Alcolog

I'm not one to pick favorites, but I must admit I have a soft spot in my heart for Delilah's in Chicago. It started last March when I was planning my WhiskyFest trip, and was curious about why there were so many events planned at this bar. I assumed it was like most bars with whisky tastings: decent Scotch selection, copious amounts of tanned leather seating, and a warm lighting with a tone similar to bright candlelight. Marty Duffy was having a tasting Monday night, so I decided I go there, grab a bite to eat, and attend his event.

First mistake? They don't serve food. But that's okay since there's a Gino's East less than a block away. So after communing with some classic Chicago pizza, I went back to Delilah's to abolish the rest of my presumptions.

Delilah's could be best described as a neighborhood punk bar, but that misses many of its quirks. It's not a Scotch bar, better to be described as a whiskey or Bourbon bar. But that doesn't stop it from having more Scotch options than most/all of the bars in Minneapolis. And, unlike most whiskey bars, the Bourbon drastically outnumbers the Scotch. The total number of whiskies floats around 300-350, but hard to keep track of them as the stocks shift on a weekly basis. One of the most ingenious and unpretentious ways the bar helps out the staff is by writing the per shot cost on the bottle. It's so simple I'm surprised other places don't do the same thing. The lighting? Mostly nonexistent, save a few lights strewn around the seating area, the lights under the bottles behind the bar, and two television sets showing old B movies.

Another way to describe Delilah's is one man's passion, that man being Mike Miller. Ultimately he runs Delilah's as an extension of his personality. It's his love of obscure whiskies is the basis for his selection. He genuinely loves sharing his finds with anyone willing to try something new. Which makes us a perfect fit because I'm always in the mood for first experiences. It also makes Delilah's a required stop for any liquor-industry folks who find themselves in Chicago. Why a punk bar? He's an old punker and loves music. This passion contributed to opening his second club in town: the new Bottom Lounge in the west loop. As a result he's busier than ever, splitting his time between the two bars. Finally, Mike is a warm and friendly type of guy, and his bar reflects that. The accommodations are cozy, but nothing claustrophobic.

Delilah's will probably be crowded tonight, since today is their 15th anniversary. Well wishers will gather from all around to toast Mike's vision, and in their glasses will be his new 15 year old whiskey. Starting two anniversaries ago, Mike has bottled his own whiskies to commemorate the years. In 2006 it was a 13 year old Scotch, and last year was a 14-year Bourbon. This year's edition is a rye, and from the sounds of it it'll be especially rare. I caught a few minutes of his time earlier this month, and it sounds like the distiller had scant supply for the bottling. Granted this may make buying bottles or even shots to be a bit expensive, but I trust Mike's taste and will need to try some the next time I make it back to Chicago.

So if you're a lover of whiskies and can't find the time to get to Chicago tonight, raise a glass in honor of Mike Miller and Delilah's. To fifteen years and many more into the future.