Upcoming DC Events

The Bailliage of Greater Washington invites you to a truly unrepeatable experience—a journey back in time to the golden age of American bourbon. Join us in the private upstairs room of the historic Fountain Inn in Georgetown, a venue whose classic character is the perfect setting for an evening of liquid history. The Fountain Inn was first known as Suter’s Tavern, was established in 1783 and frequented by George Washington and other notables.

This educational, spirits-forward event will feature a guided tasting of three exceptionally rare bourbons from now-closed “ghost” distilleries and a bygone era of distillation. We will be sampling:

• Old Crow Chessmen Decanter (1969): One of the most sought-after vintage bourbons in existence. At 10 years, this was the oldest release from National Distillers. The distillery closed permanently in 1987, taking its recipe with it. Renowned whiskey expert Fred Minnick once declared it was the greatest bourbon he had ever tasted.
• Old Fitzgerald Prime Decanter (1970s): The flagship brand of the legendary Stitzel Weller distillery, the brainchild of Julian “Pappy” Van Winkle. Its wheated bourbon distillate is widely considered by the whiskey community to be the best ever made. The distillery shut its doors for good in 1992, and this expression can never be recreated.
• Jim Beam Decanter (1970s): While the Jim Beam distillery still operates, the distillation methods used in the 1960s and 70s were markedly different from those of today. Older Jim Beam distillate is regarded as some of the best-value vintage bourbon available, representing a unique taste of the past.

Business Attire with Decorations (limited to 20 people)

As special consideration for our attendees, a 10% discount will be available for those who wish to purchase spirits from our host, the Bourbon Concierge. This offer expires December  6, 2025

This exclusive event is an opportunity to taste spirits that can never be made again, in a setting that echoes their rich history.

Registration Deadline is by Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at 12:00 noon, or until sold out

Members and guests with any questions about this event should contact Judy Mazza at 301-469-0352.

DC Bailliage & also member of Société Mondiale du Vin…..$230

DC Bailliage Member………,,,,……..………..$235

DC Bailliage Member’s first guest……………..…$235       

Non DC Bailliage Member (i.e. all guests)…$245

    Members may register and pay for the Legendary Bourbon Tasting at LaChaineDC.com using their member login.

Non-members of the Bailliage of Greater Washington may call Bailli Judy Mazza at 301-469-0352 to register with a credit card.

By participating in a Chaîne des Rôtisseurs activity, members and guests implicitly grant permission and hold harmless the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs   to use their likeness and the likenesses of their guests in photographs and video in all its publications and any and all other media, without compensation.

     Please note that all attendees other than the DC Chaîne Member and his or her first guest must pay the guest price, even if they are members of another Chaîne Bailliage. This is because the local dues of the DC Chaîne subsidize the overhead for events, resulting in a lower price for DC Bailliage members. If you have any questions about how much to pay for an event, please contact Bailli Judy Mazza at 301-469-0352 or bailli@laChaineDC.com, or email Argentier Stacey Wharam at Argentier@laChaineDC.com

Join the Bailliage of Greater Washington, D.C., as we return to the Willard InterContinental for our traditional black-tie holiday gala! This year, we are celebrating the 58th anniversary of the Bailliage of Greater Washington. Bertrand de Boutray, Bailli Délégué des États-Unis will be our inducting officer.

The Willard is one of Washington’s most historic and beautiful venues and is positively resplendent decorated for the holidays. Our Champagne reception and exquisite multi-course dinner will be in the Crystal Room, known for its rich architecture and elegance. The Induction Ceremony, during which we induct new members and promote officers, will take place in the gracious Peacock Lounge.

A Société Mondiale du Vin induction caps the evening.

Our own Maître Hôtelier Markus Platzer, General Manager of the Willard, Maître Restaurateur Julia Rapley, Director of Catering and Event Planning, and Maître Rôtisseur Luca de Marchis, The Willard’s Food and Beverage Director, are making sure that this is a holiday event to remember. It promises to be a fitting celebration of another fabulous year for the Bailliage.

7:00PM – Champagne Reception in the Crystal Ballroom
7:45PM — Induction Ceremony in the Peacock Lounge
Dinner in the Crystal Ballroom follows the Induction Ceremony

BLACK TIE WITH DECORATIONS
Valet Parking is available

DC Chaîne members may reserve and pay for the Holiday Gala and Grand Induction Dinner online at lachainedc.com after their member login. Non-members or guests may call Judy Mazza at 301-469-0352 before December 9, 2025, to register via credit card. The registration deadline is December 9, 2025 or when sold out, whichever comes first.

Bailliage member $315
Member’s first guest $315
Additional guest (subject to availability) $360