In next couple of months, whisky lovers will have two opportunities to completely overdo it. Two chances to go to bed with waaaaaay too much whisky in the belly and to wake up with waaaaaay too much regret in the head. Big whisky expos have a way of making even the most sensible, temperate souls go mad with booze-lust. So many whiskies to try, everyone’s drinking, “excitable” people pushing in to get the next tiny sip…all those tiny sips…they won’t get me drunk, right? Next thing you know, you’re face down in a Venezuelan jail cell, head-shaved, only one sock on, accused of trying to smuggle dozens of those cool Bulleit Bourbon glasses into the country by shoving them into a pair of MC Hammer pants you didn’t even know you owned. At least that’s been my experience.

Coming up on Friday, October 7th is the big one, WhiskyFest, brought to you by Malt Advocate…I mean, the Whisky Advocate Magazine. This show is huge, tons of fun, close to 300 whiskies, spirits and beers from around the world on the pour list, brand ambassadors and master distillers everywhere, lots of great seminars…plenty of opportunities to over-indulge.

A month later (barely enough time to recover, really) on Wednesday, November 9th is the Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s Single Malt & Scotch Whisky Extravaganza. As you might guess, this show is a bit more focused and slightly lower key than WhiskyFest, but no less a great opportunity to try some incredible whiskies and meet the great people who make them…or at least the great people who represent the great people who make them.

WhiskyFest San Francisco

 

“WhiskyFest offers you the opportunity to taste from a selection of more than 250 whiskies from around the world; many of them rare and exclusive. Want to learn more about a whisky? Attend free seminars conducted by distillery managers and master blenders. Take some time to enjoy the never-ending gourmet buffet.”

 

Ticket price includes access to the grand tasting and all seminars, Glencairn crystal whisky glass, event program, buffet and coffee, tea, water and soda all evening.”

 

Friday, October 7th, 6:30pm – 9:30pm

San Francisco Marriott Marquis
55 Fourth Street

VIP Tickets are sold out

Regular Admission Tickets, $135/person… Available Here…

 

 

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Single Malt & Scotch Whisky Extravaganza (Special Offer Below!)

 

From the  Scotch Malt Whisky Society:  “Ladies and Gentlemen are cordially invited to enjoy a connoisseur’s evening featuring over 110 rare & exceptional single malt and Scotch whiskies. The evening includes a delicious dinner buffet as well as a selection of premium imported cigars for our guests’ later enjoyment. The Single Malt & Scotch Whisky Extravaganza brings the discerning enthusiast the opportunity to sample the participating whiskies in a sophisticated and elegant environment with genuine camaraderie and knowledgeable representatives from each participating distillery.”

 

Wednesday, November 9th, 7:00pm – 9:00pm

The Intercontinental San Francisco
888 Howard Street 

Regular tickets $135/person, SMWS Members $120/person

The SMWS has generously provided The Casks readers with a promotional code to purchase 2 tickets at the Members price. Enter “TC2011” when purchasing.