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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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