KANE — Chili is a tasty treat this time of year, and for those who enjoy taste testing a variety of recipes, Kane is the place to be this weekend. CJ Spirits will hold its fourth Annual Chili Cook Off on Saturday, Jan. 18.
Entries for the cookoff must be in by 12:30 p.m. The cookoff will begin at 1 p.m. and run until 4 p.m.
Prizes will be awarded for People’s Choice winner and also the Judge’s Choice for top chili.
Owner Tom Jones explained that the Winter in the Wilds event CJ Spirits held previously has been scaled back, due to the unpredictable weather we have had the last few years. Similar to the forecast recently, wintry days with snow on the ground quickly turn to rain and bare ground, making it difficult to schedule and host winter-themed activities.
“The first two years, it worked out really nice. The last few years, we can’t count on the weather since it’s been so horrible,” Jones said. “Last year, we scaled it back to just our annual chili cookoff.”
Jones explained that last year, the cookoff had 15 entries. For a small fee, those who attend can taste all of the entries and vote on their favorite. There are also judges named for the event, typically local business owners.
Prizes are awarded to the chili deemed the people’s choice and also to the one chosen by the judges.
For those in attendance, the cookoff is accompanied by entertainment and adult beverages.
“We also have music and drink specials,” Jones explained.
CJ Spirits is a craft distillery, offering handmade vodka, gin, rum and whiskey. The business has a 300 gallon Artisan Hybrid still and offers visitors the chance to see the distilling process at first-hand.
