Each early spring, Chicagoans, other Midwesterners and other global whisk(e)y fans descend upon the Hyatt Regency on majestic Wacker Drive along the Chicago river to sample some of the world’s best whiskies at WhiskyFest.

Whether attendees opt for the coveted VIP pass or the standard pass, anticipation is always evident in the lines outside the building starting an hour before the doors open.

And like kids in a candy shop, when those doors open, WhiskyFest-goers inevitably walk-run to their favorite exhibit in an attempt to sample a taste of their favorite spirits before they run out.

One of the more interesting items at the show was the Dewar’s scotch vaporizer, which mixed one part scotch with one part water and then vaporized it, allowing one to “smell” the scotch. It was a great experience that accentuated the flavor profile of the whisky.

Heaven’s Door made its debut at WhiskyFest and our friend Mark showed off one of their new whiskies. We really enjoyed the Tennessee bourbon and the mixed drink they provided was great too.

Local Goose Island showed off its bourbon county stout, a perennial best-seller.

Once again, WhiskyAdvocate knocked WhiskyFest Chicago out of the park. With a wide sampling of scotches, bourbons, and american, irish, and japanese whiskies, there’s something for every whisk(e)y fan to enjoy.

And if world class whiskies weren’t enough, the variety of seafood, comfort food, asian food, cheeses, fruits, and chocolates certainly reminds attendees that this is an event meant to provide maximum enjoyment to one’s taste buds.

Our thanks and congratulations to Joan McGinley and the WhiskyAdvocate team for yet another successful WhiskyFest Chicago.