Expo Update

Countdown to WoW … only 3 weeks to go!!!!

With the days flying by we want to bring you up to date on some of the amazing spirits and features you will find at the 12th annual WOW Expo in San Francisco, Saturday night March 26, 2011 on board the docked San Francisco Belle. Three ballroom sized decks of whiskies and features, music and food with an open air top deck looking out over the Bay.

PURCHASE TICKETS http://www.whiskiesoftheworld.com/store/index.php

Since you KNOW we’ll be following up with a list of whiskies that will make your mouth water, we’ll tease you a bit and talk first about some of the great fun at the show other than what you will sample and nose….

Let’s begin with the outrageously educational and FUN Masterclasses presented by the stars of the whisky world. How better to begin the evening than to sign up NOW on line at the website for one of these space limited experiences? You’ll get up close and personal with Master Distillers and Blenders of some of the world’s most remarkable spirits as well as having an opportunity to see and hear a debate panel of experts. All the Masterclasses are very space limited and should be signed up for in advance.  Click through and check out your incredible options…this isn’t fair! It’s too hard to choose!!!

In case you can’t wait for Expo night itself, remember that the Expo has pre show evenings for you to enjoy starting on Thursday March 24th. Details on the site…but here’s an example: Join the man that so many acknowledge as the world’s greatest nose, Richard Paterson of The Dalmore. Richard will be at The Whisky Shop, 360 Sutter Street for bottle and book signings from 4-5:30 pm, Friday March 25th. And…if you can’t get enough of Richard, sign up for his Expo masterclass and sample a range of some of the most extraordinary whiskies you’ll ever experience under the tutelage of a grand master!

Onto the whiskies and some wonderful palate pleasers of the culinary type as well…

Tired of being told that blends are inferior to single malts?  Check out Hankey Bannister’s range of hand blended Scotch whisky. From 12 all the way to 40 year old bottlings, these blends will turn your head and change your mind!

Curious about the micro-distilling explosion in the USA? Meet and talk with one of the most intrepid gents in the industry. Rick Wasmund’s is the classic tale of a man who threw away the corporate life to chase his dream, build a single malt distillery (in Virginia of all places!!) and make a name for himself and his spirits…as well as his unique aging process. Wasmund’s Single Malt from Copper Fox Distillery will be an adventure on the palate for any whisky lover. And Rick will talk to you all night , if you like, about his passion for distilling and life on the US whisky trail!  Be sure to ask him about his whisky-van…a distillery away from a distillery on the road!

Are you one of the many cigar lovers at the Expo? If so, don’t miss the Sip/Smoke/Savor booth where whisky, chocolate and cigars come together in the ultimate blending of taste experiences.

So many whiskies, so little time…but be certain to join Wild Geese for yet another great Irish whiskey experience new to the US market. Remember when Irish whiskey was just Irish whiskey? Nowadays the variation and quality are profound and one could spend an entire Expo night just exploring the gems of the Emerald Isle. From the early submission it looks like Wild Geese alone will be pouring at least six variations on their bottlings!  That’s not it for the Irish… Satiate your taste buds also with Bushmills, Michael Collins, Mickey Finn, …

Tasty snacks for Whisk(e)y pairing

Back again with the most delicious condiment this side of  Loch Lommond…MacQuade’s Celtic Chutneys compliment spirits, as well as cheeses brought to us by Fiscalini and the unusual all natural Krave Jerky that you’ll find at the Expo. Don’t miss any of these taste delights!

California does it again

…bringing us yet another micro distilled whiskey wonder; straight from Petaluma you must try Wylie Howell’s Corn Whiskey. Another opportunity to meet an adventurous small batch distiller marching to his own drummer! The Expo has gained a reputation for bringing you the new and unusual…and here we go again!   Wait, another one… A brand new Rye, Kuchan Dark Rye Whiskey from Old World Spirits of Belmont. Listen to Davorin Kuchan as he is interviewed by Gene Burns. (March 19. KGO talkradio AM810 10:am – 1:pm Dining Around with Gene Burns)

Comparison Tasting with Independent Bottlers

For the 12th Annual WoW Expo we bring you an in depth look at Independent Bottling with the ever lovable and brilliant Ed Kohl. Ed brings us a Masterclass filled with everything you could possibly want to learn about the process of cask selection, barrel knowledge and expertise including just how indie bottlers source and choose their cask, and more. And of course…Ed will take you through a heavenly comparison tasting! Remember… SIGN UP IN ADVANCE. http://www.whiskiesoftheworld.com/wow_apps/

We’ll leave you here to dream of Expo eve and hope you’ll be bringing friends and co workers who have never before experienced this greatest of whisky events!
Slainte!

Speaker Classes: Sign-up on-line

Once again we are offering you the opportunity to attend some unforgettable Masterclasses with the stars of the spirits world! *****Please note that the first round of classes starts at 6:00 which  is the same time as general admission opens. If you sign up for a 6:00 class, you can bypass the general admission queue and go straight to the class.

Sign up on-line to guarantee a spot. Please be at class 5 minutes early to guarantee your seat.

6:00 pm Simon Brooking (Laphroaig) “Where Whisky Meets the Cask”.
6:00 pm Steven Beal(Classic Malts) “Walking through the Regions of Scotland”.
7:15 pm Richard Patterson(The Dalmore) “Learn from the Nose”
7:15 pm Ed Kohl (Impex Beverages) “Independent Bottlers-Who Are They?”
8:30 pm Chip Tate(Balcones), Rick Wasmund (Wasmund’s), Andrew Webber (Corsair Artisan), Bryan Schultz (Rough Stock)  “Wonders of Craft Distilling”
8:30 pm Tim Wong (Rocky Patel), Surprise Guest, “Cigars and Whisky –A Perfect Combination”
Details and sign-ups http://www.whiskiesoftheworld.com/wow_apps/index.php

The WoW Team