Tuesday, March 31, 2009

The spirit’s gonna git ya!

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WhiskeyFest goes down April 1 at Hyatt Regency Chicago, but if the $95 ticket's a bit steep for you, we've uncovered some other deals around town:

Kicking off WhiskeyFest is The Great Whisk(e)y Debate, happening tonight at Five Star Bar. The unique, interactive seminar brings to light the differences and nuances between bourbon, Canadian Whisky and scotch whisk(e)y. Whisk(e)y “professors” (bourbon advocate, scotch malt master, Canadian Whisky ambassador) will educate participants, and of course you'll be treated to a tasting of all. Starts at 9pm. Free.

Both Lush locations (University Village, Roscoe Village) host parties celebrating WhiskeyFest tonight. Enjoy an extensive tasting of Old Pappy Van Winkle bourbons, then join the mayhem at Twisted Spoke for barrel-aged beer from Goose Island, plus Death's Door spirits and cocktail creations by Nacional 27's mega-mixologist Adam Seger. And return to Lush on Thursday for even more complimentary, whiskey-infused cocktails. That's 6-8pm.

At Boka tonight, members of the Illinois Chapter of the United States Bartenders Guild face off for one spot to represent our state at the National Cocktail Competition in San Francisco in May. Guests will be treated to canapes and cocktails created by Boka's Dan de Oliveira. 8-11pm. No cover.

Also happening tonight is a late-night scotch tasting (midnight-2am) by Chivas 18 at Delilah's. Arrive early for $2 High Life, $2 Canadian Club and a 7pm showing of legendary rock-opera "Tommy." No cover.

On Wednesday, Chivas 18 heads to Bull & Bear to deliver another comp tasting (6-7pm) during the monthly Divo Series. The party gives props to local guys in media, biz, charity and fashion. Sponsored by Thrillist. 6-9pm.

And Province Executive Chef Randy Zweiban and the restaurant's mixologists team up to pair Cielo tequila cocktails with cuisine. Guests will also learn about the history and craft of making this fine tequila. 5:30-7:30 Wednesday. $30.

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