The Proofing Room

Some whiskey events are a room full of tables and plastic cups. The Coeur d'Alene Resort's Whiskey Barrel Weekend , presented with Maker's Mark, is not that. We spent September 18 and 19 on the lake in North Idaho, and it was one of the best-run spirits weekends we've been to. Here's what it was like, and the one thing from the master class that changed how we taste. Friday: Fuego & Oak The weekend opened with Fuego & Oak at the Hagadone Event Center: tomahawk steaks hung over an open flame grill on the terrace with Lake Coeur d'Alene behind them, tacos, small bites and appetizers going around, and a 120-proof pour to match. It's the kind of evening that sets a high bar for the rest of a weekend, and the rest of the weekend cleared it. Saturday: the Whiskey Master Class The master class was the highlight. An hour, a four-glass flight served blind , a board of smoked provolone, gouda, and cheddar with whiskey cheese straws, an...