Spirit of Toronto returns May 2!

A belated Happy New Year; winter may be in high gear but hopefully this missive finds you in good health and good spirits as we count down to the 11th annual Spirit of Toronto on Saturday, May 2 at Roy Thomson Hall.

Following up on the excitement of our 10-year birthday bash, we’re ready and eager to welcome you back to Canada’s premiere tasting event. A full programme of whisky and spirits is in the works, and once again we aim to feature something for everyone, including a small reprise for Islay-ophiles, and a special treat for lovers of straight rye.

Tickets for this year’s Spirit of Toronto Annual Whisky Gala go on sale Monday, March 23 at 10:00am. and may be purchased from Roy Thomson Hall’s box office. Those of you subscribed to this list will receive an automatic email notification the night before.

The schedule for this year’s Spirit of Toronto Masterclass Series will be published ahead of our on-sale date in March. Seats for these tutored tastings may be reserved when purchasing tickets to the show. Stay tuned for full details in the next update.

Coming in from out of town?

No need to wait to arrange your travel plans, once again our hotel partner is offering a discounted rate within walking distance of Roy Thomson Hall.

The Marriott Residence Inn Downtown Toronto is 3 blocks from Roy Thomson Hall and has a limited number of Studio Suites with full kitchen and living area available for $159 per night which includes WiFi, highspeed internet and a hot buffet breakfast. These can be booked by calling the hotel directly at 416-581-1800 and quoting “Spirit of Toronto” or by clicking here.

Discounted rates are also available from the Fairmont Royal York across from Union Station; these can be booked by calling the hotel directly at 416-368-2511 and quoting “Spirit of Toronto”.

Single Minded 2015: A Modest Guide to Really Good Whisky

For those of you feeling thirsty between now and May 2, Single Minded 2015 is now published and available to order online at www.singleminded.ca.

Based on more than ten years worth of tasting and travel—both as an enthusiast and in my role as executive producer of the Spirit of Toronto—this is my love letter to whisky, featuring the everyday drams that I purchase for myself, at my own expense.

This third edition covers more than three dozen whiskies from Scotland, Ireland, Canada and the United States. No limited editions, no ratings and no Pappy: just affordable whisky within easy reach that is every bit as good (and often better) than bottles costing twice the price.