Coeur d’Alene Resort is rolling out its first Whiskey Barrel Weekend

Coeur d’Alene Resort’s first Whiskey Barrel Weekend this Friday and Saturday – celebrating all things whiskey paired with cuisine, jazz, demonstrations and workshops – also is commemorating a special occasion: the release of the Coeur d’Alene Resort Custom Signature Label Maker’s Mark Whiskey.

Jake Hill, general manager of Whispers Lounge who is leading the charge of the Whiskey Barrel Weekend event, traveled to the Maker’s Mark Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky, in May to help craft the limited-edition vintage. The purpose of the trip was for Hill and his colleagues to see the operation and select the wood staves that ultimately determined the tasting notes in the resort’s new blend, Hill said.

“The trip to Kentucky was amazing. The attention to detail and commitment to craftsmanship is very evident as soon as you get to the Maker’s Mark Distillery,” Hill said. “It is a gorgeous campus with a rich history, and everyone on the property takes a great deal of pride in what they do. They were very hospitable and made sure that we got the full experience.

“There was a great emphasis on us getting exactly what we wanted out of our whiskey. It was truly an amazing experience, and I would recommend a visit to any whiskey enthusiast.”

The indoor-outdoor Whiskey Barrel Weekend will happen come rain – or snow – or shine this weekend.

“We are expecting good weather. Guests can expect to get an opportunity to sample roughly 60 whiskeys paired with fantastic small bites that have been expertly paired by our resort culinary team,” Hill said. “This also is the first opportunity to try our new Maker’s Mark private select Coeur d’Alene Resort Batch 1 Bourbon that we created back in May.”

“I am looking forward to getting our whiskey. It will be fun to make cocktails for our menus using a world-class product that was actually created specifically for us,” Hill summed up.

“It also will be really fun for everyone to get a chance to sample a lot of product that they otherwise wouldn’t consider. This is a great opportunity for quality exposure for a lot of the smaller local distilleries that we have invited, as well.”

Here is the Whiskey Barrel Weekend schedule of events:

Friday

Whiskey Tasting Event (6-9 p.m.)

Kick off Whiskey Barrel Weekend with an evening of tastings and hors d’oeuvres. Enjoy nearly 60 whiskeys available for sipping, appetizers crafted by resort executive chef Rod Jessick, a “smoking whiskey demonstration,” conversation with whiskey sommeliers and more at Coeur d’Alene Resort Convention Center. Ticket includes a custom whiskey tasting glass, 20 whiskey dram tasting tickets and three mature whiskey dram tasting tickets. Tickets: $75

Saturday

Maker’s Mark Open (10 a.m. shotgun start)

The Maker’s Mark Open golf event at Coeur d’Alene Golf Course combines golfing and an on-course whiskey tasting with Southern-inspired bites. Event-inclusive green fee is $125.

Local Craft Distilleries Tasting Workshop (1-2 p.m.)

Featured whiskeys: Grand Teton, Heritage, Dry Fly, Koenig and High West. Instructional seminar, whiskey tasting and small bites. Tickets: $35

Coeur d’Cocktails (2:30-3:30 p.m.)

Featuring master mixologist Justin Shorzman as he demonstrates how to stir, shake and sip whiskey-themed cocktails. Educational seminar, cocktail tasting and light appetizers. Tickets: $35

Maker’s Mark “Inside the Barrel” Experience (4-5 p.m.)

Featuring a hosted seminar by a Maker’s Mark ambassador. Learn how whiskey is crafted from inception to glass. Maker’s Mark tastings and light hors d’oeuvres. Tickets: $35.

Grand Whiskey Dinner (6-8 p.m.) and After Party (8-10 p.m.)

A full whiskey dinner experience at Coeur d’Alene Resort’s Lakefront Hagadone Event Center. Featuring whiskey tasting and Southern-inspired cuisine stations. Exclusive opportunity to purchase a bottle of Coeur d’Alene Resort Custom Signature Label Maker’s Mark Whiskey. Chance to win a trip to Kentucky, the birthplace of fine American whiskey, with the resort team to help create the 2020 custom label blend. Join the after party at the outdoor cigar lounge featuring a jazz trio. Tickets: $150

More: cdaresort.com.