If you're a fan of whisky, you'll want to hit up one of these WhiskyWeek activities, which all lead up to the annual WhiskeyFest on Friday at the San Francisco Marriot. Expand your knowledge of the spirit at these events:

Thursday is the new Friday. At 1 pm, Jimmy Russell, master distiller at Wild Turkey, will be discussing his life, signing bottles, and educating whiskey devotees on the virtues of Wild Turkey at John Walker & Company on Sutter Street (where all Wild Turkey products will also be 15% off during the event).

Esoteric whiskys get the starring role at the Presidio Golf Club. From 6:30-9 pm, taste Scotches like Tomintoul 12 Year Old, Glenlivet 1977, and Highland Park 1980, and learn how experts select casks and how caramel coloring affects taste.

If you're a fan of Bulleit Bourbon, drop by 83 Proof on 1st Street from 7-9 pm to meet Tom Bulleit himself. Bring your unopened Bulleit bottle and he'll sign it, plus share Bulleit cocktails made by the city's finest bartenders with you.

Elixir on 16th Street is offering a FREE tasting of Amrut Indian Single Malt at 7 pm. RSVP here.

Friday's banner happening is Malt Advocate presents WhiskyFest San Francisco, held at the Marriott on 4th and Market Street. It's the granddaddy of all whisky events where you can taste whiskys from all around the world (more than 260 of them!), feast on a gourmet buffet, and learn from distillery managers and master blenders. Tickets sell out fast, so grab yours here.

Image via yellobagman on Flickr.com