WhiskyFest SF 2016
Despite the cost of entry going up more than a little since I started attending, I continue to enjoy WhiskyFest. This year’s main room seemed less crowded to me overall, but the VIP group seemed larger (though Ellen thought there were as many VIP folks last year).
As I review the program book and my other lists, there were a bunch of whiskies I either didn’t get to or arrived too late to get a pour from the only bottle. This is more a reminder for next time because I have no regrets! I think I’m in better shape today than in some past years due to requesting short pours.
My “missed it this year” list in no particular order:
- WhistlePig Straight Rye 2016 Boss Hog
- Tullibardine 25 yr
- Wolfburn Aurora
- Laphroaig 32 yr
- High West Yippee Ki Yay
- Redbreast Lustau Edition
- Compass Box The Circus
- Writer’s Tears Cask Strength
- Wild Turkey Decades
- Buffalo Trace George T. Stagg
I also would have liked to attend Highland Park Brand Ambassador Martin Daraz’ seminar - he’s such an entertaining speaker! - but we went last year and tasted the complete Valhalla Collection, so maybe next year.
There was another seminar that purported to do ham and bourbon pairings.
Ellen and I went to The Macallan seminar, though, and Brand Ambassador (and actor?) Kieron Elliott was also fun as he walked us through a tasting comprised of the Sherry Oak 12 yr, new Double Cask 12 yr, Edition No. 1 and Edition No. 2. I had purchased a bottle of the Double Cask (still unopened!) during my NYC trip on the recommendation of a shop owner, but of the four in the tasting I liked it the least. Maybe I’ll like more another time. :)
Okay, here’s what I did taste (in addition to The Macallan four above):
Glenfiddich Excellence 26 yr
Balvenie
- Single Cask 25 yr
- Tun 1509
- 21 yr PortWood
The Macallan
- Reflexion
- Rare Cask
Auchentoshan
- 21 yr
- 1988 Wine Cask Finish
Laphroaig 25 yr
Glen Garioch
- Founder’s Reserve
- 15 Years Old Renaissance
Old Pulteney
- 21 yr
- 17 yr
Highland Park 18 yr
Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 53)
Westland Garyanna
GlenDronach 18 yr
Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy
The Glenlivet 21 yr
Jim Beam Distiller’s Masterpiece
Van Winkle 12 yr (poured by Julian Van Winkle himself)
Alexander Murray & Co.
- Caol Ila 8 yr
- Dalmore 15 yr
- Polly’s
Ainsley Brae Sauternes Cask Finish
Suntory Toki (& Toki highball cocktail)
Octomore
- 7.1
- 7.3
As I review the program book and my other lists, there were a bunch of whiskies I either didn’t get to or arrived too late to get a pour from the only bottle. This is more a reminder for next time because I have no regrets! I think I’m in better shape today than in some past years due to requesting short pours.
My “missed it this year” list in no particular order:
- WhistlePig Straight Rye 2016 Boss Hog
- Tullibardine 25 yr
- Wolfburn Aurora
- Laphroaig 32 yr
- High West Yippee Ki Yay
- Redbreast Lustau Edition
- Compass Box The Circus
- Writer’s Tears Cask Strength
- Wild Turkey Decades
- Buffalo Trace George T. Stagg
I also would have liked to attend Highland Park Brand Ambassador Martin Daraz’ seminar - he’s such an entertaining speaker! - but we went last year and tasted the complete Valhalla Collection, so maybe next year.
There was another seminar that purported to do ham and bourbon pairings.
Ellen and I went to The Macallan seminar, though, and Brand Ambassador (and actor?) Kieron Elliott was also fun as he walked us through a tasting comprised of the Sherry Oak 12 yr, new Double Cask 12 yr, Edition No. 1 and Edition No. 2. I had purchased a bottle of the Double Cask (still unopened!) during my NYC trip on the recommendation of a shop owner, but of the four in the tasting I liked it the least. Maybe I’ll like more another time. :)
Okay, here’s what I did taste (in addition to The Macallan four above):
Glenfiddich Excellence 26 yr
Balvenie
- Single Cask 25 yr
- Tun 1509
- 21 yr PortWood
The Macallan
- Reflexion
- Rare Cask
Auchentoshan
- 21 yr
- 1988 Wine Cask Finish
Laphroaig 25 yr
Glen Garioch
- Founder’s Reserve
- 15 Years Old Renaissance
Old Pulteney
- 21 yr
- 17 yr
Highland Park 18 yr
Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 53)
Westland Garyanna
GlenDronach 18 yr
Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy
The Glenlivet 21 yr
Jim Beam Distiller’s Masterpiece
Van Winkle 12 yr (poured by Julian Van Winkle himself)
Alexander Murray & Co.
- Caol Ila 8 yr
- Dalmore 15 yr
- Polly’s
Ainsley Brae Sauternes Cask Finish
Suntory Toki (& Toki highball cocktail)
Octomore
- 7.1
- 7.3