LNW_Grotto_Header.png

Exclusive Whiskey Club Membership by The Grotto

Membership Fee: $1,000 annually
Duration: Calendar year (1/1 – 12/31)
Governance: All decisions made by a 9-member board
Membership Cap: Limited to 50 members

Membership Perks

Unlock unparalleled access to rare and coveted bourbons with these exclusive benefits:

Premium Bourbon & Rye Selection
  • Access to purchase 1 bottle at MSRP annually from the following ultra-exclusive list:
Van_Winkle_10_YO.png
Van_Winkle_12_YO.png
George_Stagg.png
Thomas_Handy.png
6 Exclusive Bottles Annually

As a member, you’ll be the first to hear about and access our newest and most highly sought-after allocations. With 6 exclusive bottles annually at MSRP, you’ll have the opportunity to secure some of the most desirable bottles in the bourbon world, including:
Exclusive_Bottles.png
When new allocations arrive, you’ll be the first to know, ensuring exclusive access to bottles that every bourbon enthusiast dreams of owning. This is your chance to stay ahead of the crowd and secure your place among the elite bourbon connoisseurs!

Exclusive Member-Only Barrel Picks

  • Participate in private barrel selections and receive one-of-a-kind bottles exclusive to members.
  • Successful barrel picks will result in group rewards, with additional allocated bourbons available for members.

Private Tasting Events

As a member, you’ll enjoy unparalleled access to exclusive, members-only events designed to elevate your bourbon experience:

  • Intimate Tastings: Invitations to private tastings hosted by industry experts, distillers, and brand ambassadors, offering insights into the art of bourbon craftsmanship.
  • Private Lounge Access During Events: During member-only events, enjoy exclusive access to our private lounge, offering a luxurious setting for tastings and socializing with fellow bourbon enthusiasts.
  • Distillery Tours: Enjoy facilitated access to exclusive private distillery tours, providing behind-the-scenes experiences that few enthusiasts ever get to see.

VIP Bourbon Education Experiences

  • Participate in workshops, masterclasses, guided tastings, and distillery tours led by bourbon experts.

      • Raffle & Auction Advantages

    • Members enjoy enhanced odds in raffles and priority bidding access for NIBS-sponsored auctions.

        • Networking Opportunities

      • Connect with a passionate community of bourbon enthusiasts and industry insiders through exclusive events and forums.

          • Club Benefits with a Purpose

          Liquor 'n' Wine proudly supports the MDP Family Foundation, a registered non-profit 501(c) organization dedicated to making a meaningful impact in local communities. By joining the club, you’re not only gaining exclusive access to rare bourbon experiences but also contributing to a cause that matters.

          Additional Grotto Benefits

          At The Grotto, your membership is about more than just access—it’s an investment in exclusive experiences and premium perks. Here’s how your fee contributes to creating unparalleled value:

          • Expense Allocation:
            • $470 of your membership fee is allocated to an expense account managed by a board and held by the retailer, ensuring transparency and accountability.
          • Exclusive Member Events:
            • Your membership helps fund 2–3 Whiskey Dinners and 3–4 Whiskey/Wine Tastings annually, offering premium pairings and unique opportunities to explore diverse flavors.
          • Branded Swag and Membership Gift:
            • Members receive 3–4 exclusive items throughout the year, including branded NIBS merchandise and a custom metal membership card for use at retail locations.
          • Exclusive Access to Private Events:
            • Enjoy limited access to high-profile ticketed events, including NBA, NFL, MLB, NCAA games, and even the Kentucky Derby!
          • Retail and Lounge Discounts:
            • Unlock special discounts at the retailer and enjoy reduced rates at the lounge, creating a well-rounded experience for bourbon lovers.
          Your membership opens doors to a lifestyle of exclusivity, community, and premium experiences, all while remaining transparent about how your contribution is utilized.
            Exclusive Member Events:
            • Your membership helps fund 2–3 Whiskey Dinners and 3–4 Whiskey/Wine Tastings annually, offering premium pairings and unique opportunities to explore diverse flavors.
            Branded Swag and Membership Gift:
            • Members receive 3–4 exclusive items throughout the year, including branded NIBS merchandise and a custom metal membership card for use at retail locations.
            Exclusive Access to Private Events:
            • Enjoy limited access to high-profile ticketed events, including NBA, NFL, MLB, NCAA games, and even the Kentucky Derby!
            Retail and Lounge Discounts:
            • Unlock special discounts at the retailer and enjoy reduced rates at the lounge, creating a well-rounded experience for bourbon lovers.
            Your membership opens doors to a lifestyle of exclusivity, community, and premium experiences, all while remaining transparent about how your contribution is utilized.

            How Members Will Receive Allocated Bottles

            Ultra-Exclusive List Allocation Process

            The bottles on the Ultra-Exclusive List are highly sought after, and we’ve created a fair and transparent system to distribute them among members. Here’s how it will work:

            1. Ultra-Exclusive List Bottles:
            Van_Winkle_10_YO.png
            Van_Winkle_12_YO.png
            George_Stagg.png
            Thomas_Handy.png
              2.  Preference Submission:
              • Members will rank the bottles in their order of preference (e.g., 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th choices).
              • This ensures that we know your priorities for bottle selection.
              3. Raffle Process:
              • If your 1st choice is available, you’ll receive it.
              • During the live raffle, names will be drawn one by one, and each member will be assigned a bottle based on their preferences:
                • If your 1st choice is available, you’ll receive it.
                • If your 1st choice is no longer available, we’ll move to your 2nd choice, and so on.
              4. Live Broadcast for Transparency:
              • The raffle will be conducted live and broadcast to all members.
              • Members can watch as names are drawn, ensuring full transparency in the allocation process.

              5. Purchase Confirmation:
              • After the raffle, winners will be notified of their allocated bottle and given instructions to complete the purchase at retail price.

              Breaking Down the Math

              Here’s how your $1,000 membership fee transforms into an incredible value, giving you access to exclusive benefits without the hassle of bottle hunting:

              Membership Fee:

              $1,000

              Tax Deduction Advantage:

              A portion of your membership fee may be tax-deductible through our 501(c) non-profit status. The exact amount will depend on your personal or business tax situation.

              Savings on Ultra-Exclusive Bottles:

              By purchasing ultra-exclusive allocated bottles at MSRP, you save significantly compared to secondary market prices.

              Savings on Additional Allocated Bottles:

              Your membership gives you access to 6 additional highly sought-after bottles at MSRP, offering even more value.

              Your Time Back:

              No more spending hours hunting for rare bottles or chasing allocations. Instead, use that time to enjoy curated events, tastings, and connecting with a vibrant community of bourbon enthusiasts.

              The Real Value

              For just a fraction of the membership fee’s value, you’ll enjoy:
              • Ultra-rare bottles at MSRP pricing without the chase.
              • Exclusive experiences like whiskey dinners, tastings, and private events.
              • Perks including swag, discounts, and VIP gatherings.
              Your membership isn’t just an expense—it’s an investment in a one-of-a-kind bourbon experience and community.

              Application Process

              Please note that filling out the application form does not guarantee a spot. All applications will be reviewed, and membership will only be confirmed after approval and payment of the membership fee.

              With membership limited to 50 members, this opportunity won’t last long.

              Fill out the form today to apply and start your journey in this elite bourbon community!

              Why Join?

              The Grotto Membership offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for bourbon enthusiasts who value:

              • Access to ultra-rare and allocated bottles at MSRP.
              • Exclusivity with a limited membership capped at just 50 individuals.
              • Community among a network of like-minded bourbon lovers and industry insiders.

              JOIN TODAY!

              Don’t miss out on this ultimate whiskey journey. Inquire about The Grotto Membership by filling out the form—spaces are limited!

              FAQ

              Do I miss out on allocated bottles if I join after the beginning of the calendar year?
              Not at all! Regardless of when you join during the year, you’ll still be able to redeem all 7 of your allocated bottles by December 31.

              Where will most events take place?
              Many events will be hosted at our St. Charles lounge, which serves as the club's home base. However, we aim to accommodate members throughout Northern Illinois with events planned across various regions.

              How are event locations chosen?
              We use a member density map to identify areas with the highest concentration of members and plan events accordingly to minimize travel burdens.

              Will events be held outside of St. Charles?
              Yes, we rotate events across different regions (North, South, East, West) throughout the year to ensure accessibility for all members.

              How often are events scheduled?
              Events are planned quarterly, with additional special events and tastings hosted periodically at the St. Charles lounge or other venues.

              Can members suggest event locations?
              Absolutely! Member feedback is essential to planning, and we regularly survey members for input on preferred event locations and ideas.

              Will there be virtual or hybrid events for those unable to travel?
              When possible, we’ll offer virtual or hybrid options for select events, ensuring accessibility for all members.

              Can I bring guests to events?
              Guest policies vary by event. Specific details will be provided in the event invitations.

              How are event expenses covered?
              A portion of the membership fee is allocated to an expense account, managed by a board, to fund events and ensure a high-quality experience.

              What types of events can I expect?
              Events include whiskey dinners, tastings, private lounge gatherings, and exclusive distillery tours.

              What if I cannot attend any of the events?
              We understand that schedules can be busy. If you’re unable to attend, we plan to use any leftover allocated funds generously by showering you with additional gifts and exclusive swag.