Bourbon Hunting in Chicago: A Weekend Adventure

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We take listeners along on our bourbon hunting adventure in
Chicago, revealing how the Windy City's whiskey scene differs
dramatically from our experiences in Ohio and South
Carolina.

• Discovering the density of Chicago's liquor stores – passing 13
stores on one drive to Wrigleyville
• Scoring Weller 12 for $50 at Woodman's during a massive 17-case
drop
• Finding allocated bottles readily available at reasonable
prices across the city
• Exploring Binny's flagship store, the third-largest liquor
store in America
• Enjoying a $50 Pappy flight at Binny's tasting bar with
generous 2oz pours
• Visiting Koval Distillery and sampling their unique wheat
whiskey
• Meeting with Martin Duffy and experiencing rare scotches at
Green Post Restaurant
• Ending our adventure at Delilah's bar with a pour of 2018
George T Stagg
• Forming new friendships through bourbon, including late-night
tastings of Eagle Rare 17

Remember to check out our upcoming barrel pick in September and
stay tuned for more details on our Crystal Glencairn Club.

When six bourbon enthusiasts descend upon Chicago with rental
cars and empty suitcases, magic happens. Our weekend adventure
through the Windy City revealed a bourbon hunting paradise unlike
anything we'd experienced in our home territories.

Chicago's whiskey landscape stands in stark contrast to the
controlled distribution systems of states like Ohio. Where
allocated bottles might drop statewide back home, Chicago's
liquor stores operate as independent whiskey islands, each with
their own treasures waiting to be discovered. On a single drive
from our hotel to Wrigleyville for a Cubs game, we counted
thirteen different liquor stores – each offering unique
selections at surprisingly reasonable prices.

The highlight came at Woodman's, where we stumbled upon a freshly
delivered 17-case drop of Weller 12 priced at just under $50
after tax. To put this in perspective, the same store had
simultaneously received Weller Full Proof, 1792 Cognac finish,
and Buffalo Trace's "Tater Salad" bottles (EH Taylor Small
Batch). At Binny's flagship store – the third-largest liquor
retailer in America – we indulged in a $50 flight featuring Old
Rip Van Winkle 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12, and Van Winkle
Family Reserve Rye, each poured as generous 2oz servings.

Beyond retail therapy, we explored Koval Distillery's innovative
grain experiments, savored rare scotches pulled from the vault at
Green Post Restaurant alongside Martin Duffy, and capped our
nights with pours of George T. Stagg 2018 at the legendary
Delilah's bar. Most precious of all were the friendships formed
along the way – from chance encounters in bottle release lines to
fireside tastings of Eagle Rare 17 that stretched into the early
morning hours.

Whether you're a seasoned bourbon hunter or simply curious about
exploring whiskey culture beyond the traditional Kentucky trail,
Chicago offers an unexpectedly rich playground for whiskey
lovers. Join us at www.scotchiebourbonboys.com or on our social
channels to learn more about our adventures and upcoming barrel
picks!


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