Cost: $95 for regular admission, $150 for VIP (sold out!)

Organizer: Malt Advocate

What to expect: More than 200 single malt and blended whiskys from around the world will be available for sampling, but the real focus is on education, as industry leaders host seminars on making the peaty stuff. Attendees will also enjoy an expansive gourmet buffet all evening, plus coffee, tea, water and soda. Each attendee receives a commemorative Glencairn whisky glass for tastings.

Additional info: This event takes place at the Hyatt Regency Chicago.

If you're really into whisky, you may want to consider attending the Great Whisk(e)y Debate at 9 p.m. Tuesday at Five Star Bar. The tasting-slash-whiskey class is led by reps from numerous whiskey brands, including Canadian Club.