We are pleased to present “The Whisky Tasting School” on all three days of the 152nd Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival at Topaz Park! There will be three sessions on Saturday & Sunday and two on Monday. All sessions will feature single malt whiskies presented by ambassadors representing a variety of Scotch (& other!) single malt distilleries. This year’s lineup promises to be the most extensive line up whiskies presented to date at the Highland Games!
Guests must be aged 19 years or older to attend!
The registration fee for a session is $35 (Monday noon session is $45) and includes a one-day gate pass (value $15). Whisky School guests are also able to purchase an engraved Victoria Highland Games Glencairn whisky nosing glass for $15 (one per guest per class).
Each session has limited seating; in previous years all sessions have sold out prior to the Games so don’t be late in registering!
Download the registration form here
Details on the 8 sessions are as follows:
Saturday May 16th
- 12-1:00 PM Whisky & Chocolate with Lawrence Graham & Hodie Rondeau of Xoxolat Chocolate.
Join Lawrence & Hodie as they lead you through a delectable selection of Single Origin and flavoured chocolates from the famed chocolatier Xoxolat, paired with a selection of equally delectable single malt whiskies!
- 1:45-2:45 PM– Hepburn’s Choice with Nick Haltigin
Hepburn’s Choice is a line of single cask whiskies from independent bottlers, Hunter Laing. Utilizing hand selected refill casks, Hepburn’s Choice whiskies showcase both well-known as well as “off the beaten path” distilleries. Nick Haltigin from Fountana Beverage will lead you through a flight of these light, yet balanced whiskies.
- 3:30-4:30 PM Tullibardine with Roberto Roberti
Roberto Roberti From Barrica Wine and Spirits, will lead and introduce you to the great history of Tullibardine Distillery, and you will enjoy some of the finest whiskies from young to old that Tullibardine is producing. Come and enjoy this classic highland whisky and the nuances of its taste.
Sunday May 17th
- 12-1:00 PM The Scotch Malt Whisky Society “Peat” with Rick White
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is the largest private whisky club in the world and it is thriving in British Columbia, come see what the excitement is about! Society whiskies are by their very nature unique, extremely limited and quite deliciously varied. Richard White will be leading this class which is focused on peated smokey single malts.
- 1:45-2:45 PM Blackadder with Nick Haltigin
A tasting of bold whiskies from the famous independent bottler Blackadder. Believing whisky should be enjoyed as it was in the 1800’s, Blackadder are whisky purists who believe in “cask over brand”. Join Nick Haltigin from Fountana Beverage in tasting a sampling of whiskies from this fiercely independent bottler.
- 3:30-4:30 PM A Trip Across Scotland with Roberto Roberti
A trip Across Scotland: Roberto Roberti from Barrica Wine and Spirits will take you in a journey across Scotland, Savoring 5 excellent distilleries from 4 different regions, from young to old there is not wrong or right, and it is all good whisky.
Monday May 18th
- 12:00-1:30 pm Whisky & Local Food Pairing with Bill Jones & Graeme Macaloney
Join Deerholme Farm owner, Cookbook Author and Celebrity Chef, Bill Jones and founder of the Victoria Caledonian Distillery, Graeme Macaloney, as they guide you through a sensory journey pairing global award winning single malt whiskies influenced by maturation expert Dr. Jim Swan with delectable local food choices. Starting with house smoked sockeye salmon with fireweed honey, Bill will lead you through a variety of local food choices paired with outstanding whiskies introduced by Graeme. For more information on Bill, visit www.deerholme.com and on the Victoria Calendonian Distillery, visit www.macaloneydistillers.com.
Sign up early for this one as it will sell out fast with only 35 seats available. Cost for this session is $45.00
- 2:45PM – 3:45 PM The Scotch Malt Whisky Society “Speyside” with Rick White
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is the largest private whisky club in the world and it is thriving in British Columbia, come see what the excitement is about! Society whiskies are by their very nature unique, extremely limited and quite deliciously varied. Rick White will be leading this class which is focused on Speyside single malts.
Please remember, Condition of Entry to The Whisky Tasting School is that Guests DO NOT DRINK and DRIVE.
