Whisky and more…
With only 3 more sleeps until Spirit of Toronto’s 20th Anniversary, it’s the time of year when many of you ask what will be on offer for your friends, lovers and family who don’t ‘do’ whisky. Rest assured we’ve got everybody covered, so keep reading and then forward them this message if they’re still dithering about buying their ticket.
Help! My partner doesn’t ‘do’ whisky, what else will be on offer?
While we’re whisky lovers at heart we’re always on the lookout for great spirits to be shared at Spirit of Toronto, so if it’s a hard pass on whisky then perhaps some of the rum on offer will be more their speed – think El Dorado from Guyana, or Panamanian rum from The Rum Rats (who will be also pouring their limited edition, cask strength offering) – not to mention Ontario rums from the Nickel 9 and Dunrobin distilleries.
Perhaps it’s time for them to upgrade their bar cart in time for warmer weather? We seriously advise that they investigate Jaisalmer, a truly dazzling Indian craft gin, or perhaps they’ll take in some Mexican vibes while sipping on 100% agave tequila.
And grape lovers will be spoiled for choice courtesy of our friends from Meukow – who will be pouring their XO – as well as a bespoke selection of grower Armagnac and Cognac being poured by Heads and Tails (which includes a gorgeous orange liqueur from the house of Vallein Tercinier – want!) Or how about a Pisco sour? Or a spritz with Rossi d'Asiago Limoncello? With such a diverse array of products to sample, we promise to spoil everyone for choice, no matter what their taste.
Get set to ‘Discovery Italy’…
For those who lean more towards the grape than the grain, do not pass go, just head straight upstairs to our Mezzanine level to ‘Discover Italy’ as we reprise our collaboration with the Italian Trade Agency, and a number of their most storied spirit producers. Here you’ll be treated to an enviable selection of Italian vermouths, amaros, aperitivos, liqueurs and grappas, to be explored neat as well as in a sumptuous array of cocktails at our Mezzanine Bar.
And get set for all the noms!
Speaking of food, our caterers keep close tabs on our guests and have noted that many of you come as much for the food as for the drink!
That’s high praise in the foodie paradise that is Toronto, and the epicureans among you won't be disappointed, from the return of our Beef Tenderloin served in Yorkshire pudding cups, to our BBQ Whiskey Burgers – with Bourbon Caramelized Onions! – paired with Brown Derby cocktails in our Derby Lounge, to the Japanese street snacks on offer in our Nikka Lounge, think takoyaki and chicken katsu on bao buns paired with Japanese highballs, courtesy of a pop-up by the Bees Knees in Kyoto.
And for the third year in a row we can’t wait to welcome back oyster sommelier Patrick McMurray aka Shucker Paddy, who will be hosting his Oyster Speakeasy and Raw Bar where guests can pair his delectable menu of oysters – which includes Kumamotos from BC this year! – with whisky and gin, or on their own with mouthwatering toppings such as turf-smoked salmon and a G&T ceviche that he's preparing with baby shrimp from the St Lawrence, marinated in Mermaid Zest gin, mad genius that he is. Yes, absolutely, there will be a line-up, but Patrick's banter will make it go by quickly, promise!
See you on May 4!
