From the early 1920's to 1933 the prohibition of alcohol was enforced with the Eighteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution. Even so, that didn't stop American's from enjoying their favorite bar beverages. It didn't take long for speakeasies, a commonly dark and hidden bar where the sale of alcohol illegally took place, to pop up in almost every town.
On Wednesday, October 29th, Cutty Sark Whiskey appropriately launched their prohibition edition blend with a prohibition era party. After walking though a lantern-lit walkway, hidden beneath train tracks at 975 W. Hubbard, guests were offered their first sampling of whisky. From there, a bow-tied gentlemen opened the doors to a dimly lit warehouse. Inside was a surprising spectacle.
HS: Can you tell us more about the event space? Why was it chosen for this event?
On Wednesday, October 29th, Cutty Sark Whiskey appropriately launched their prohibition edition blend with a prohibition era party. After walking though a lantern-lit walkway, hidden beneath train tracks at 975 W. Hubbard, guests were offered their first sampling of whisky. From there, a bow-tied gentlemen opened the doors to a dimly lit warehouse. Inside was a surprising spectacle.
Card shuffling magicians, live music, craft cocktails; it was a truly authentic celebration of how far whiskey has come. Local artist Nate Azark painted a live art installation showing the timeline of the prohibition, while live music was performed by Empires and Morry Sochat & The Special 20s.
Halfstack Magazine: How did Generic Surplus and Cutty Sark collaborate for this event?
Cutty Sark: The Generic Surplus collaboration was a preview for the sneaker launch. The sneaker is a limited edition hi-top that infuses the spirit of America's coolest bartenders with the freshest, contemporary street style. The shoe takes design cues from current bartenders and is remixed with Cutty Sark's iconic color palette.
HS: Can you tell us more about the event space? Why was it chosen for this event?
CS: Morgan Manufacturing is a new space. We wanted something unseen by the people in Chicago. Its industrial feel and "secret" entrance provided the perfect backdrop to introduce a product such as Cutty Sark Prohibition Edition blended scotch whisky.
HS: How many people attended the event?
CS: The event was a full house with more than 200 attendees. Everyone enjoyed the whisky, cocktails, the live music and especially the live art installation.
HS: What was your favorite highlight of the evening?
CS: It's hard to pick just one. The cocktails created by Mea Leech were a real hit, but it was even better sipping them while watching artist Nate Azark put the finishing touches on his mural that told the story of the whiskey since it was first brought to America during prohibition.
