Website now fully updated

With tickets going on sale this coming Tuesday March 29 at 10am, the Spirit of Toronto website has now been fully updated including the schedule for our 2016 Masterclass Series. For those of you attending the show for the first time, these are seated tutored tastings presented by a variety of guest speakers on the lower level of Roy Thomson Hall.

Masterclass seats may be reserved when tickets for this year’s show go on sale. Those of you opting for Early Admission will attend one of the pre-show sessions starting at 5:30pm, with priority entry into the main tasting hall when the class is over.

2016 Masterclass Series

The schedule for our 2016 Masterclass Series is now online and we’re happy with the variety it offers, be it something that appeals to seasoned connoisseurs, novice tasters or those simply looking for an adventure on the palate.

Kicking off our 2016 series is another exceptional opportunity to travel back in time with Angus MacRaild. ‘American Whiskey: A History Lesson’ starts off in 1916 with a taste of pre-Prohibition whiskey, travelling through to the present with a look at some of the most famous names in the industry.

The history lesson continues as Matt Jones presents ‘Legends of Bourbon’ with his take on the figures that have made America’s whiskey great, while those in a less studious frame of mind might prefer to don a fancy hat and join Matt on the outdoor terrace for a ‘Kentucky Derby Social’. This will be a relaxed pre-show session of mint juleps, live bluesgrass and a mouthwatering Derby-inspired menu as Matt explains all about “the most exciting two minutes in sport.”

You can never go wrong with the classics and with that in mind we are pleased to be presenting an enviable selection of single malt Scotch whisky from some of Scotland’s finest distilleries including Benromach, Tomatin, Old Pulteney, Glenfiddich, The Malt Distillers Collection (Aberlour, Longmorn, Scapa) and Dewar’s Fine Whisky Emporium (Aberfeldy, Craigellachie, Aultmore and Royal Brackla). Closer to home Dr. Don Livermore returns with his arsenal of award-winning whiskies including his latest opus, Last Barrels, as part of ‘Canadian Whisky Trailblazers’.

Lastly, those of you in the mood for something different will certainly find it with the bold, rustic flavours of armagnac courtesy of the House of Delord, while rum fans will be spoilt for choice as we welcome Master Distiller Shaun Caleb from El Dorado in Guyana, and author Wayne Curtis who will be educating guests on the category’s best kept secret, rhum agricole.

The Fine Print

For those of you attending the show for the first time, masterclasses are seated tutored tastings presented by a variety of guest speakers on the lower level of Roy Thomson Hall. Seating may be reserved when purchasing tickets for this year’s show as of Tuesday March 29 at 10:00am.

Early admission includes seating in the masterclass of your choice at 5:30pm, with priority entry into the main tasting hall when the class is over. The remainder of the classes are scheduled for 7:00pm and 8:30pm and may be reserved at a cost of $15 HST included per person per class.

Automatic Ticket Notification

Those subscribed to this list will receive an automatic notification the night before tickets go on sale, Tuesday March 29. We’re often asked about the best way to purchase tickets in order to secure your first choices 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. Nonetheless, we look forward to welcoming you back on May 7—see you then!

Amrut Single Malt Whisky Masterclass with Global Brand Ambassador Ashok Chokalingam – Tuesday 29th March at 7.30pm 

The team at Tomoka Spirits Boutique in St. Albans, Hertfordshire are delighted to announce a very special tasting of Amrut Indian Single Malt Whisky with this year’s Icon’s of Whisky ambassador of the year, Ashok Chokalingam. 

We will be exploring the history of this iconic Indian whisky distillery and tasting 6 different expressions, including the award winning Fusion, Portonova and Kadhambam and a very rare limited edition mystery bottling! 

Tickets are £20 per person and are strictly limited. 

For more information click here

Please email us on billmccoy@tomokaspiritsboutique.co.uk or call on 01727 894869 to book your tickets. 

Tomoka Spirits Boutique

5a Christopher Place

St. Albans, Herts. AL3 5DQ 

www.tomokaspiritsboutique.co.uk

Barrel of laughs: Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival aims to find a high roller on the streets of the world’s malt whisky capital

The casinos of Las Vegas may have their high rollers, but the streets of the world’s unofficial malt whisky capital will soon have their very own barrel rollers. Visitors to the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival will have the chance to compete in the ancient ‘sport’ of barrel rolling – a tribute to the warehousemen who perform the task on a daily basis.

The event takes place in Dufftown – recognised as the hub of Scotland’s whisky industry because it is surrounded by seven distilleries, including the world famous Glenfiddich – and takes place over a 50m track.

It is just one of many quirky events taking place at the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival from April 28 to May 2 in the heart of Scotland’s best known – and best loved – whisky producing region.

Thousands of visitors from all over the world will descend on Speyside to raise a glass to the national drink at almost 500 separate events. The programme includes distillery tours, exclusive tastings, food events, music, comedy and outdoor activities for whisky connoisseurs and novices.

Barrel racing takes place on a closed road in the town centre of Dufftown on Sunday, May 1 and has been organised by the Dufftown and District Community Association. Nicola Alexander, a trustee of the group, says the event will offer something very different.

She adds, “The idea came about because we wanted to do something different from all the tours and nosings and tastings, but still keeping with the whisky theme. We hope the community will come out for this event, along with the visitors, and enjoy the Festival spirit.

“Competitors will be asked to race a 50m track and back up again, when the other member of the team will take over and do the same. The winner will be the fastest team.

“Before the race, two experienced warehouse men from a local cooperage will show everyone how’s it’s done. We hope to make this a yearly event and even get all the local distilleries to have a competition between each other.”

The event is open to teams of two – individuals can be paired up – and there’s even prizes on offer for the fastest finishers. The action takes place under the shadow of Dufftown’s iconic clock tower from 2.15 – 3.15pm. It forms part of the wider Dufftown Whisky Street Festival, with lots of Scottish entertainment throughout the afternoon.

For those who still have the energy, there’s the chance to take in all seven of the town’s distilleries in the 7 Stills Race. The course will take in all the famous and lesser known names and offers a varied and challenging route. The race takes place from 2pm to 6pm.

Other quirky events on the programme include the opportunity to canoe down the mighty River Spey and sample some drams inside a tepee at the end of the trip; trying out craft skills by carving a wooden whisky tumbler and needle felting a Highland cow; and taking part in a ‘dramble’ through the Quarrelwood in Elgin where experts from renowned whisky merchants Gordon and MacPhail will discuss the importance of wood in whisky production.

There’s also a women-only event, Whisky Women & WAGS. Dufftown whisky expert Michelle Myron will be leading a walk around the local distilleries, showing how chocolate is the perfect match for whisky. And there’s even the chance to enjoy a whisky pancake breakfast at Grantown YMCA – with a special limited edition Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival topping.

Whisky festival manager Pery Zakeri says, “We pride ourselves on offering something for everyone, regardless of their level of interest in whisky. It’s possible to come and enjoy the Festival and the atmosphere without touching a drop – although we thoroughly recommend that all our visitors give the region’s fantastic whisky a try.

“There are almost 500 events on the programme this year and we defy anyone not to be able to find something that they will enjoy.”

Tickets for all events in the 2016 Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival programme are available to buy now at http://www.spiritofspeyside.com/ The Festival is also active on social media – facebook.com/WhiskyFestival and @spirit_speyside on Twitter and on Instagram.

Picture caption: Barrel racing will take place in the distillery town of Dufftown during the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival.

Also this month, we launched our Famous For A Reason Competition. We’re looking for you to nominate somebody who you think is Famous For A Reason. It could be anything, big or small, but they have to be deserving of their Famous title. Nominate them here and they could win their very own personalised bottle of The Famous Grouse. For T&C please visit our website. Find out what else is going on at Scotland’s award winning, five star visitor attraction this month…

The First Famous Gloag

The history of The Famous Grouse is as rich and tantalising as the whisky itself. Over the coming months we plan to tell you some of the standout Famous stories. And, there isn’t one more Famous and worthy of a look to the past, than that of our founder, the very first ‘Famous’ Matthew Gloag. Take a look at our blog here.

New Master Blender

Kirsteen Campbell has been appointed to the role of Master Blender for The Famous Grouse, taking over from current Master Blender Gordon Motion this month. Kirsteen will now become one of the few people allowed to share the secret of the unique blend of whiskies that combine to make The Famous Grouse. Read more here.

Easter at Wilde Thyme at Glenturret

Looking for somewhere special to go this Easter Sunday? Wilde Thyme at Glenturret Distillery have a delicious Easter Lunch menu, available from 12pm-2.30pm or treat yourself to Afternoon Tea from 3pm-5.30pm. Take a look at the menus here.

Blending Experience

Fancy yourself as a Master Blender? With our Blending Experience, enjoy a tour of the most traditional distillery in Scotland and a guided whisky tasting followed by an in-depth blending session where guests create their own blended whisky to take home. Find out about our Blending Experience here.

A Once in a Lifetime Opportunity

We are about to fill our 1000th barrel, or at least you might be.  We are offering one lucky whisky fanatic the chance to not only fill our milestone barrel, but also their own 20L cask.  How you say?  Simply purchase your own personalised 20L barrel between 17th of March and 17th of April and you automatically go into the draw.  You’ll be flown from your nearest capital city, take part in all the festivities mentioned above, followed by a personal tour of the distillery by Patrick Maguire Director/Owner of Tasmania Distillery. You must be available for travel in May 2016.  The exact date is yet to be announced. So what are you waiting for.  Stop thinking about it – cancel the family holiday, sell those golf clubs that are collecting dust, do whatever you have to.  Just don’t miss out on this one time only experience.

CLICK HERE TO ORDER YOUR BARREL NOW

Terms and Conditions apply, offer open to Australian residents only

The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival takes place 28th April – 2nd May 2016 at venues throughout Speyside. Dufftown is at the centre of the Festival and will provide a number of events including the Dufftown Whisky Fair in the Mortlach Memorial Hall on both Sat 30 Apr & Sun 1 May. The Dufftown Pipe Band will be playing on Sat 30 Apr and the Whisky Street Market is on Sun 1 May. Fancy some dancing? Join the locals for a Ceilidh on Fri 29 Apr dancing to the Ice House Ceilidh Band.

All these events can be booked on line at www.spiritofspeyside.com

MARCH TASTINGS  

Chocolate & Whisky Pairing – The Vaults, Fri 18 Mar  More >

Central Europe Wine Dinner – 28 Queen St, Tue 22 Mar  More >

NEW – Sheffield Preview Tasting – Leopold Hotel, Fri 25 Mar  More >

April Outturn Preview – The Vaults, Thu 31 Mar  More >

FREE EVENTS AT THE VAULTS

6 Nations on the Big Screen – Next match Sun 13 Mar   More >

Peat Lovers’ Night – Tue 15 Mar   More >

Live music with Hot Tin Roof – Tue 22 Mar   More >

Browse All Events & Tastings >

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

Speyside’s hidden distillery gems open their doors for the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival exclusive tours

Whisky connoisseurs from around the globe have been scrambling for the chance to catch a glimpse inside the region’s hidden distillery gems during next month’s Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival.

Just four weeks after event tickets went on sale, over 80 distillery tours – many of them at venues not usually open to the public – have been completely sold out, while more than 50 exclusive whisky tasting events are now full.

But whisky fans will still find plenty of opportunity to learn more about distilleries in the region – a true powerhouse of Scotland’s whisky industry – when the Festival welcomes visitors from April 28 to May 2.

There are still tickets on sale which will allow visitors a sneak peek inside some distilleries that are throwing open their doors just for the Festival, ranging from exclusive VIP events down to free tours where guests enjoy a dram at the end.

And for the real aficionados, there are still opportunities to sample some rare and exclusive Speyside malts at tasting events being hosted by both world-leading brands and distilleries at the smaller end of the production scale.

Festival manager Pery Zakeri says the speed at which tickets have sold for distillery tours and whisky tasting events has taken organisers by surprise. They expect there will be a further rush on tickets before the curtain rises on the event.

She adds, “We know that events at distilleries not normally open to the public will sell very quickly, but the volume of tickets sold has been quite staggering. I think people now know that if they want the chance to see inside these distilleries, the only time they are going to be able to do that is during the Festival.

“But the good news is that some tickets are available, and the quality of the events is exceptional. There are quite a few events where guests are going to be given a very rare opportunity to sample some vintage malts and take part in unique experiences for a very reasonable cost.

“Our advice would be for visitors to make sure they book their tickets as soon as possible, because we fully anticipate that the vast majority of tours and tastings will sell out in advance of the Festival starting.”

Tours at venues such as Dalmunach, Knockando, Tomintoul and Inchgower distilleries sold out the day tickets went on sale, but limited numbers of tickets for tours of Aultmore, Speyside, Auchroisk, Dufftown and Coleburn – all usually closed to the public – are still available.

Whisky aficionados who want to push the boat out will be able to take part in some very exclusive events. Benromach Distillery is offering people with discerning noses the chance to select the next single cask that will be bottled as a Benromach Distillery Exclusive.

Guests will be able to nose and taste a selection of cask samples before voting for their favourite, and then writing up the tasting notes. The £100 ticket price also includes a bottle of the malt once it has been bottled.

There’s also the chance to visit Drummuir Castle, the home of Diageo, which is only open to the company’s guests. The event costs £195 and will include a visit to Mortlach Distillery, a tutored in-depth nosing and tasting of the Mortlach range and a fine dining experience during which guests will enjoy wines from the cellars and an opportunity to pair whisky with food.

Visitors can learn about illicit distilling and whisky smuggling with Glenlivet Hill Trek, who will be transporting guests by eight-wheel-drive argocat into the hills above Glenlivet Distillery for an off-road tour. The ticket price of £130 includes a picnic lunch with a selection of drams in a stone-built bothy followed by an in-depth tour of The Glenlivet Distillery, which pioneer George Smith was the first to license as a distillery in the parish of Glenlivet in 1824.

In contrast, The Whisky Shop Dufftown will be staging taste challenges where visitors will be asked to vote on their favourite drams from the Speyside region and the rest of the world. The ticket price for these events is just £5, and includes samples of a range of top quality malts.

Whisky Shop Dufftown owner Mike Lord has also arranged some in-store extravaganzas with world renowned brands including Wemyss Malts and Gordon and MacPhail which are completely free of charge, as is the chance to browse and sample whisky at Logie Steading near Forres.

The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival programme comprises almost 500 different events including distillery tours and tastings, outdoor activities, arts and crafts, food, music and comedy.

Tickets for all events in the 2016 Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival programme are available to buy now at www.spiritofspeyside.com. The Festival is also active on social media – facebook.com/WhiskyFestival and @spirit_speyside on Twitter and on Instagram.

Notes

The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival is committed to promoting responsible drinking. Visitors travelling to and from festival events can take advantage of a range of transport options. Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival has received funding from Highlands and Islands Enterprise and is also financially supported by many other private and public partners.

The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival is part financed by the European Regional Development Fund Programme 2014 to 2020. The Scottish Government is the managing authority for the European Regional Development Fund Programme.

Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design

2016 will shine a spotlight on Scotland’s achievements in innovation, architecture and design through a wide-ranging, variety of new and existing activity.

The Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design will run from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2016 and will build on the momentum generated by the 2015 Year of Food and Drink as well as previous years including Homecoming Scotland 2014, the Year of Creative and the Year of Natural.

Through a series of exciting events and activity, the year will showcase Scotland’s position as an “innovation nation”, its outstanding built heritage, and its thriving, internationally acclaimed fashion, textiles and design sector.

The Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design is a Scottish Government initiative being led by VisitScotland, supported by partners including Scottish Government, Creative Scotland, Architecture + Design Scotland, Scottish Tourism Alliance, Scottish Enterprise, The National Trust for Scotland, Historic Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS).

The Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design events fund is managed by EventScotland, part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate

Whisky Month 2016

• May is Whisky Month in Scotland, inviting visitors and locals to sample Scotland’s national drink and explore the subtle blend of stories and provenance behind our vast array of marvellous malts.
• In 2016, Whisky Month will also celebrate the 2016 Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design, turning the spotlight on other related areas, such as the famous feats of engineering and innovation in today’s whisky industry as well as the distinct architecture of many of Scotland’s wonderful distilleries.
• To encourage even more visitors to sample Scotland’s whisky a series of eBooks are available. Each book focuses on one of the country’s five distinctive whisky-producing regions in Scotland – Campbeltown, Islay, Speyside, Lowland and Highland.  VisitScotland’s The Land of Whisky guides can be downloaded at visitscotland.com/see-do/food-drink/whisky/distilleries
• Find out more and search for events, recipes and trails at visitscotland.com/see-do/food-drink/whisky/whisky-month and join the conversation using #WhiskyMonth

THURSDAY 31 MARCH
AT 7.30PM
£40 PER TICKET

Tickets on sale
17 March at 3pm
BOOK YOUR TICKET »

WITH STEWART BUCHANAN

Join The Whisky Exchange and Benriach brand ambassador Stewart Buchanan for an evening of whisky from the heart of Speyside, including our exclusive 1998 single-cask PX-finished bottling. Once a little-known distillery making whisky for blends, Benriach is now one of the best-loved producers in Speyside. Taken over by Billy Walker in 2004, it relaunched as a single malt distiller and quickly turned heads. Now its wide range covers everything from delicate old whiskies in the classic Speyside style to brash young peated drams.

Joining us for the evening will be brand ambassador and former distillery manager Stewart Buchanan. Stewart started in the industry in 1993 at Tobermory, Billy Walker’s former stomping ground. He moved to Benriach with Billy, and became distillery manager in 2008. He is now the distillery’s global brand ambassador, roaming the world teaching people about the whiskies he has helped create.

We will be trying eight whiskies from across the distillery’s extensive range:

Benriach Birnie Moss Intensely Peated
Benriach 10 Year Old
Benriach 12 Year Old Sherry Wood
Benriach 15 Year Old Port Finish
Benriach 17 Year Old Septendecim
Benriach 1998 17 Year Old PX Finish – TWE Exclusive
Benriach 25 Year Old
Benriach 35 Year Old

The tasting will take place on Thursday 31 March at 7.30pm

£40 per ticket

BOOK YOUR TICKET »

Tickets go on sale 17 March at 3pm

VENUE

THE JUDGE’S COURT, BROWNS,
82-84 ST MARTIN’S LANE,
LONDON WC2N 4AG

PLEASE ARRIVE AT THE VENUE FROM 7.15PM FOR A 7.30PM START

MALTSTOCK PROMO TOUR

Spring is coming and, while the birds start singing, the whisky festival season is in full bloom! Maltstock will be attending several festivals the in the next couple of weeks. Next weekend we will be greeting our Belgium friends. Meet Marco and Teun at the International Whisky Festival Gent 12-13 Mar. 2016

The rest of our Agenda (Maltstock visiting other festivals):

Whisky Festival Noord Nederland 18-20 Mar. 2016
Whisky Weekend Twente 9 Apr. 2016
Whisky in Leiden 16 Apr. 2016
Limburg Whisky Messe 23-24 Apr. 2016
Speyside Whisky Festival 28 Apr. – 2 May 2016

INVERHOUSE CONFIRMED

Inver House distillers will be present at Maltstock 2016. This company is the proprietor of:

Pulteney Distillery | Balblair Distillery | Knockdhu Distillery | Speyburn Distillery | Balmenach Distillery

Lukasz Dynowiak will be at Maltstock and hosting a tasting. To secure your chance to see him at Maltstock be sure to buy your ticket in time!

CABIN ‘REFURB’ SUCCESFULL

As some of you will have noticed on Facebook, the Cabins at the Maltstock venue haven been torn down and completely rebuild. They now stand high on poles helping the inhabitants to keep warm. To charge your phones and dry your hair they’ve also been fitted with 240V wall outlets. There will be no extra charge for these brand new Cabins. Although, if you haven’t booked one for this year’s edition of Maltstock you will have to wait ’till next year because the Cabins are unfortunately sold out.

But… not to worry, the normal tickets are still available for Maltstock 2016!
You can still buy your tickets for Maltstock 2016 at:
https://www.maltstock.com/#shop

MALTSTOCK 2015 FILMLET

On Facebook we have published a short film featuring pictures and sounds of Maltstock 2015. For those of you who are not on Facebook… here it is: The next couple of months we will be updating our internet site and Facebook page constantly with new information and pictures of Maltstocks past.