Chicago’s The Gage restaurant is starting its own whiskey collector’s club, Billy’s Bootlegger Society.
Named for owner and native Irishman Billy Lawless, this new membership-based group is currently limited to 50 members at a time. Subscribers will be able to grow their personal liquor collection with unique spirits from around the world, commissioned and curated by The Gage’s team of sommeliers and spirit guides. Every month, members will receive one rare bottle from the “Bootlegger Stash,” invitations to private bottle release happy hours, and priority access to spirits events.
The club features mostly whiskies including bourbon, rye and international styles. Special releases (three to four times per year) will feature other spirits including cognac, rum, tequila, gin, amaro, and more. The “stash” bottles will vary in style and production from famous distillery special releases to unique versions of classic spirits and exciting introductions by top quality up-and-comers.
Billy’s Bootlegger Society memberships are $325 every three months. Currently, members are not able to choose the individual products, as they are pre-designed to account for the aging, blending and bottling process. Bottles will be available for pick-up at The Gage and all membership events will be held there as well.
