Enjoy a cozy winter evening with a gourmet five-course dinner in The Morton Arboretum’s Ginkgo Room, perfectly paired with whiskey tastings. Throughout the dinner, invited experts will share insights into the history, production, and appreciation of whiskey.
Each step in the process shapes the character of the final product, from malting and mashing to fermentation, distillation, and maturation. Even the wood casks used for aging play a crucial role, with varieties such as white oak, cherry, and maple imparting distinct flavors.
Dinners will take place from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, January 16 and Saturday, January 17, 2026.
Guests will be seated at shared tables of 10.
Tickets
Tickets are now on sale to Arboretum donors. Purchase donor tickets online.
Tickets go on sale to Arboretum members on Tuesday, November 25, and to all on Tuesday, December 2.
Cost: $115
Member cost: $105
Your ticket purchase helps support the Arboretum’s vision of a greener, healthier, more beautiful world where people and trees thrive together.
Whiskey Dinner Menu
Appetizer
Scallop and Crispy Pork Belly Polenta (GF)
Pan-seared sea scallops, brown sugar and maple crispy pork belly, roasted red pepper polenta, microgreen garnish
Paired with Journeyman Distillery Featherbone Straight Bourbon
Soup
Potato Leek Soup (GF) (V)
Yukon gold potatoes, crispy leeks, chive oil
No beverage pairing
Third Course
Lake Superior Smoked Whitefish Gratin
Smoked whitefish, paprika, herbs, mornay sauce, toasted breadcrumbs, grilled baguette
Paired with Journeyman Distillery Last Feather Rye
Entrée
Frenched Chicken Breast (DF) (GF)
Orange-infused bourbon glaze, sweet potato purée, roasted parsnips, carrots, rutabaga, Brussels sprouts, citrus vinaigrette-dressed petite greens
Paired with Journeyman Distillery Aged High Rye Bourbon
Dessert
Salted Caramel-Swirled Cheesecake (V)
Apple-bourbon compote, brown sugar whipped cream
Paired with Journeyman Distillery Buggy Whip Wheat Whiskey
Icon Key
DF–Dairy-free GF–Gluten-friendly V–Vegetarian
Whiskey Dinner Vegetarian Menu
Appetizer
Wild Mushroom and Roasted Red Pepper Polenta (GF) (V)
Crispy Brussels sprouts leaves, microgreen garnish
Paired with Journeyman Distillery Featherbone Straight Bourbon
Soup
Potato Leek Soup (GF) (V)
Yukon gold potatoes, crispy leeks, chive oil
No beverage pairing
Third Course
Smoked Artichoke and Kale Gratin (V)
Herbs, mornay sauce, toasted breadcrumbs, grilled baguette
Paired with Journeyman Distillery Last Feather Rye
Entrée
Rosemary Roasted Sweet Potato Stack (GF) (V)
Parsnip puree, baby mixed vegetables, citrus vinaigrette-dressed petite greens
Paired with Journeyman Distillery Aged High Rye Bourbon
Dessert
Salted Caramel-Swirled Cheesecake (V)
Apple-bourbon compote, brown sugar whipped cream
Paired with Journeyman Distillery Buggy Whip Wheat Whiskey
Icon Key
DF–Dairy-free GF–Gluten-friendly V–Vegetarian
