Journal

My Bourbon Journey

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“My Bourbon Journey” 

Follow me for more Bourbon Tasting ideas and fun! Check out our BOURBON JOURNAL for Bourbon updates, Bourbon stories, Bourbon recipes, and Bespoke Bourbon Tasting ideas.

JOURNAL ENTRY #004

My Bourbonista – Chicago’s Premier Bourbon Tasting Concierge
Journal Entry #004

Title: Love, Hope, & Luxe Bourbon Moments

March is here, and so are the hopes and promises of love, weddings, and unforgettable celebrations.

At My Bourbonista, our calendar is filling beautifully with brides’ wishes, groom’s tastings, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and bespoke bourbon & dinner pairings at luxury restaurants, refined venues, and premier private events throughout Chicagoland.

With the Kentucky Derby on the horizon and everyone looking for signs of spring, this is the season where we truly shine—bringing your vision to life with custom-curated, luxury bourbon experiences designed to impress your guests and elevate every occasion.

This year, Chicago is firmly in our sights, with so many exciting events, collaborations, and beautiful experiences on the horizon. We are proud to continue bringing our signature blend of warmth, expertise, and polished presentations to every event.

If you’re looking to offer your guests a luxe experience, look no further. We’re right here.

And we’re ready to curate something extraordinary.

BOURBON JOURNAL ENTRY #003

My Bourbonista — Journal Entry #003

February Reflections

February showed up beautifully this year — the kind of month that reminds me why bourbon is never just about what’s in the glass… it’s about where life takes you while you’re holding it.

My Bourbonista spent time under the desert sky — Phoenix and Scottsdale — where everything feels a touch warmer, slower, and intentionally savored. The pours felt different there. Not louder. Not bigger. Just… open.

Hibiki Harmony with sushi — delicate, precise, almost conversational. The kind of pairing that makes you lower your voice without realizing it. Filet of beef alongside E.H. Taylor Bottled in Bond — structured, confident, and grounded. A handshake you remember. Buffalo Trace with fresh Mediterranean fare with a rooftop golden sunset at the Global Ambassador — warm air, olive oil, citrus, laughter… the bourbon didn’t lead the moment, it belonged to it.

And an evening beneath the stars at the boutique Hermosa Inn in Paradise Valley — Woodford Reserve in hand, chilled crab claws on ice, as classical Spanish acoustic guitarist Esteban played — the bourbon as smooth as the strum and as intricate as the fingerpicking. Bucket list item fulfilled!

That’s the thing I keep relearning:
Bourbon doesn’t create the memory — it settles into it.

I bring that feeling back with me to the tasting table.

So when you sit down at a My Bourbonista experience, you’re not just tasting notes of caramel, oak, or citrus peel. You’re feeling February — warm, light, easy conversation, and the rhythm of an evening unfolding at exactly the right pace.

You’ll feel the beat of the warm, Sonoran February vibes. 🥃

BOURBON JOURNAL ENTRY #002

My Bourbonista – Chicago’s Premier Bourbon Tasting Concierge
Journal Entry #002

by | Jan 28, 2026

January has been a whirlwind in the very best way. This month’s bridal expos have been nothing short of inspiring, and the Rosemont, Illinois show was a smashing success. It was energizing to meet so many newly engaged couples—each one thoughtfully and intentionally planning a wedding day that perfectly reflects them.

What stood out most was a clear and exciting shift in how couples are envisioning their celebrations. Today’s weddings are moving beyond the traditional “sit-down and watch” formality. Instead, couples are embracing entertaining, enjoyable, and interactive experiences that invite guests to truly partake in the day.

This on-trend movement transforms guests from passive observers into engaged participants. Whether it’s a guided bourbon tasting, a curated experience station, or an interactive moment woven seamlessly into the celebration, couples want their guests to leave with more than memories—they want them to leave with an experience – one that sparks conversation, connection, and delight long after the last dance.

At My Bourbonista, we love being part of this evolution. A wedding is no longer just about what guests see—it’s about what they experience. And nothing makes us happier than helping couples create a moment that feels refined, interactive, and unmistakably personal.

My Bourbonista – Chicago’s Premier Wedding Bourbon Tasting Concierge can help you create a memorable, engaging experience that your guests will be talking about long after your special day.

Cheers to meaningful moments and unforgettable celebrations. 🥃

 

BOURBON JOURNAL ENTRY #001

BOURBON JOURNAL ENTRY #001

A Toast to Beginnings

Date: July 2025

Today, we raise our glasses to a dream poured neat—My Bourbonista – Chicago Bourbon Tasting is officially launched. What started as a quiet fascination with the stories inside a glass of Bourbon has become something far more spirited.

My Bourbonista – Chicago Bourbon Tasting is more than a tasting experience—it’s a curated moment of connection, history, and indulgence, designed to elevate every gathering into something memorable. From private celebrations to corporate affairs, from bridal showers and wedding receptions to bourbon-and-bouquet soirées, we believe Bourbon is a conversation starter, a storyteller, and a statement maker. Whether you’re new to the world of whiskey or a seasoned sipper, you’re welcomed here!

Our mission? To bring beauty, personality, and purpose to every pour. And as a woman-owned business, we’re proud to be part of the evolving Bourbon landscape—where tradition meets modern warmth, reshaping its future—one pour, one connection, one unforgettable night at a time.

We bring elegance, story, and spirit to every Bourbon pour. Thanks for being here from the start. We can’t wait to share the journey—and the Bourbon—with you.

Cheers to all things Bourbon! —

Sherri Spontak, Founder Executive Bourbon Steward | My Bourbonista – Chicago Bourbon Tasting