Sneak Preview: Special Releases and Signature Selections

With tickets selling steadily we anticipate a full house this Saturday, but have no plans to expand capacity: we were serious when we said we wanted to provide guests with a more intimate, relaxed experience, and our goal is to deliver on that promise with an edition of Spirit of Toronto that spoils, pampers and indulges you.

The event program is back from the printer, a moment we look forward to every year: it feels good to hold something tangible that encompasses the months of effort that go into organizing an event such as this.

While I can appreciate that many will grab their tasting glass and rush straight into the Hall, we’re welcoming you into a large space over two levels so I highly encourage the Type-A’s coming to take a moment and review our guidelines for making the most of your evening, browse the list and location of participating brands, and plot your course through some of the Easter eggs on offer, including one or two of the liquid gems being poured as part of this year’s inaugural Signature Selections.

More previews after the signature; see you this Saturday!

Slainte,

Johanna Ngoh
Founder and Executive Producer

Pouring this Saturday: Diageo’s Special Releases Collection

Like any card-carrying whisky stan I sit up straight and pay attention when Diageo’s annual Special Releases are announced. Much like Christmas for 9-year-olds, it’s become a yearly ritual for whisky lovers with all the hype, anticipation and disappointment that surrounds any once-a-year event, not to mention a sought-after, limited edition product.

For the uninitiated these Special Releases are hot takes on regularly available single malts, but bottled at cask strength, different ages and most often with a bespoke finish, and finding them at retail can be hit and miss. I’ve lobbied in the past to feature these baubles at Spirit of Toronto so it’s gratifying that six of the most recent releases will be poured on our main floor this coming Saturday, especially having recently visited three of the featured distilleries.

There’s little doubt that heavy hitters such as Lagavulin 12yo and Talisker 11yo will be quickly drained; these are two of Scotland’s Grand Cru distilleries that shine no matter the age or cask (pro tip: make haste if this is your jam). But as my first whisky love, the siren call of an Oban 10yo at cask strength is strong, even more so given the amontillado finish being touted, followed by the Clynelish 12yo, also decked out in sherry.

I have high hopes for the Singleton of Glen Ord 15yo finished in ‘wine casks’: they’ve just done a bang up renovation of the distillery’s visitor centre, which now easily serves the best cappuccino and tea cake to be found north of Edinburgh – truth! But that said I’m most curious about Cardhu 16yo, a whisky whose stock in trade is easy drinking honey, but finished this time around in “Jamaican Pot Still Rum casks” – yum.

So. Many. Choices! Unfortunately I won’t be imbibing, but I always look forward to living vicariously through our guests and hearing all about their faves.

Signature Selections

Speaking of a natter with guests, it never ceases to amaze how one person can gush about the untold riches they’ve tasted, while another bemoans the lack of selection, or that the bottle of their choice was empty by the time they reached the table.

As with life timing is everything, but to level the playing field we’ve dedicated a section of the program to Signature Selections – a catalog showcasing the ‘crème de la crème’ of brands who have gone the extra mile to pour something special for guests visiting their table. (Which bodes well for those of you who missed the Michter’s masterclass but still hope to taste their 20 Year Old.)

It’s important to note that bottles are being poured on a first come first served basis. Also note that some stands are being creative with the timing, such as the Drop Collective who will be opening the Redbreast 27 Year Old at 7:27:27pm (see what they did there? And yes, it’s worth the queue for a taste.)

To the victor go the spoils! Not entirely certain how this applies to Saturday, but it seems like a clever way to sign off…

Tickets to Spirit of Toronto can be purchased as follows —

• Web at roythomsonhall.com
• By telephone at 416-872-4255
• In person at 60 Simcoe Street but note that Roy Thomson Hall’s Box Office is only open three hours before any given performance, so call ahead to make sure staff is on hand to assist.

See you on May 6!