Friday: SF WhiskyFest Rains Down a Myriad of Styles

By Lou Bustamante Mon., Oct. 4 2010 at 4:25 PM

Categories: Classes, Cocktails & Spirits, Events

jrodmanjr/Flickr

The world's biggest collection of grain spirits hits the Marriott for the annual event.

Malt Advocate magazine's annual gathering of whisk(e)y producers and fans sets up shop this Friday at the S.F. Marriott, bringing with it the largest collection of Scotch, Irish, American, Japanese, Indian (yeah, like Bollywood Indian), Canadian, and other grain spirits from around the world. Packed with seminars, tastings (sweet, sweet tastings), and the opportunity to discuss the products with many of the folks who actually make and age the spirits, WhiskyFest is a great chance to learn about the various categories and savor differences side-by-side. (Do a little cramming before Friday with SFoodie's handy whisk(e)y primer.)

Along with the vast list of whiskies to taste ― we recommend going into it with some idea of what you want to try, perhaps picking something from each category ― there will be plenty of water and food to help you keep your stamina. Entry also includes a special whisk(e)y tasting glass and access to all seminars, another worthwhile portion of the event.

For the beginner, we recommend attending the Great Whisk(e)y debate seminar that discusses the differences and merits of Scotch, bourbon, and Canadian whiskies, with tastings of these delicious aged spirits. Hometown kid Neyah White will be making a presentation on Japanese whisky with a full flight of Yamazaki and Hibiki tastings.

Unfortunately, VIP tickets are sold out, but regular admission tickets are still available. Act fast: This event often sells out.

SF WhiskyFest
When: Fri., Oct. 8, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Where: Hotel Marriott San Francisco, 55 Fourth St. (at Mission)
Cost: $110
Tickets available online form the Malt Advocate event page

Lou Bustamante tweets at @thevillagedrunk. Follow SFoodie at @sfoodie.