The Driftless Glen Tasting Grayslake showcase brings award-winning small-batch bourbon, high-rye whiskeys, and artisanal spirits to Beer Bazaar on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM! Stop by our center-street taproom during the weekly Grayslake Farmers Market to sample handcrafted spirits from Wisconsin’s celebrated riverfront distillery.
Driftless Glen Tasting Grayslake Event Overview
Wednesday afternoons in downtown Grayslake offer the perfect combination of fresh local produce and world-class craft beverages. Located steps away from the bustling vendor stands, Beer Bazaar welcomes spirit enthusiasts to experience the unique terroir of the Midwest’s unglaciated Driftless Area.
During this complimentary three-hour tasting session, brand ambassadors from Driftless Glen Distillery will guide guests through their portfolio of grain-to-glass whiskeys and aged brandies.
Whether you are seeking a high-rye bottle for home mixology or looking to explore award-winning single-barrel releases, this event provides an expert-guided tasting experience.
Featured Driftless Glen Spirits Lineup
Driftless Glen Distillery operates a true grain-to-glass facility along the banks of the Baraboo River in Wisconsin. By combining locally grown grains with pure limestone-filtered water drawn from local Driftless aquifers, their distillers create complex spirits without sourcing industrial base liquor.
Here are the primary featured expressions available to sample during the showcase:
1. Driftless Glen Small Batch Straight Bourbon Whiskey (90 Proof)
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Accolades & Ratings: ASCOT Platinum Award Winner | 90 Points (Whisky Advocate)
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Grain Bill & Fermentation: Matured in charred new American oak barrels for at least four years using 100% Midwestern grains.
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Tasting Notes: Pours a warm golden copper. Displays enticing aromas of sweet vanilla, toasted oak, and baking spices, leading into a smooth, balanced palate of dark caramel, toasted honey, and subtle black pepper spice.
2. Driftless Glen Small Batch Straight Rye Whiskey (96 Proof)
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Accolades & Ratings: Double Gold Medalist (San Francisco World Spirits Competition) | Gold & Best in Class (Whiskies of the World)
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Grain Bill & Fermentation: Built on a high-rye mash bill designed to showcase bold, savory grain character alongside local oak maturation.
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Tasting Notes: Rich, full-bodied, and warming. The high-rye character delivers sharp cracked black pepper, dark cocoa, licorice, and ripe cherry notes balanced by toasted caramel sweetness.
3. Driftless Glen 5-Year Reserve Brandy (92 Proof)
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Accolades & Ratings: Double Gold Medalist (San Francisco World Spirits Competition) | 92 Points (Beverage Testing Institute)
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Distillation & Aging: Hand-crafted in small copper pot stills and aged for five full years in charred American oak casks.
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Tasting Notes: Pours deep amber in the glass. Offers comforting aromas of dried raisin, toasted oak, and vanilla bean that finish smooth, velvety, and sweet.
The Geology & Craft Science of the Driftless Area
Understanding what sets Driftless Glen Distillery apart requires a look at the unique geological history of Southwestern Wisconsin.
1. The Unglaciated Terrain & Pure Aquifer Water
During the last Ice Age, massive continental glaciers flattened much of North America’s Midwest landscape. However, a specific region spanning Southwestern Wisconsin, Northwestern Illinois, and Eastern Iowa was completely bypassed by glacier flows—a region known as the Driftless Area.
Because the land was never carved down by ice, deep bedrock layers and natural limestone aquifers remain intact. Driftless Glen draws water directly from these local aquifers. The natural limestone filtration removes iron—which can turn whiskey dark and bitter—while imparting mineral salts that nourish yeast during fermentation.
2. Non-Chill Filtration & Natural Barrel Aging
Unlike mass-market spirit producers that use heavy chill-filtration to strip away cloudiness, Driftless Glen non-chill filters their small-batch releases.
This gentle filtration method preserves essential fatty acids, esters, and oak-derived congeners, yielding a richer mouthfeel, denser legs in the glass, and deeper flavor persistence on the palate.
Grayslake Farmers Market Wednesday Synergy
Every Wednesday afternoon throughout the summer and early autumn, downtown Grayslake hosts its celebrated community Farmers Market. Located right along Center Street, Beer Bazaar acts as a cool, air-conditioned refuge where market visitors can relax and enjoy artisanal beverage tastings.
Make the most of your Wednesday afternoon in Grayslake:
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Shop the Market: Browse fresh organic produce, artisanal cheeses, baked goods, and handmade crafts along Center Street.
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Visit Beer Bazaar: Step inside our taproom between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM to meet the Driftless Glen Distillery team.
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Sample Award-Winning Spirits: Enjoy complimentary guided pours of small-batch bourbon, high-rye whiskey, and reserve brandy.
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Take Home Your Favorite Bottles: Purchase full-size bottles directly from our package shop shelves to build your home whiskey bar.
Cocktail & Food Pairing Suggestions
Elevate your home drinking experience by pairing Driftless Glen spirits with fresh ingredients from the local farmers market:
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Driftless Glen Rye Old Fashioned: Muddle local Wisconsin maple syrup with raw Angostura bitters, add 2 oz of Driftless Glen Small Batch Rye, and stir over a large ice cube with a fresh orange peel.
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Pairing with Local Cheeses: The spicy notes of Driftless Glen Rye pair exceptionally well with sharp aged Wisconsin cheddar, blue cheese, or smoked gouda.
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Bourbon & Bakery Pairings: Match the caramel and vanilla notes of Driftless Glen Straight Bourbon with warm peach cobbler, pecan pie, or artisanal dark chocolate pastries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a ticket fee for the Driftless Glen Tasting Grayslake event?
No, attending the Driftless Glen Tasting Grayslake event at Beer Bazaar is 100% free for all guests aged 21 and older.
What time does the spirits tasting take place?
The tasting session runs from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, coinciding directly with the Grayslake Farmers Market hours.
Can I purchase bottles of Driftless Glen to take home?
Yes! Beer Bazaar maintains full retail stock of Driftless Glen Distillery spirits in our package shop, allowing you to purchase bottles during the event.
Where is Beer Bazaar located?
Beer Bazaar is located in historic downtown Village of Grayslake at 107 Center Street, Grayslake, IL 60030.
Can I order craft drinks from the taproom bar during the tasting?
Yes! Our full 20-line craft draft bar, wine menu, and package coolers will be open for full glass pours throughout the afternoon.
Hub & Spoke Cluster: Related Grayslake Events
Explore our connected event hubs and upcoming taproom activities:
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Pillar Event Hub: View our complete schedule on the Grayslake Community Events Calendar.
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Tuesday Night Trivia: Join us for Tuesday Trivia Night Grayslake every Tuesday at 6:30 PM.
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First Friday Party: Attend First Fridays Karaoke Grayslake on the first Friday of every month.
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Draft & Package Hub: Browse active glass pours on the main Beer Bazaar Taproom Menu.
Visit Beer Bazaar for the Driftless Glen Tasting
Stroll through the farmers market, step into our taproom on Center Street this Wednesday afternoon, and discover why Wisconsin’s Driftless Glen Distillery is earning international accolades!
For bottle holds or store directions, call our storefront directly at (224) 541-4494. See you in historic downtown Village of Grayslake!