Whisky Seminars
From bar service to whisky masterclasses, ImpEx Beverages, the Official Whisky Sponsor of the 2025 Games, will showcase the best small batch whiskies being distilled across Scotland today.
Whether you are a new whisky drinker or a seasoned aficionado, there is something for every style, palate and level of expertise. Review the four immersive masterclasses planned. Sessions will cover lowland single malts, sherry and wood cask finishes, and, of course, the best peats from the highlands and islands. Tickets are $40 per masterclass. This is a great gift idea for Father’s Day! All classes are in Building 3 at the Fairgrounds. Your support benefits Chicago Scots mission of culture and care.
New! Friday Night Trifecta Masterclass
Friday, June 13 at 6 p.m.
Created especially for early-bird attendees by the ImpEx Beverages team, this composite masterclass will feature two favorite whiskies presented by each Brand Ambassador. This is a great introduction to the ImpEx portfolio from the highlands, lowlands and islands! Enjoy Lochlea, The GlenAllachie and Isle of Raasay at our first-ever Friday masterclass. Click here to review the expressions featured in this masterclass.
Seminar One: Lochlea Masterclass
Saturday, June 14 at 12 p.m.
Join Alex Ferrand for a deep dive into Lochlea Distillery’s award-winning single malts. You will taste five different whiskies from this lowland distillery and explore a range of barrel finishes including a light, crisp whisky matured entirely in ex-bourbon barrels and a dark, sweet whisky finished exclusively in sherry casks. The barley grown on Lochlea Farm was farmed by Robert Burns in his youth from 1777 to 1784. Click here to review the expressions featured in this masterclass.
Seminar Two: The GlenAllachie Masterclass
Saturday, June 14 at 2 p.m.
Brand Ambassador Ronan Currie will bring his expertise in blending to this masterclass featuring five whiskies from The GlenAllachie Distillery, in Speyside. You will be introduced to the rich, sherry forward whiskies The GlenAllachie is known for and learn about the different species of oak they use from Hungary and Scotland to create their world-renowned whiskies. Click here to review the expressions featured in this masterclass.
Seminar Three: Isle of Raasay Masterclass
Saturday, June 14 at 4 p.m.
Join global sales manager Scott Fraser for a key masterclass deconstructing Isle of Raasay’s award-winning single malt. Evaluate the appearance, aroma and flavor of Raassay’s core product, The Draam, then try four more single barrel whiskies to learn how the component parts taste on their own and how they come together in the end product. This is a unique opportunity to experience the blending process first-hand! Click here to review the expressions featured in this masterclass.
The VIP Whisky Experience
Saturday, June 14 – 1 p.m. & 3 p.m.
VIP Patrons will enjoy a premium whisky experience throughout the day Saturday. Brand Ambassadors from Scotland will host two informal tastings in the afternoon with additional ‘drop in’ sessions all day. Patrons will enjoy whiskies not available at the bar including a 12yr Oloroso Single Cask from The GlenAllachie distillery, a US Exclusive STR cask from Lochlea, and the oloroso and PX sherry finished Dun Cana from Isle of Raasay. VIP Patrons tickets are $200 per person and include all beverage and food service under a big top tent adjacent to the Heavy Athletics Field. VIP Patrons generously give at a higher level to support Chicago Scots cultural and elder care mission. Chicago Scots is the only Scottish Society in the world to own and operate an elder care community – Caledonia Senior Living & Memory Care – located in North Riverside.
Official Whisky Sponsor
Thank you to ImpEx Beverages, the Official Whisky Sponsor at the Chicago Scots 39th Annual Scottish Festival & Highland Games.
Every year at our Scottish Festival & Highland Games, the Chicago Scots feature a family or an organization as our Honored Clan. This year, to recognize and celebrate its’ strong Scottish roots, our Honored Clan is Rotary International. We are proud to announce that Rotary International’s Scottish President, Gordon McInally has agreed to lead our Parade of Tartans at 12:30 p.m. Gordon will also receive the Salute to the Chieftain from the Massed Pipe Bands at approximately 6.30pm on Saturday, June 15, 2024.