Course I
Dayboat Scallop Crudo
Compressed Honeycrisp Apple · Shaved Fennel · Burnt Orange Vinaigrette · Celery Leaf · Crispy Sunchoke
Whiskey Pairing
Butler Batch Bourbon — 90 Proof
Circle City Bourbon & Rye Dinner
The Art of Whiskey & Dining
Hosted by The Grotto Whiskey Club at The Graceful Ordinary
Presented by 3PM Social & Liquor N Wine
Thursday, November 12, 2026
6:00 PM | St. Charles, Illinois
An intimate evening limited to 86 guests.
The Kind of Night You'll Still Be Talking About
Our spring whiskey dinner sold out, and what an evening it was.
Exceptional food. Thoughtfully paired bourbon. Great conversations. And a room full of people who came together over a shared appreciation for good whiskey and an unforgettable dining experience.
Now, we're doing it again.
This November, The Grotto Whiskey Club returns to The Graceful Ordinary for another intimate five-course dinner, this time featuring Circle City Bourbon & Rye.
Because a great whiskey dinner is about more than what's on your plate or in your glass. It's about the people, the conversations, and the memories made around the table.
A glimpse into an evening at The Grotto Whiskey Club.
What You'll Experience
An Evening Built Around Every Pour
- 01
A Welcome Bourbon Cocktail
Start the evening with a thoughtfully crafted cocktail as you settle in.
- 02
Five-Course Chef-Curated Dinner
Experience an exceptional seasonal menu prepared by The Graceful Ordinary.
- 03
Five Distinctive Whiskey Pairings
Discover how Circle City's bourbon and rye expressions complement and transform each course.
- 04
An Evening with Founder Drew Black
Hear the stories, craftsmanship, and inspiration behind Circle City Whiskey Co. directly from its founder as he guides the evening.
- 05
Good Whiskey. Great Company.
Enjoy an intimate evening with fellow whiskey enthusiasts, limited to just 86 guests.
Drew Black
Founder, Circle City Whiskey Co.
Why Circle City?
Meet the Man Behind the Whiskey
Drew is a bourbon guy through and through. He ran a local bourbon club, selecting barrels early in the bourbon boom, before realizing the best way to find great barrels was through the barrel market, as great brands could no longer serve clubs and stores the way they previously could. As time went on, he was able to offer those barrels to local stores and clubs, and Circle City Whiskey Co. was born.
On November 12, Drew joins us personally to share the stories behind his whiskey and guide guests through five expressions paired with The Graceful Ordinary's seasonal menu.
Good Whiskey. Great Food. Your Kind of Night.
No Bourbon Expert Required.
Whether you know your mash bills by heart or simply appreciate a good pour, there's a seat at the table for you.
Come for the whiskey, the food, or the chance to experience something different. Leave with a few new favorites, a little more whiskey knowledge, and some great memories.
Five Courses. Five Whiskeys.
The Graceful Ordinary × Circle City Whiskey Co.
A Celebration of the Hearth, the Harvest & the Barrel
Welcome Reception
Cocktails & Passed Hors d'Oeuvres
Guests begin the evening with a welcome bourbon cocktail and two chef-prepared passed hors d'oeuvres.
Crispy Chicken Thigh Slider
Bourbon-Glazed Honeycrisp Apple · Whole-Grain Mustard · Pickled Shallot
Hearth-Smoked Trout
Lemon Crème Fraîche · Chives · Pickled Mustard Seed · Savory Gougère
Five-Course Whiskey Pairing Dinner
Course II
Delicata Squash Agnolotti
Guanciale · Brown Butter · Aged Parmesan · Crispy Sage · Apple Cider Gastrique
Whiskey Pairing
Toasted Barrel Bourbon — 110 Proof
Course III
Hearth-Roasted Barramundi
Cauliflower Purée · Charred Leeks · Pickled Mustard Seed · Rye Brown Butter · Dill Oil
Whiskey Pairing
Circle City Straight Rye
Course IV
Wood-Fired Duck Breast
Parsnip Purée · Cider-Glazed Baby Carrots · Sour Cherry & Bourbon Jus · Crispy Duck Skin
Whiskey Pairing
Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon — 100 Proof
Course V
Warm Sticky Toffee Pudding
Bourbon Caramel · Vanilla Bean Crème Fraîche Ice Cream · Roasted Apple · Maldon Sea Salt
Whiskey Pairing
Double Oaked Bourbon — 110 Proof
Have a dietary restriction? All guests will receive a dietary form by email before the dinner.
Only 86 seats available. All guests must be 21+.
Secure checkout through 3PM Social
Event Details
- Date
- Thursday, November 12, 2026
- Time
- 6:00 PM
- Location
- The Graceful Ordinary | St. Charles, Illinois
- Experience
- Five-Course Bourbon & Rye Pairing Dinner
- Featured Guest
- Drew Black, Founder of Circle City Whiskey Co.
- Dress Code
- Elevated Casual
- Ticket Price
- $135 per guest
- Capacity
- Limited to 86 guests
- Age Requirement
- 21+
- Dietary Restrictions
- A dietary form will be emailed to all guests before the dinner.
What's Included
Your Ticket Covers the Experience
- Welcome bourbon cocktail
- Two chef-prepared passed hors d'oeuvres
- Five-course dinner at The Graceful Ordinary
- Five Circle City bourbon and rye pairings
- Guided whiskey experience with founder Drew Black
$135 per guest
Your Seat at the Table Is Waiting
86 seats. One exceptional evening.
Join The Grotto Whiskey Club at The Graceful Ordinary for five courses, five Circle City whiskeys, and an evening with founder Drew Black.
Limited seating · 21+ event · All sales final
Secure checkout through 3PM Social
About The Grotto Whiskey Club
For people who take their whiskey seriously, but don't take themselves too seriously.
Founded by 3PM Social and Liquor N Wine, The Grotto Whiskey Club brings whiskey enthusiasts together through private tastings, curated dinners, exclusive releases, and memorable experiences.
Because great whiskey is even better when shared.
Limited Spots Available
Join us for an unforgettable evening of exceptional food, carefully selected whiskey, and great company.
Secure checkout through 3PM Social