Category Archives: Upcoming Events

Drinkhacker Reads – 11.29.2012 – Pappy Van Winkle Edition

Posted on November 29, 2012 by Rob Theakston| Leave a comment

PappyVanWinkle15 218x300 Drinkhacker Reads – 11.29.2012 – Pappy Van Winkle EditionFor those of you picky about where you get your news, take your pick:

The Atlantic Wire runs the 10 millionth profile on Pappy Van Winkle and how hard it is to come across. [The Atlantic Wire]

OR

Fox News runs the 10 millionth profile on Pappy Van Winkle and how hard it is to come across. [Fox News]

Online retailer of rare spirits Caskers is hosting a celebrating on December 6th at the Solo Event Space in Manhattan. Over 15 small batch distilleries will be on hand for sampling and you’ll be able to try signature cocktails and participate in a cocktail making class. You can find more information at the event’s website, and if you use the coupon code “HACKER” you’ll be able to take 10% off your ticket purchase. Not a bad deal for a great time. [Caskers]

Continue reading “Drinkhacker Reads – 11.29.2012 – Pappy Van Winkle Edition” »

→ Leave a comment

Posted in News, Upcoming Events

2012 Single Malt & Scotch Whisky Extravaganza Dates and Discounts

Posted on September 5, 2012 by Christopher Null| Leave a comment

We’re becoming increasingly big fans of the Scotch Whisky Extravaganza — and the dates for 2012 have finally been announced. The full lineup for eight cities can be found below.

If you’d like to attend, we’ve got discounts for you: Just use code TDH2012 when purchasing tickets online to get $15 off the $135 non-member price tag at this link. Your ticket includes dinner and premium cigars. Get more info here. See you there!

Ladies and Gentlemen are cordially invited to enjoy a connoisseur’s evening featuring rare & exceptional single malt, Scotch and unique whiskies from around the world. 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.

All events from 7:00pm-9:00pm. Registration begins at 7:00pm. Business casual, Jackets preferred. No denim or athletic attire.

2012 Scotch Whisky Extravaganza Tour Dates

Boston
Thursday, October 11, 2012
The Taj Boston
15 Arlington Street
Boston, MA 02116

Chicago
Thursday, October 18, 2012
The Union League Club of Chicago
65 West Jackson Boulevard
Chicago, IL 60604

Washington, DC
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
JW Marriott Hotel
1331 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20004

Philadelphia
Thursday, November 1, 2012
The Union League Club
of Philadelphia
140 South Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102

Los Angeles
Friday, November 9, 2012
Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel
1700 Ocean Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90401

San Francisco
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
The Intercontinental San Francisco
888 Howard Street
San Francisco, CA 94103

Seattle
Please contact SMWSA for Seattle Extravaganza information

Fort Lauderdale
Thursday, December 6, 2012
The Seminole Hard Rock
Hotel & Casino
1 Seminole Way
Hollywood, FL 33314

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Scotch, Upcoming Events, Whiskey

WhiskyFest San Francisco Coming October 5, 2012

Posted on July 30, 2012 by Christopher Null| Leave a comment

275 whiskies will be available for the sampling at the country’s most notable whiskey event, comprising 80 exhibitors and 9 seminars worth of whiskey enthusiasm.

On hand will include:

  • Jeff Arnett, Master Distiller, Jack Daniel’s
  • Steve Beal, Senior Master of Whisky, The Classic Malts
  • Parker Beam, Master Distiller, Heaven Hill Distilleries
  • David Blackmore, Master Brand Ambassador, (David will present a Glenmorangie seminar, as well as an Ardbeg seminar)
  • Martin Daraz, Brand Ambassador, Highland Park (Martin will be joined by the Beer Chicks: Christina Perozzi and Hallie Beaune)
  • Gable Erenzo, Brand Ambassador, Hudson Whiskey
  • Iain McCallum, Master of Malts, Morrison Bowmore Distillers
  • Neyah White, Brand Ambassador, Yamazaki Single Malts

The event, presented by Whisky Advocate magazine, happens Friday, October 5, 2012. Regular admission ($155) begins at 6:30 pm, with VIP admission (sold out) at 5:30 pm. Again to be held at the San Francisco Marriott Marquis Hotel — 55 Fourth Street, San Francisco. For the most up to date information, to get tickets, and to see the ever expanding list of whiskies, visit whiskyfest.com.

Say hi if you see me at the show!

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Upcoming Events, Whiskey

Dates for Spring 2012 Single Malt & Scotch Whisky Extravaganza Announced – Discount Code Within

Posted on February 6, 2012 by Christopher Null| Leave a comment

This just in from our friends at the Single Malt & Scotch Whisky Extravaganza:

Ladies and Gentlemen are cordially invited to enjoy a connoisseur’s evening featuring rare & exceptional single malt, Scotch and unique whiskies from around the world. 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.

All events from 7:00pm-9:00pm. Registration begins at 7:00pm. Business casual, Jackets preferred. No denim or athletic attire. Special rates for groups of 8 or more.

Use the promotional code “TDH2012″ to save $15 on each ticket. You can purchase tickets directly from the website or call us at 800.990.1991.

Here’s the Spring 2012 Extravaganza schedule. Fall dates, which will hit many more cities, to be announced soon.

ATLANTA

March 28, 2012 The Intercontinental Buckhead

3315 Peachtree Road NE Atlanta, GA 30326

HOUSTON

April 18, 2012 The Intercontinental Houston Near The Galleria

2222 West Loop South Houston, TX 77027

DALLAS

April 25, 2012 Dallas/Addison Marriott Quorum By The Galleria

14901 Dallas Parkway Dallas, TX 75254

DENVER

May 2, 2012 The Brown Palace Hotel

321 17th Street Denver, CO 80202

NEW YORK

May 10, 2012 The Roosevelt Hotel

Madison at 45th Street New York, NY 10017

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Scotch, Upcoming Events, Whiskey

Win 2 Tickets to Whiskies of the World 2012 in San Francisco!

Posted on January 6, 2012 by Christopher Null| Leave a comment

If you’re reading this blog, there’s a good chance you like whiskey, and if you like whiskey, you need to be at Whiskies of the World, where you can sample dozens of whiskeys in a single night, enjoy dinner, smoke a cigar, listen to some bagpipes, and live to tell the tale the next day.

We’ve got two (general admission) tickets to the March 31 event (6-9 pm), held at the San Francisco waterfront. All you need to do is email us your name, address, and written assurances that you are both over 21 and will actually be able to attend the event. We don’t want these tickets — a $240 value — to go to waste! Winner selected on February 29, 2012.

13th Annual Whiskies of the World Expo & Artisanal Spirits Fest

The Whiskies of the World Expo gathers the world’s most fascinating distilled spirits along with their makers and ambassadors to give its guests an opportunity to sample, learn and experience a night of delicious spirited fun. By popular demand, the 13th Expo will be back on the San Francisco Belle Yacht (docked) with its three ballroom-size tasting decks, and an open roof Whisky & Cigar Pairing deck. Come on March 31 to enjoy a full buffet dinner; meeting and learning from the world’s spirits producers; a live Pipe and Drum Concert; whisky mixology; artisanal food pairings with exclusive whiskies; live jazz and more. Learn, celebrate, experience!

For More Details: www.WhiskiesOfTheWorld.com

The fine print: Contests and giveaways are open only to readers age 21 and up with a U.S. mailing address. One prize per person per giveaway. We reserve the right to cancel any giveaway at our sole discretion. We are not responsible for lost, misdirected, or late entries. Not open to employees/contributors or immediate family members of Drinkhacker or Null Media employees/contributors, its affiliates, or advertising/promotion agencies and their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, directors, officers, employees, and agents. This offer is void wherever prohibited or restricted by national, state, or any governmental laws. We are not responsible for late, lost, or damaged prize packages. We do not use your mailing address for any other purpose than sending prizes; addresses are not kept on file. One entry per contestant — your entry is good for the length of each giveaway. Duplicate entries will disqualify the entrant.

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Contests, Upcoming Events

Upcoming: Whisky Live LA 2011

Posted on October 18, 2011 by Christopher Null| Leave a comment

I won’t be there, but if you’re in Los Angeles this Friday, check out Whisky Live — definitely worth it to give Compass Box’s Great King Street a try!

Whisky Live LA 2011

Featuring the Finest Scotches, Bourbons and Whiskies from Around the World

Whisky Live LA, on Friday, Oct 21, 5:30-10pm, will take place in the elegant Century Plaza Hyatt Regency, 2025 Avenue of the Stars. Situated on the fashionable West Side, adjacent to Beverly Hills, encompassing the magic of Hollywood, and the grandeur and energy of LA, Century Plaza Hyatt Regency is the perfect setting for the premier whisky event on the west coast. Easily accessible from downtown and the suburbs, ample on-site and public parking makes this the ideal place to host the largest and most diverse whisky tasting in California.

There will be several whiskies from around the world making their debut with Whisky Live LA this year.

• Great King St. – A fantastic new scotch from the master blender at Compass Box will be making its LA debut Friday night at Whisky Live!!

• Amrut Whisky – A deep, rich and full bodied family of whiskies from India. In both peated and non-peated expressions. With rare expressions as much as $2000 a bottle for you to sample!

• Lark Distilleries – The award winning unbelievable whisky from Tasmania!

Also new for WHISKY LIVE LA 2011 -

The new Rye from Bulleit – You have to taste it to believe it.

As well as our new feature area hosted by Whisky Live’s own whisky expert showcasing the finest in micro-distillery malts.

With the finest Scotches, Bourbons and whiskies in the world coupled with gourmet dining, chocolate/whisky pairings-featuring custom flavors from Cellar Door Chocolates, cocktail demonstrations, live music and entertainment all surrounded by the absolute best Southern California has to offer, creates a Whisky Live LA experience not to be missed!

Make Whisky Live LA your Complete Evening Out!

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Upcoming Events, Whiskey

2011 Single Malt & Scotch Whisky Extravaganza Dates Announced — Discounts Inside!

Posted on August 13, 2011 by Christopher Null| 1 Comment

I greatly enjoyed the 2010 Scotch Whisky Extravaganza — finding it a quieter counterpart to the bustle of WhiskyFest and Whiskies of the World — and am looking forward to visiting it again in 2011. This year’s event dates have just been announced, and you’ll find the full lineup below.

If you’d like to attend (and if you live in one of the cities below, you probably should), we’ve got discounts for you: Just use code TDH2011 when purchasing tickets online to get $15 off the $135 non-member price tag at this link. Over 110 whiskies will be poured at the event, which includes dinner and premium cigars. (Last year’s feast was awesome!) Get more info here. See you there!

2011 Fall Extravaganza Schedule

Chicago Wednesday

October 5, 2011

 The Union League Club of Chicago

65 West Jackson Boulevard

Chicago, IL 60604

Jackets Required (No Denim or Athletic Attire)
Boston Thursday

October 13, 2011

 The Taj Boston

15 Arlington Street

Boston, MA 02116

 
Washington, DC Wednesday

October 26, 2011

 JW Marriott Hotel

1331 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Washington, DC 20004

 
Philadelphia Friday

October 28, 2011

 The Union League Club of Philadelphia

140 South Broad Street

Philadelphia, PA 19102

Jackets Required (No Denim or Athletic Attire)

 
San Francisco Wednesday

November 9, 2011

 The Intercontinental San Francisco

888 Howard Street

San Francisco, CA 94103

 
Los Angeles Friday

November 11, 2011

 Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel

1700 Ocean Avenue

Santa Monica, CA 90401

 
Fort Lauderdale Thursday

December 1, 2011

 The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

1 Seminole Way

Hollywood, FL 33314

 

 

→ 1 Comment

Posted in Scotch, Upcoming Events, Whiskey

Discount Codes for Toast of the Town San Francisco, April 7, 2011

Posted on March 21, 2011 by Christopher Null| Leave a comment

Our friends at Wine Enthusiast put on a great show combining good wine and good food in an elegant atmosphere. This year it all moves to San Francisco’s City Hall, a great place not just to get your business license but to have a party, too.

Details follow, along with the code for getting a discount on your tix!

Wine Enthusiast Magazine presents a music, wine and restaurant extravaganza!  While listening to the sounds of live jazz, taste 500 premium wines and spirits from over 70 domestic and international producers and savor the culinary creations from over 35 top Bay Area restaurants, all in the glamorous setting of the San Francisco City Hall.

Date: Thursday, April 7, 2011

Location: San Francisco City Hall

301 Van Ness Avenue at Grove Street, San Francisco

Benefiting: San Francisco CARE, care.org

Presented by: Wine Enthusiast Magazine

Sponsors: The Wall Street Journal

Tickets: VIP Tasting $169 (*Early Bird $129)—6:00 pm

Grand Tasting $109 (*Early Bird $89)—7:00 pm to 10:00 pm

For discounts, use code: drinkhacker — toastofthetown.com or call 888-695-0888

Participating restaurants include: Grand Café, Home of Chicken and Waffles, Farallon Restaurant, Half Moon Bay Brewing Company, It’s Italia, Jack & Jason’s Pancake & Waffle Mixes, Limon, Mission Beach Café, One Market Restaurant, Press St. Helena, Saison, Suutro’s at the Cliff House, the girl & the fig, Twenty Five Lusk, Waterbar, Urban Tavern, Navio at the Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, etoile restaurant

Participating wineries: Too many to list!

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Upcoming Events, Wine

Win Tickets: 2011 Whiskies of the World Expo & Artisanal Spirits Fest San Francisco (March 26, 2011)

Posted on February 19, 2011 by Christopher Null| Leave a comment

wow expo300x300 Win Tickets: 2011 Whiskies of the World Expo & Artisanal Spirits Fest San Francisco (March 26, 2011)The pipes, the pipes are calling, and that can only mean that Whiskies of the World is nigh.

This years WoW in San Francisco returns to the San Francisco Belle, an old timey yacht anchored at the docks of the Bay.

In the Expo’s own words:

The Whiskies of the World Expo gathers the world’s most fascinating distilled spirits along with their makers and ambassadors to give its guests an opportunity to sample, learn and experience a night of delicious spirited fun. By popular demand, the 12th Expo will be back to San Francisco Belle Yacht (docked) with its three ballroom-size tasting decks, and an open roof Whisky & Cigar Pairing deck. Come on March 26th to enjoy a full buffet dinner; meeting and learning from the world’s spirits producers; creators and experts; a live Pipe and Drum Concert; mixology demonstrations, Celtic craft  and whisky gear booths, artisanal food pairings with exclusive whiskies;  live music and more. Learn, celebrate, experience! Details: WhiskiesOfTheWorld.com

Did we mention we have two pairs of tickets (4 tickets total) to give away? (Retail value: $220 per pair.) All you have to do to win them is tell us that you want to go! Drop a line to contest@drinkhacker.com and provide the following information: Your name, complete mailing address, and email contact information. You must be a U.S. resident and 21 years old to win.

We’ll pick two winners at random (two tickets per winner) on March 10, 2010. Winners will be notified by email, and tickets will be mailed to you shortly thereafter. Please don’t enter if you aren’t certain you can be in San Francisco on March 26th. Travel and lodging are not included in the giveaway!

Good luck, and I hope to see you there!

The fine print: Contests and giveaways are open only to readers age 21 and up with a U.S. mailing address. One prize per person per giveaway. We reserve the right to cancel any giveaway at our sole discretion. We are not responsible for lost, misdirected, or late entries. Not open to employees/contributors or immediate family members of Drinkhacker employees/contributors, its affiliates, or advertising/promotion agencies and their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, directors, officers, employees, and agents. This offer is void wherever prohibited or restricted by national, state, or any governmental laws. We are not responsible for late, lost, or damaged prize packages. We do not use your mailing address for any other purpose than sending prizes; addresses are not kept on file. One entry per contestant — your entry is good for the length of each giveaway. Duplicate entries will disqualify the entrant.

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Contests, Upcoming Events, Whiskey

The Single Malt & Scotch Whisky Extravaganza Spring 2011 Schedule

Posted on January 19, 2011 by Christopher Null| Leave a comment

Our friends at The Single Malt & Scotch Whisky Extravaganza have put out their 2011 Spring events calendar, and asked us to share it with you. Here it is in its glory! (Click the image for a larger version!)

For $15 off the first two tickets, use code TDH2011 here!

Spring 2011 Extravaganza Invitation Inside Only 525x679 The Single Malt & Scotch Whisky Extravaganza Spring 2011 Schedule

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Upcoming Events, Whiskey

Coming in March 2011: The Universal Whisky Show Las Vegas

Posted on November 28, 2010 by Christopher Null| Leave a comment

As luxury events go, it doesn’t get much ritzier than the Universal Whisky Show, from the sound of it. To be held March 18th and 19th at the Wynn hotel in Las Vegas, this event looks to make affairs like WhiskyFest and Whiskies of the World — both upscale happenings by any common measure — look positively mundane.

A ticket gets you all of this:

* Sampling of premium whiskies from all exhibitors.

* One Super pour sample from a range of rare and fine whiskies valued at $300 and above per pour retail. (These currently include Highland Park 40 Year, Dalmore Astrum 40 Year, and Glenfarclas 1966 — a tough choice, indeed!)

* Free cigar samples.

* Entry to all special events during the show.

* Butler passed pre-dinner hors d’oeuvres in show area.

* Gourmet dinner reception.

* Glencairn cut crystal tasting glass.

All for the low low price of $525 — or $375 if you buy in advance.

Visit this page to find out more about the show and about companion tickets (discounted entrance for the non-whisky-drinkers out there), and more information. I don’t know if I’ll be there — though it sounds like an exceptional time!

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Upcoming Events, Whiskey

Upcoming: Organic Beer and Wine Tasting – San Francisco

Posted on October 6, 2010 by Christopher Null| Leave a comment

ccof logo Upcoming: Organic Beer and Wine Tasting San FranciscoOrganics are on the rise in the wine and beer business, and now there are enough of them to merit their own event. California Certified Organic Farmers have gathered 26 wine- and beermakers together to taste their wares to the public. The event benefits the nonprofit trade group, and $30 gets you all the beer and wine you’d care to drink.

Check it out on October 29 in San Francisco’s Ferry Building, from 4 to 8 pm.

More info from the trade group…

CCOF’s 5th Annual Organic Beer and Wine Tasting

Friday, October 29, 2010
4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
San Francisco, CA

Join CCOF for the 5th Annual Organic Beer and Wine Tasting at the Ferry Building in San Francisco to sample a wide variety of fine beverages – all by producers certified organic by CCOF – and talk directly to the vintners, and brewers. The event begins at 4:00 p.m. and runs until 8:00 p.m.

Every year more organic winemakers and brewers are winning praise and awards for the beverages they produce and CCOF, one of the nation’s largest and oldest organic certifying agencies, is pleased to certify some of the best. Since 2006, the Organic Beer & Wine Tasting at the Ferry Building has gathered these celebrated wines and brews from across the state.

In addition to the wide selection of beverages to sample, attendees will have the chance to bid in a Silent Auction on items donated by the vendors. Last year’s auction items included bottles of the vintners’ best wines, gift boxes of beer, and brewery and winery tours.

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Beer, Upcoming Events, Wine

20% Off San Francisco Bay Rum Festival Tickets

Posted on July 13, 2010 by Christopher Null| 1 Comment

Hey rum fans, want to check out rum old and new, rum cocktails, and rum-food pairings ’til you scream for your galleon?

Check out next month’s San Francisco Ministry of Rum Festival, held at Miss Pearl’s in Oakland on August 8, from 2 to 5pm.

All you need to get in cheap is register for the forums at the Ministry of Rum website, then you’ll get 20% off the $50 admission fee. Just create and log in to your account, and you’ll see the discount automatically when you purchase your tickets.

Hope to see you at the event!

masthead.small 20% Off San Francisco Bay Rum Festival Tickets

→ 1 Comment

Posted in Rum, Upcoming Events

15% off Pinot Days San Francisco Tickets

Posted on June 18, 2010 by Christopher Null| Leave a comment

pinot days 15% off Pinot Days San Francisco TicketsThe world’s most noteworthy celebration of California Pinot Noir, Pinot Days, gets going on June 27th, and if you’re a Pinot fan it’s a place you need to be.

And Drinkhacker wants to ease the financial burden of your attendance. When you purchase tickets, use the coupon code DRNKHKRSF10 and you’ll save 15% off the $60 purchase price.

The event is on from 1pm to 5pm on Sunday June 27th. Be there!

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Upcoming Events, Wine

Upcoming: Toast of the Town San Francisco – April 22, 2010

Posted on March 15, 2010 by Christopher Null| Leave a comment

logo tott10 Upcoming: Toast of the Town San Francisco April 22, 2010Food and wine go together like Brad and Angelina — but few wine-focused events do the combination well.

Wine Enthusiast‘s Toast of the Town event is the exception, combining exceptional and eclectic wine choices with a selection of outstanding restaurants in just the right proportions. Last year’s TotT stands as one of the top wine events I attended in 2009.

Toast of the Town 2010 is coming back to San Francisco’s War Memorial Opera House on April 22, and my mouth is already watering. Top wineries pouring include Archery Summit, Antinori, Beaulieu, Pine Ridge, Graham’s Port, and Dow’s Port. Restaurants serving small dishes include Farallon, The Girl and the Fig, Cliff House, Rose Pistola, and the inimitable House of Chicken and Waffles.

Event runs from 5pm (VIP tickets, $169) or 7pm (standard tickets, $89) to 10pm on April 22, 2010. Early bird discounts are available on both tickets if you purchase before April 1. Space is limited. The event benefits the San Francisco Food Bank.

Get tickets here, and say hi if you see me on the floor!

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Upcoming Events, Wine

The Single Malt & Scotch Whisky Extravaganza Rolls Across the Country

Posted on February 8, 2010 by Christopher Null| 1 Comment

Hey folks — turns out there’s a third whisky show in town in addition to WhiskyFest and Whiskies of the World. The Single Malt & Scotch Whisky Extravaganza actually hits 13 cities this year, beginning with Atlanta in March and winding its way to San Francisco in November. The itinerary is a familiar one… in the words of the event planners:

Ladies and Gentlemen are cordially invited to enjoy a connoisseur’s evening featuring over 100 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.

A full schedule can be found here.

Want to attend? Drinkhacker readers can get a break on the price of a ticket — your first two can be had at the “member price,” which is $15 off the cost for non-members. Just visit this page to purchase tix and use promotional code TDH2010. Remember you only get two at the discounted price, so get your thirsty friends to buy their own.

Hope to see you at the SF event!

→ 1 Comment

Posted in Scotch, Upcoming Events, Whiskey

Win Tickets to San Francisco ZAP Zinfandel Grand Tasting

Posted on January 10, 2010 by Christopher Null| Leave a comment

Zin in Paradise wflower small Win Tickets to San Francisco ZAP Zinfandel Grand TastingNot into whiskey? How about Zin? San Francisco’s monumental ZAP Zinfandel Tasting is a mere few weeks away, and we’ve got four tickets (two pairs of two tickets) to give to you, dear reader. A total value of $236!

This year the event will be held on January 30, 2010 at the usual Fort Mason location, where hundreds of wineries will be pouring literally thousands of wines. And we want you to join us!

We’ve got 2 pairs of tickets (retail value: $118 per pair) to give away to our loyal readers. All you have to do to win them is tell us that you want to go! Drop a line to [CONTEST COMPLETED] and provide the following information: Your name, complete mailing address, and email contact information. You must be a U.S. resident and 21 years old to win.

We’ll pick two winners at random (two tickets per winner) on January 22, 2010. Winners will be notified by email, and tickets will be held at will call at the entrance to the event. Please don’t enter if you aren’t certain you can be in San Francisco on January 30th. Travel and lodging are not included in the giveaway!

Good luck, and I hope to see you there!

The fine print: Contests and giveaways are open only to readers 21 years old and up, with a U.S. mailing address. One prize per person per giveaway. We reserve the right to cancel any giveaway at our sole discretion. We are not responsible for lost, misdirected, or late entries. Not open to employees/contributors or immediate family members of Drinkhacker employees/contributors, its affiliates, or advertising/promotion agencies and their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, directors, officers, employees, and agents. This offer is void wherever prohibited or restricted by national, state, or any governmental laws. We are not responsible for late, lost, or damaged prize packages. We do not use your mailing address for any other purpose than sending prizes; addresses are not kept on file. One entry per contestant — your entry is good for the length of each giveaway. Duplicate entries will disqualify the entrant.

UPDATE: Congrats to Hector Maldonado and Gary McDonald, chosen randomly as winners for the contest!

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Upcoming Events, Wine

Win Tickets to Whiskies of the World Expo San Francisco

Posted on January 4, 2010 by Christopher Null| 8 Comments

wow Win Tickets to Whiskies of the World Expo San FranciscoIf you like whiskey, Whiskies of the World Expo, an annual tasting event in San Francisco, is an essential night you’d be insane to miss out on. Hundreds of spirits will be on hand to sample, plus educational seminars, delicious foodstuffs, and a generally awesome night to be had by all.

This year the event will be held on March 27, 2010 at the glamorous Hotel Nikko, and Drinkhacker wants to get you there!

We’ve got 3 pairs of VIP tickets (retail value: $240 per pair) to give away to our loyal readers. All you have to do to win them is tell us that you want to go! Drop a line to contest@drinkhacker.com and provide the following information: Your name, complete mailing address, and email contact information. You must be a U.S. resident and 21 years old to win.

We’ll pick three winners at random (two tickets per winner) on March 1, 2010. Winners will be notified by email, and tickets will be mailed to you shortly thereafter. Please don’t enter if you aren’t certain you can be in San Francisco on March 27th. Travel and lodging are not included in the giveaway!

Good luck, and I hope to see you there!

The fine print: Contests and giveaways are open only to readers age 21 and up with a U.S. mailing address. One prize per person per giveaway. We reserve the right to cancel any giveaway at our sole discretion. We are not responsible for lost, misdirected, or late entries. Not open to employees/contributors or immediate family members of Drinkhacker employees/contributors, its affiliates, or advertising/promotion agencies and their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, directors, officers, employees, and agents. This offer is void wherever prohibited or restricted by national, state, or any governmental laws. We are not responsible for late, lost, or damaged prize packages. We do not use your mailing address for any other purpose than sending prizes; addresses are not kept on file. One entry per contestant — your entry is good for the length of each giveaway. Duplicate entries will disqualify the entrant.

→ 8 Comments

Posted in Contests, Upcoming Events, Whiskey

Drinkhacker’s 2009 Holiday Gift Guide – Best Alcohol/Spirits for Christmas

Posted on November 27, 2009 by Christopher Null| 5 Comments

Booze: The gift that keeps on giving, whether you like it or not. It’s now tradition at Drinkhacker to look back at the best new spirits of the year, offering our suggestions on our favorite tipples — and the stuff that’s most likely to impress your holiday giftee should he find a neatly wrapped bottle under the tree. As always, we’ve tried to offer suggestions in a variety of price ranges, with a focus on spirits a bit out of the ordinary — as long as, no matter what the price, it’s the best stuff on the shelf.

Also check out our 2008 holiday guide.

Bourbon – Old Rip Van Winkle Family Reserve 23 Years Old (2009 Edition) – $350 – A hugely expensive and hugely delicious bourbon that will impress your giftee until he’s three sheets to the wind. More affordable choices include Evan Williams Single Barrel 2000 Edition, a complete steal at $26, or the always-good George T. Stagg limited edition bourbon; the 2009 is a real standout.

macallan 1824 4 bottle lineup 274x300 Drinkhacker’s 2009 Holiday Gift Guide – Best Alcohol/Spirits for ChristmasScotch – Macallan 1824 Collection — prices vary — This collection of four different whiskys was bviously not distilled in 1824 (it’s just an homage), but your giftee doesn’t have to know that. For a real splurge: Laphroaig 25 Years Old is a rare knockout.

Absinthe – Vieux Carre – $60 - The absinthe craze is finally on the wane, and fewer new brands popped up in 2009 than last year. Vieux Carre, made in Philadelphia, is arguably the best.

Gin – Bulldog - $25 – I love everything about this gin, which is light, fresh, and inexpensive. Also check out Citadelle Reserve, which is aged and unique — any gin drinker will find it quite the departure from Tanqueray.

Vodka – Any tea-infused vodka– less than $20 – Tea-flavored vodkas are the booze trend of the year, and for good reason, they taste great! Firefly and Jeremiah Weed are both outstanding. For a good unflavored vodka pick, check out Van Gogh Blue or Vermont Gold.

Rum – Appleton Reserve — $24 – You won’t find a better rum at this price level on the market. Brugal Extra Viejo is comparable in price and quality.  For Captain Morgan fans, hook them up with The Kraken and you’ll blow their mind.

bache gabrielsen hors dage 185x300 Drinkhacker’s 2009 Holiday Gift Guide – Best Alcohol/Spirits for ChristmasBrandy – Bache-Gabrielsen Hors d’Age Cognac — $400 – Not just a killer cognac, it’s the best sub-$1,000 spirit I tried this year. I have one, sad, half-ounce drop left in the sample I received at the end of September. I can’t bring myself to finish it off.

Tequila – Casa Noble - $40 to $60 – This line of tequilas is both delicious across the board, from blanco to anejo, and the bottles are pretty enough to gift without wrapping. 901 is good for a silver. Or try mezcal: Mijes Joven is the best I tried in ’09.

Liqueur – J. Witty Chamomile Liqueur - $25 – Continuing the tea craze is this exotic and very spicy liqueur, flavored with chamomile leaves and other essences. For fans of the bitter stuff, look into Root Liqueur. I also wholeheartedly recommend just about anything from the Thatcher’s Organic line.

Need another custom gift idea? Drop me a line or leave a comment here and I’ll offer my best advice!

→ 5 Comments

Posted in Bourbon, Brandy, Cognac, Gin, Liqueurs, Rum, Scotch, Tequila, Upcoming Events, Vodka, Whiskey

How It’s Made: Johnnie Walker Black Label

Posted on September 28, 2009 by Christopher Null| 10 Comments

johnny walker kit 300x225 How Its Made: Johnnie Walker Black LabelEver wonder how blended Scotch whisky is made? Well tomorrow I get the opportunity to find out firsthand by blending my own. Johnnie Walker sent this awesome kit (see right, click for large version) full of single malt and grain whiskeys, and during an hour-long session we’ll be blending our own Black Label under the tutelage of the company’s master distillers.

We’re blending this afternoon. Will report back when we’re finished and let you know how my whisky turned out!

UPDATE: Wow, that was fun and informative, and getting to taste six different malt whiskys from six different parts of Scotland (plus a grain whisky), side by side, was quite eye-opening. Real Black Label is blended from about 40 different whiskys, but even working with these seven to concoct my own spirit.

The blend I eventually used looks like this:

25% grain whisky
10% Lowland malt
10% Speyside malt
20% sherry cask malt
25% Highland malt
10% island malt

I skipped adding the heavily peaty Islay malt for my blend. Results? Perfectly palatable but surprisingly light considering how much Highland and sherry cask malt made up the blend. Typical blended whiskys have more than 50% grain whisky in the mix, but frankly I could have done with none at all.

Thanks to Johnnie Walker for an extremely informative, fun, and — as you can see from the photo below — involved experience.

makin whiskyjpg How Its Made: Johnnie Walker Black Label

→ 10 Comments

Posted in Scotch, Upcoming Events, Whiskey