Website now fully updated

With tickets going on sale this coming Monday March 27 at 10am, the Spirit of Toronto website has now been fully updated, including the schedule for our 2017 Masterclass Series.

For those of you attending the show for the first time, these masterclasses are seated tutored tastings presented by a variety of guest speakers on the lower level of Roy Thomson Hall. Seats may be reserved when purchasing tickets for the show. For full details please visit us online at http://www.spiritoftoronto.ca

Canada150: Let’s Celebrate!

For our 2017 edition we have programmed some special guests and special whiskies to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday. In addition to our Canada150 showcase, we look forward to offering previews of a number of new Canadian releases, as well as taking guests back in time as we unearth some special gems and look back at Canada’s rich distilling heritage. For lovers of history, whisky and Canada this year’s Spirit of Toronto should not be missed!

2017 Masterclass Series

The word rare is bandied about easily these days. Too easily in most cases, so let’s skip the hyperbole and simply state that this year’s headline masterclass is not one that you’re likely to attend anywhere else. On that note we ask you to extend a warm welcome to Canadian whisky ambassadors Johanne McInnis and Graham MacKenney as they take guests back to the dawn of Confederation to taste and learn more about the silent stills of a bygone era — ’nuff said.

Fast forwarding to the present, Dr. Don Livermore and Drew Mayville, two of the foremost blenders of Canadian whisky, will also be joining us to unveil the impending releases from the Hiram Walker distillery and the Sazerac Co. We also look forward to welcoming brand ambassador Chris Thompson of Forty Creek as he presents some highlights from its short but storied past and – fingers crossed – a possible sneak preview of the near future. Warning: exceptional whiskies will be tasted.

While we celebrate our whiskies past and present, we don’t for a moment forget that Canada owes a debt of gratitude to Scotland for our rich distilling heritage. On that note, rest assured that this year’s line-up offers an embarrassment of single malt riches showcasing the best of Scotland courtesy of The Balvenie, Benromach, Bowmore, Bunnahabhain, The Dalmore and John Dewar’s Fine Whisky Emporium including Aberfeldy, Craigellachie, Aultmore and Royal Brackla.

Looking south of the border, we are excited to have Matt Jones regale guests with bourbon and lore as he presents the Legends of Bourbon, a must for fans of the late, great Booker Noe. Also to be noted is that Irish whiskey is experiencing its own renaissance and there is no better way to learn about its DNA than through Jamesons, the world’s best selling Irish whiskey, to be presented by Conor Timmons as he walks guests through a line-up that includes the latest releases.

Automatic ticket notification

Those of you subscribed to this list will receive an automatic notification the night before tickets go on sale next week.

First time purchasing tickets to the show? We’re often asked about the best way to secure your first choices for masterclasses but regrettably we can offer no guarantees as tickets will be available online, by telephone and in person, and all three purchase methods are certain to experience a queue, but do note that there is always the possibility of attending on a stand-by basis for the 7pm and 8:30pm classes—for the ins and outs of the masterclass series, please visit our FAQ.