Chicago, IL

This is the first time I’ve invited a special guest along for an Old-Fashioned AF tasting and review. In this case, my good friend Marci Braun, Regional Brand Manager for Audacy Country powerhouse WUSN/Chicago. I have known Marci for a long time, and we usually get out a few times every year to “discuss business.” She is the decision maker for Country Music in Chicago.  In addition to being a wonderful person, Marci is important. I mean market #3 after all.  When I called and invited her along, she accepted.  Then, I gave her some homework.  I asked her to forget our usual haunts and find a cool whiskey bar.  She hit it out of the park (Cubs Reference) with Slightly Toasted, Chicago.

We met for dinner and got all the business talk out of the way.  Then we headed to our destination.  It was a beautiful night and we decided to walk the one-mile trek to Slightly Toasted, a great find located in the West Loop area. OK, I’ll say it…she killed it.  It wasn’t the most obvious choice at first glance, but trust me, it was amazing. We sat down and ordered up.

Slightly Toasted is located on the ground floor of an office building.  It’s somewhat of an odd set up but I liked it. It was a cozy spot with plenty of space between tables and our server was incredibly friendly.  They have one of Chicago’s largest whiskey selections with 800+ bottles. They have two dozen plus private barrels and a large selection of vintage and rare bottles. We were there with one purpose-their Old Fashioned.

I gave their cocktail menu a quick glance when Marci first recommended this place and there was one selection that stood out.  It stood WAY out!  “The F*** Around Old Fashioned.” Well done, Ms. Braun.  Right on brand. Their F*** Around is a blend of Russell’s Reserve Bourbon + Rye, Old Forester Bourbon + Rye, Knob Creek Bourbon + Rye, Bitters, and aged two months. You can add an orange sphere for an extra $2.  We did because we could and it was great. It actually it lived up to the hype I had built in my head. When it was time for round two, I ordered a pour over of the same.  Marci went with the “The Old F***”, a one year fully aged Old Fashioned that matured in a Last Feather Rye Barrel.  By the time we knocked these down our orange spheres were almost gone. The pacing was perfect, and we were rewarded with that last little bite of orange flavored ice.

Before we left, the owner stopped by and we had a nice exchange.  He gave me a quick walk through of his bottles, which were impressive.  I may have begged him to let me accompany his team on a barrel pick. I’ll let you know if I get an invite.

I highly recommend giving Slightly Toasted Chicago a visit.  They had an extensive cocktail menu and a couple more Old-Fashioned options that caught my eye for my next visit.  This was right across the street from the train station so I think Marci may have found a new place too.  We F***ed around and found out. You should too! I know we’ll be back.