Across the Americas whisky, with or without the "e", is being celebrated. Come join novices and connoisseurs where experts hold court and the drams are delightful.

Such events are a wondrous way to speak to the true experts of the whisky, and other spirits industry, and sample their wares, many of which are not available to the general public yet.

Where should you be heading for the rest of 2007?

Read on....

OCTOBER 30

WhiskyFest /New York City

One of the Malt Advocate's Big Three events (the others are in San Francisco and Chicago), this show, now in its 10th year is a must for spirits enthusiasts!

Here a coterie of Master Distillers and Master Blenders, from Scotland, Ireland, the US, Japan and Canada are on hand to offer stimulating seminars and samplings from exclusive stock. Over 70 companies are set for exhibition being held at midtown’s Marriott Marquis Hotel.

Among those experts scheduled to impart their knowledge are Richard Patterson, the 3rd generational Master Blender who is the genius of Dalmore Single Malt.

Mention Kentucky spirits and names like Woodford Reserve, Early Times and Old Forester leap to mind. All these brands, and more fall under the expertise of Master Distiller Chris Morris.

Lincoln Henderson with roots deep in American whiskey is now considered an expert in Japanese distilling practices - like those demonstrated at Suntory.

Even whisky lovers love a wee dram of something different, and for that time Appleton Jamaica Rum’s Joy Spence will be sharing her delight in finding the time honored balance when art and science combine to form a perfect drink.

Check out www.maltadvocate.com for more information.

NOVEMBER 1

Philadelphia Whiskey Festival 2007

Two days later the City of Brotherly Love shows just how attentive it can become with the addition of premier spirits.

The fun starts at 6:00PM at the Crystal Tea room at the Wanamaker Building in Center City. Cognac. tequila, gin, vodka and rums round out the event in addition to the whiskeys from around the world.

Sponsored, in part by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, advance tickets are $85.00, and $95.00 the night of the event.

See: www.phillymag.com/philly/whiskey_fest

NOVEMBER 2

Pittsburgh Whiskey Festival

Head westward across Pennsylvania for the inauguration of this event set to engage and educate connoisseurs. Rich with a spirited history from colonial days through the Whiskey Rebellion, and today along the northern part of the American Whiskey Trail, the Steel City is happy to welcome over 80 vendors to the West Club Lounge at Heinz Field.

Check out www.pittsburghwhiskeyfestival.com for more information.

November 12-17

Hopscotch Festival/Vancouver BC

Hailed as Canada’s only whisky and premium beer festival, 2007 marks its 10th anniversary. She stands proud of her accomplishment of introducing so many to the joys of whiskey and beer, through expert lead seminars, dinners. blind tastings, a Molson Brewery tour and a night of whiskey and chocolate.

Proving their dedication to education the Hopscotch Festival even provides mouth-watering recipes to tantalize the palate.

In good Spirit!

Whisky Peaches

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 4 cups sliced fresh peaches
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (1.5 fluid oz.) jigger whisky

Directions:

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the peaches, and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Mix in the brown sugar, vanilla, and whisky; simmer over medium heat for about 20 minutes, until peaches are soft and the sauce has darkened. Serve as a side dish or over ice cream.

• Recipe Courtesy of Hop Scotch Festival
• More Whisky Articles
• American Whiskey Trail North
• American Whiskey Trail South:http://seustravel.suite101.com/article.cfm/american_whiskey_trail
• Whiskey Rebellion:http://americanhistory.suite101.com/article.cfm/the_whiskey_rebellion