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Chicago

Friday, November 15th

Hyatt Regency Chicago

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Tickets

Friday, November 15th

Hyatt Regency Chicago

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!

vipadmission

5:30 pm -9:30 pm

$375

generaladmission

6:30 pm -9:30 pm

$275

2024 Whisky Pour List

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Jack Daniel's 

Tennessee Whisky

Bonded Tennessee Whisky

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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

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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.

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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) 

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Whisky Advocate’s #2 Whisky of the Year, 2019

21 yr. (finished in Mizunara oak casks) 

(VIP hour only)

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

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. 

Chicago Master Classes

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. 

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    Challenging Conventions with Four Iconic Whiskies

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    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

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    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

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    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. 

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    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.

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    7:00 PM - 7:45 PM 

    Grand Hall MN

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    Resurgence of Rye: America's Resilient Spirit 

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    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

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    Maker’s Mark Presents: All About Oak

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    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

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    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

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    Pushing the Boundaries of Rye Whiskey

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    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

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    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

Hotel Accommodations

Hyatt Regency Chicago

151 E Wacker Dr

Chicago, IL 60601

(312) 565-1234

 The room block is available until October 23, or until the block sells out.

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