You’ll have a whiskey barrel full of fun during a weekend of tasting and learning about this age-old distilled libation.
The key to understanding whiskey, besides the different varieties like bourbon, corn whiskey and traditional Scotch whiskey, is in tasting, which is exactly what you’ll do — a lot — at the upcoming WHISKEY BARREL WEEKEND at the Coeur d’Alene Resort. Whiskey can be smoky, sweet, dense and pungent or light and refreshing, and no matter how you spell it — with or without the extra “e” — whiskey is a distilled spirit with plenty of personality.
Maker’s Mark, for example, is an industry leader in making bourbon (only whiskey made in Scotland gets to call itself Scotch whiskey). They’ve partnered with the Resort for the Oct. 4-5 event, traveling from their homebase in Kentucky, and bringing a custom blend they created just for the Resort.
“We have over 50 different whiskeys represented throughout the weekend, both local and national names,” says Director of Marketing Amy VanSickle. “Attendees will get to savor the benefits of seasoned distilleries as well as the ingenuity of small-batch operations.”
Although several of the events are already sold out — the Friday opening cocktail party and the Saturday golf tournament — there’s plenty left in the glass, so-to-speak. Do a tasting with Grand Teton, Heritage, Dry Fly, Koenig and High West on Saturday, 1-2 pm ($35), or learn how to make whiskey-themed cocktails from 2:30-3:30 pm ($35).
Settle in for four hours of live entertainment, fabulous food and plenty of whiskey, both in the glass and part of the cuisine during the Grand Whiskey Dinner, Saturday, 6-8 pm, followed by an 8-10 pm After-Party ($150). Dinner is served at the Resort’s Event Center — the views of the lake, especially at sunset and in the evening, are unparalleled — and features a blend of traditional and Southern-inspired cuisine. Try the Dungeness crab Louis salad, the deep fried turkey, the lobster or oyster po’ boy sandwiches, or the decadent roasted rib eye steak served on a salt block.
Special Events
Scarywood
OCT. 3-NOV. 2
Get ready for a month of screams as Silverwood transforms itself to Scarywood. Five haunted attractions, seven scare zones and most of Silverwood’s signature rides are sure to get your heart pumping. Thursday 7-11 pm, Friday 7 pm-12 am, Saturday 7 pm-12 am; tickets at scarywoodhaunt.com.
Art from the Heart
OCTOBER 4-5
Each October, Coeur d’Alene celebrates the arts with workshops, free concerts and performances. Saturday, Oct. 5th’s performance, 19th Century Grandeur, features the Coeur d’Alene Symphony as it marks 40 years of exceptional shows. Friday 7:30 pm, Saturday 2 pm; Kroc Center.
GolftoberFest
OCTOBER 12
Taste the flavors of fall, from seasonal microbrews to Bavarian Brats, as you play the world-renowned Coeur d’Alene Golf Course. Packages start at only $168 per player with resort accommodations. Play starts at 11 am with a shotgun start.
