This Week In NYC and Chicago: Whiskey, Wine, and Brews

Pick your poison, choose an event, and sign yourself up for this week's best whiskey, wine, and beer tastings in New York and Chicago.

NEW YORK

Whiskey

Wednesday, 3/7: Bourbon & BBQ at Hill Country. A newly-released bourbon launches at this beloved down-home restaurant in Flatiron. What better way to wash down ribs and brisket than with flowing samples of whiskey and bourbon? 6:30 p.m., call 212-924-6999 to reserve. $75 per person.

Thursday, 3/8: Whiskey & Women at Lani Kai. This cocktail party raises funds for Bottomless Closet, a nonprofit that supports disadvantaged women through career guidance and comprehensive programs. 6:00 p.m., $8 per cocktail. No reservation needed. 525 Broome Street.

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Wine

Through March: Wine Pairing with 3-Course Tasting Menu at Bistro Lamazou. A new Gramercy brasserie, rated in the 2012 Michelin Guide, combines a Mediterranean menu with Moroccan and Tunisian wines. Every evening in March; $55 per person. Call 212-481-8550 to reserve.

Thursday, 3/8: Bordeaux Right Bank Wine Tasting at the French Consulate. The Wine Enthusiast hosts this event, which raises funds for an HIV/AIDS nonprofit. Ten of the Bordeaux region's wineries are participating for a total of over 30 different wines available to try. 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.; $120 per person, $200 per pair. Register online.

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Beer

Thursday, 3/8: Long Trail Brewing Night at Pony Bar. This Vermont brewery brings its creations to New York: expect a sampling of year-round, seasonal, and special brews (Coffee Stout, anyone?). 6 p.m.; no charge for entry, no reservation needed.

Saturday, 3/10: Homebrewer's Brunch at Taproom 307. For $20, homebrewers--and homebrew lovers--gather to share and enjoy each others beers, voting for the best brew at 3 p.m. To bring your own brew, e-mail hayley@taproom307.com. 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; no reservation needed.

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CHICAGO

Whiskey

Weekly whiskey specials at Delilah's. 400--yes, four hundred--whiskies grace the menu at this bar, and every day, one particular brand is featured for $2 or $3 per shot. This week, check out Old Crow Reserve, Bushmills, Maker's Mark, and Four Roses, all highlighted specials. 2771 North Lincoln Avenue.

Friday, 3/9: Power Hour Friday at Faith & Whiskey. Starting at 8:30 p.m., this whiskey bar features $10 pitchers and $4 shots, all of which, naturally will lead to more of the same. 1365 W. Fullerton Avenue.

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Wine

Thursday, 3/8: Tapas & Wine at Era of Elegance. Spanish wines and tapas are the main headliner at this event, featuring five dishes and paired wines. Bonus: a live flamenco guitarist will be there to make the evening even livelier. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., $25 per person. Register online.

Friday, 3/9: Wine and Rock & Roll at the Signature Room. Who says wine has to be stuffy? This event, high above the city at 1100 feet, partners up with 97.1 FM, which provides a high-octane soundtrack to accompany the clink of glasses and bottles. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., $75 per person. Call 312-280-0472 to register.

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Beer

Thursday, 3/8: Binny's Beer Social at South Loop Tasting Room. Huge beer event alert! Nine breweries will descend upon this venue to show off their best beer creations. There's a minimal, yet-to-be-determined fee, but it will only be for the cost of your first beer. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at 1132 South Jefferson, inside Binny's Beverage Depot. No reservation required.

Thursday, 3/8: Irish vs. American Stout at Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro. With St. Patty's Day looming large, get started this week with a mini-international stout showdown. The food at this bistro is said to be delicious, too: check out their contemporary Irish cuisine in a traditional setting. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., $10 per person. Register online.