First let me explain WhiskyFest. Whisky Advocate hosts three of these events per year (New York, San Francisco and Chicago) and each event sells out. Nearly 100 distillers are on hand giving tastes of their expressions from the very old to the latest product on the market. Some distillers send their Master Distiller to speak with the guests while others send their local rep that, with the help of a pretty young lady, pour drams and talk whisky.
The general event is three hours and food is included in your $135 ticket. That was not good enough for Mark (the other member #1) and I. We bought the $200 VIP tickets which gets you in the venue one hour early during which distillers have special (either expensive or very rare) whiskies available. Now I know what you are thinking, “$200 for four hours”? The VIP tickets sold out in four hours so if you think we are nuts….well, we are in good company.
Whisky Advocate publishes a list of whiskies available along with a map of the venue. This allows one to pre-plan you attack. Mark plotted our movements with precision general found in a Seal Team operations plan. The idea was to hit the best–of-the-best first. My instructions from Mark were simple, “When the doors open go in, turn right, walk straight. We’re going for the Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy!”
Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy is an Irish Whisky named for their recently retired Master Distiller Barry Crockett who worked for the company for 47 years. He has been there to see the growing of the company and the industry. The whisky was just great. Citrus on the nose, Smooth as can be, a hint of floral in the taste as well as mild spices. Smooth as can be. This was fantastic and will be at our groups next tasting in June.
Check back tomorrow for WhiskyFest Chicago Part 2 were I will be writing about folks we met who are icons in the Bourbon industry.
Doug, Member #1
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