San Francisco WhiskyFest 2009

K&L's David Driscoll pours Caol Ila and Highland Park at SF WhiskyFestWell, the biggest whisk(e)y event of the year has come and gone, and I'm completely exhausted.  I had a blast meeting everyone and pouring our delicious selections for the drinking public.  This being my first WhiskyFest, my strategy was simple: let every other vendor bring out their big guns, while I brought out affordable malts that every ticket holder could love and afford.  The consensus was simple - I asked most tasters what their favorite malt of the night was and they gave me the specifics on some 20+ year old relic that was being held back under the table of a specific vendor.  When I asked if they planned on buying a bottle of that delicious dram, 100% of those asked responded with "NO! Too expensive!"  I am happy to report that the K&L selections seemed to be the malts that everyone wanted to actually shell out their hard earned money for, and that makes me happy! Our $35 bargain bottle of Highland Park 8 year got rave reviews as did the 10 year Laphroig and the 8 year Caol Ila.  I didn't get to taste the whole floor, but my whiskey of the night went to a single barrel cask strength bottle of Four Roses, which knocked my socks off.  I absolutely love what they are doing over there with Jim Rutledge and company.  Anyway, here are a few photos of the event. 

David Driscoll

K&L San Francisco's Jeff Jones holds down the fort.

K&L's David Driscoll with the Malt Advocate's guru John Hansell.

K&L's David Driscoll with the crew from Four Roses, his favorite producer of the event.