uncharted Whisky Co. Bat Out of Hell - Macduff 13 yr. Sherry
Vim & Petal
Westland Distillery
Flagship
Beer Cask Finish
Wine Cask Finish
Garryana Edition 9
Whispering Waters
Girvan 27 yr. (VIP hour only)
North British 35 yr. (VIP hour only)
Teaninich 12 yr. Ex-Bodega Olorosso
Braeval 9 yr. Olorosso Matured
Yamazaki
Distiller’s Reserve
Special 2025 Release (VIP hour only)
Yellow Spot
Master Classes featuring world renowned whiskymakers and distinguished members of the whisky community run throughout the evening. Join us to learn first-hand how these exquisite whiskies are made.
Master Classes featuring world renowned whiskymakers and distinguished members of the whisky community run throughout the evening. Join us to learn first-hand how these exquisite whiskies are made.
Bio
Speaker Name
Title
Company
Description
Whiskies to be poured
Challenging Conventions with Four Iconic Whiskies
Jason Counsins
Brand Ambassador
Bruichladdich
Jason Cousins is a seasoned mixologist and industry professional, currently serving as the National Brand & Education Ambassador for Bruichladdich Distillery Co. With over a dozen years of experience working in the bustling bars, restaurants, and hotels of New York City, Jason has honed his skills as a bartender, beverage director, and trade educator. Jason got his start in the industry at busy Tribeca hotel bars and landmark dining establishments before moving on to direct beverage programs for pioneering boutique hotel groups. As a consultant, he successfully launched several bars and restaurants in Manhattan and Brooklyn and worked with major hotel chains on the East Coast. For the past nine years, Jason has served as a brand ambassador for Bruichladdich and the Botanist, sharing his passion for the values-led mission of the distillery with enthusiasts and professionals alike. With a deep understanding of the art and science of both mixology and distillation, Jason leverages his experience and expertise to educate and inspire others about the world-class products of Bruichladdich Distillery Co. He is excited to expand his role and continue advocating for the distillery's commitment to sustainability, innovation, and community engagement.
Description
Whiskies to be poured
Join us for an exclusive exploration of Bruichladdich Distillery, where whisky craftsmanship meets bold innovation. This Master Class delves into the Bruichladdich story, with each whisky representing a unique chapter. Discover the unpeated Classic Laddie, a testament to Bruichladdich's pioneering spirit. Taste the essence of Islay in Bruichladdich Islay Barley, a single vintage whisky crafted from locally sourced grain. Experience Bruichladdich Eighteen, a landmark whisky distilled by the new team, marking a turning point in the distillery's history. Finally, delve into Octomore 15.3, a whisky that pushes the boundaries of peated whisky to create a masterpiece that defies convention.
Perfect for whisky lovers and newcomers alike, this session offers insights into the innovation, community, and craftsmanship that define Bruichladdich.
7:00 PM - 7:45 PM
Grand Hall I
Bio
Speaker Name
Title
Company
Description
Whiskies to be poured
Elijah Craig Brand Family Tasting
Elijah Craig was the first to char oak barrels to make bourbon. Taste from a family of bourbons and whiskeys from the Father of Bourbon. From the traditional Small Batch that started it all, to straight rye whiskeys for extra spice. But why stop there? An extra layer of decadence is layered into our bourbon and rye from the use of a secondary toasted and flash charred barrel. Next, a unique batch of our Barrel Proof Bourbon bottled straight from the barrel. Top off the tasting with a rare opportunity to sip some of the oldest Kentucky bourbon, Elijah Craig 18 yr., bottled from the contents of one single barrel.
Lynn House
National Spirits Specialist and Portfolio Mixologist
Heaven Hill Brands
Lynn has had a long and extensive career in the beverage and hospitality industry. In 2013, Lynn joined the Heaven Hill Brands team.She was promoted to National Spirits Specialist and Portfolio Mixologist in 2019, a role she currently holds today. Lynn’s responsibilities include working with the company’s entire portfolio. She leads seminars across the country, speaking to a range of topics, such as brand education, creating a profitable beverage program, the art of personal branding, cocktail 101, how to win competitions. She also trains distributors and consumers.
Description
Whiskies to be poured
7:00 PM - 7:45 PM
Grand Hall MN
Bio
Speaker Name
Title
Company
Description
Whiskies to be poured
Resurgence of Rye: America's Resilient Spirit
Kay Quigley
American Whiskey Ambassador
James B. Beam Distilling Company
America's first spirit, rye, has seen significant transformation over its 200+ year history. Explore the category of American Rye through James B. Beam Distilling Company's dynamic rye portfolio as we dive into the history of rye whiskey in the US to understand the complexities behind the "Kentucky Style" we most familiar with, to the re-emerging styles of Monongahela Rye and beyond.
Description
Whiskies to be poured
America's first spirit, rye, has seen significant transformation over its 200+ year history. Explore the category of American Rye through James B. Beam Distilling Company's dynamic rye portfolio as we dive into the history of rye whiskey in the US to understand the complexities behind the "Kentucky Style" we most familiar with, to the re-emerging styles of Monongahela Rye and beyond.
8:00 PM - 8:45 PM
Grand Hall J
Bio
Speaker Name
Title
Company
Description
Whiskies to be poured
Maker’s Mark Presents: All About Oak
Greg Buttera
Diplomat
Maker’s Mark
Greg Buttera is the Chicago-based Maker’s Mark Distillery Diplomat. He has worked in the beverage industry in various capacities for over eighteen years. Before joining the Maker’s team in 2018, Greg spent over a decade working at award-winning craft cocktail bars. He was the opening Chef de Cuisine of the Bar at The Aviary, GM and Creative Director at The Barrelhouse Flat, and Beverage Director at the 16 on Center hospitality group (Thalia Hall, Dusek’s Board & Beer, et al). He has been interviewed by Esquire, Food & Wine and others, and his drink recipes have been featured in numerous publications and bars across the country. In his spare time, Greg enjoys lifting weights, hiking, and reading.
Description
Whiskies to be poured
A deep dive into wood chemistry and barrel extraction kinetics. Wood is the forgotten key component to the creation of whiskey. At Maker’s Mark we are working to preserve the American oak tree, and its ability to create flavorful distinctions in whiskey.
7:00 PM - 7:45 PM
Grand Hall K
Bio
Speaker Name
Title
Company
Description
Whiskies to be poured
Pushing the Boundaries of Rye Whiskey
Alan Kennedy
Master Blender
Redemption Whiskey
Alan Kennedy has a deep passion for whiskey-making that stems from an extensive career in the culinary, hospitality, and wine and spirits industries Training under revered distillers and blenders as he rose through the ranks, Alan gained a vast array of experience, mastering everything from hand picking the grains, to filling and rolling barrels, to learning the meticulous art of blending. Relying on his senses Alan has cultivated his own unique whiskey-making style, blending from the heart to create whiskeys that recall a memory or feeling and sharing them with the world. Today, as the Master Blender for Redemption’s line of bold, rye-forward whiskeys, Alan is dedicated to ensuring that every sip delivers the highest quality and maximum flavor, as well as bringing new and innovative sensorial releases to fans that take inspiration from the past, while reimagining rye for today.
Description
Whiskies to be poured
Join us on a rye whiskey tasting journey curated by Redemption’s Master Blender, Alan Kennedy. Explore our award-winning rye whiskeys, starting with our signature 95% rye, followed by our latest innovation, Sur Lee, inspired by an old-world winemaking technique, and the bold flavor of our 10-year barrel proof rye. Finally, savor a rare, once-in-a-lifetime tasting of our 18-year-old rye. Alan will reveal the artistry behind each expression, diving into the unique production methods, aging processes, and blending mastery that create our signature smooth yet bold flavors. This tasting is a unique opportunity to experience the craftsmanship and innovation that define Redemption—an unforgettable experience for any whiskey enthusiast.
8:00 PM - 8:45 PM
Grand Hall GH
Hyatt Regency Chicago
The room block is available until October 23, or until the block sells out.