Best in class whisky (being opened just for you)
It’s with relief that this year’s event program is now with the printer, but reviewing it one last time left me feeling somewhat envious as I browsed through 28 pages of what’s in store for guests attending our 20th anniversary show.
It’s a nice problem to have, and the conundrum that is Spirit of Toronto: year after year we put our blood, sweat and tears into creating the show that we would like to attend. And of course, having succeeded, it then becomes the show that we never get to attend.
While the satisfaction is in the warm smiles and excited chatter of our guests, I won’t lie: this year’s pour list has me salivating over all the goodies we’ll be too busy to taste come Saturday May 4, so keep reading after the signature if you’re a sucker for spoilers.
Tickets are selling fast as we count down to our 20th anniversary and our heartfelt thanks goes out to all of you who have marked the date and made plans to join us – you’re in for a treat, believe you me.
Best in Class Whiskies (being opened just for you!)
Given how much Canadian talent is being showcased at this year’s Spirit of Toronto, it’s fitting to have our own Don Livermore, Master Distiller at Hiram Walker, present our headline masterclass, and one that concludes with J.P. Wiser’s 42 Year Old, the first installment of his new Decade Series.
While this masterclass is long sold out, we are grateful to Dr. Don that he is bringing an extra bottle to pour at his table as part of this year’s Signature Selections. All the feels for those of you who manage a taste – Don is being extra cagey about this year's masterclass line-up so I look forward to your reactions.
Speaking of homegrown luminaries, we are equally chuffed to be welcoming back Sazerac’s Master Blender Drew Mayville who is presenting another sold-out masterclass. While I’m certain those attending are champing at the bit for a taste of Pappy Van Winkle 20 Year Old, I won’t be the least bit surprised to find out that Mister Sam Tribute steals its thunder.
Named for Seagram’s founder Sam Bronfman, Mister Sam is Drew’s labour of love, blended using both Canadian and American whiskey. For those of you who missed out on Drew’s masterclass, Mister Sam is another Signature Selection available to sample – on a first come, first served basis – at the Sazerac table.
Last but not least Paradigm Spirits is joining us from London ON, hot on the heels of winning ‘Canadian Whisky of the Year’ for their 2022 Heritage Collection – a highly acclaimed and very sold-out 19 Year Old whisky that they'll be pouring for guests at Spirit of Toronto. All the feels for those of you who manage a taste, and grateful if someone could let me know just how amazing it is!
Made in America
Fact: it’s a great time for bourbon fans north of the border, and this year’s line-up leaves me with serious bourbon envy given that both Michter’s 20 Year Old and Heaven Hill 18 Year Old are Signature Selections, the stellar line-up of our sold out Angel’s Envy masterclass – presented by Lucas Twyman who will be gracing us with his Kentucky charm, and bourbon chocolate truffles, yes! – and a bevy of high-proof selections from stalwarts such as Rebel, Elijah Craig and Ezra Brooks, as well as a chance to graze the offerings of second-growth châteaux, think New Riff, Yellowstone and Penelope among others.
And then we have our friends from Jefferson’s Bourbon who will be holding court in our Derby Lounge. I’m hearing that they will have one or two ‘under the table pours’, though I suspect this year’s hot take on a Whiskey Burger – topped with Jefferson’s Bourbon Caramelized Onions and Jefferson’s Bourbon BBQ Sauce – might eclipse the bourbon itself, especially when paired with the Brown Derby Cocktail on offer (after all, it’s the second most popular drink at the Kentucky Derby, facts!)
Too long didn’t read… you’re coming on Saturday May 4, right?
