In San Francisco, New York, and Chicago, the week before The Whisky Advocate’s WhiskyFest (Oct. 7, Nov. 1, Mar. 23, respectively) is affectionately known as WhiskyWeek. I know, I know, around your house as it is around my house…every week is whisky week, but in these towns, the days around the big expo are packed with even more tastings, dinners, and seminars than usual. It’s a great way to get your palate and liver all warmed up (or wrecked) for the big event. Here’s a list of the San Francisco WhiskyWeek Events:

———-

Irish Whiskey Class at Bourbon and Branch

 

“In this class led by Tony Devencenzi, we will be looking at the rich diversity and history of whiskey’s original birthplace and will dispel all of the popular myths about an “Irish” style.  We will explore everything from the flavors of classic Pure Pot Still whiskeys ~ to the tones of triple distilled single malt ~ to the robust whiskeys on the fringe of the mainstream Irish whiskey scene. This will involve us tasting both long forgotten recipes and modern innovations. Students will learn the difference between ‘blends,’ ‘single malts’, the uniquely Irish ‘pure pot still’ whiskeys and everything in between!”

 

Tuesday, October 4, 7:00 pm
Bourbon and Branch 
501 Jones St.
San Francisco, CA 94102
Tickets are $75

———-

Wild Game Night at the City Club of San Francisco

 

“Please join The City Club and Anchor Distilling Company President David King on Wednesday, October 5th for the first ever Wild Game Night at The City Club of San Francisco.  Mr. King will be pouring the whisky selections of the evening, in addition to providing his valuable expertise on the art of distilling and what fine whisky is all about.  The menu will feature exotic wild game paired with a selection of fine whiskies.  The City Club is pleased to be partnering with D&M Fine Wines and Liquors and Anchor Distilling Company for this event.”

 

Wednesday, October 5

Reception 6:00-6:45pm; Dinner 6:45-9:00pm
$75 inclusive (Dinner + Whisky Pairings)
The City Club of San Francisco
155 Sansome Street, 10th floor
San Francisco, CA 94104
Go here more information and tickets

or call Genevieve Mullins: 415-362-2480, ext. 200

 

———-

 

K&L Wine Merchants Tastings in San Francisco & Redwood City

 

Heaven Hill Distilleries presented by North American Whiskey Brand Ambassador Rob Hutchins. FREE!

 

Wednesday, October 5, 5:00 – 6:30pm
K&L Wine Merchants San Francisco
638 4th Street
San Francisco, Ca. 94107
(415) 896-1734
Questions? Call David Driscoll: (650)556-2736

…did I mention this one’s FREE?

 

—

 

Join Senior Master of Whisky, Steve Beal, for a tasting of The Classic Malts. FREE!

 

Wednesday, October 5, 5:00 – 6:30pm

K&L Wine Merchants Redwood City

3005 El Camino Real
Redwood City, CA
(650) 364-8544
Questions? Call David Driscoll: (650)556-2736

…did I mention this one’s FREE?

 

———-

 

Four Roses Bourbon, USBG NorCal Cocktail Competition

 

 

“This event will bring together the finalists from the Northern California USBG Chapter to compete for prizes for the best cocktail using Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon.” FREE!

 

Thursday, October 6, 6:00-8:00 pm
The Wilson and Wilson detective agency
Bourbon & Branch
501 Jones St.
San Francisco, CA 94102

…did I mention this one’s FREE?

 

———-

 

Whisky Blending Class with Compass Box’s John Glaser

 

“Blending whisky is an art of subtlety with rich rewards. Compass Box’s John Glaser knows whisky like few others of his generation. If you know his story and his line of superb products, you are probably in awe. If you don’t, you will be. Join us in welcoming the consummate rogue of the Scotch Whisky world as he teaches us the techniques and philosophy behind blending individual whiskies into a final product that is unique and delicious. In this hands-on class we will actually blend with John and create our own whiskies in what is certain to be a unique experience for all.”

 

Thursday, October 6, 6:00-9:00 pm
The Boothby Center for the Beverage Arts
1161 Mission Street
Suite 120
San Francisco, CA 94103
Tickets are $65 and available here…

 

 

———-

 

In the Spirit: An Educational Whisky Tasting/Seminar benefitting the Dance Palace – West Marin’s Community Center

Four very dry years since our last tasting – now break the cycle and join us for a special afternoon.
This event is a rare opportunity to meet and converse with a master blender in an intimate setting while sampling his high-end whiskies. John Glaser has graciously extended his Bay Area visit to offer us a guided tasting of Compass Box whiskies. His independent company is well-recognized for small-batch, award-winning scotches. Even Drakes Bay Oysters and others are jumping on board for this one! So don’t miss out on what Raul Gallyot of KWMR’s Pleasures in Taste assures us will once again be the talk of the town. Moderator: KWMR Radio’s Raul Gallyot

 

Saturday, October 8, 1:00-3:00pm
Pt Reyes Dance Palace

503 B Street
Point Reyes Sta, CA 94956
415-663-1075

Admission is $50