Whisky Live, Canada’s unique whisky tasting event, came to Toronto for the first time.

Heritage Court in Exhibition Place was transformed in to a whisky lovers paradise on Saturday 14 October. Whisky Live came to Toronto for its first visit and presented an international array of whiskies to more than 750 visitors.

Any country that can have 70 degree Fahrenheit temperatures on one day, and then 56cm of snowfall the next, is clearly one of great excitement and diversity, and with visitors from all over Canada the show truly reflected this variety. Whilst the show attracted both enthusiasts and those with a love of a great evening out, Whisky Live Toronto also attracted local luminaries – most notably the mayor, Mayor Miller.

Canada has been home to whisky distillation for over 200 hundred years, and is truly a historic, dynamic, and growing international whisky market. Whisky Live Toronto brought all the very best whiskies from around the world under one roof, from both small and large companies, Canadian, Irish, Welsh, American and of course Scottish. The show set out to appeal to both the enthusiast and the novice, with expert advice on hand and the opportunity to learn about the whisky basics. An amazing array of Masterclasses was on offer, with many of the whisky legends presenting their whiskies.

Masterclasses

The Whisky World from Whisky Magazine
Supported by Scottish Development International. Presented by Jim Cryle, Chivas Brothers and Chris Morris, Woodford Reserve. A comparative tasting of Canadian, Scotch blended, Scotch malt and American whiskey. The Scotch whiskies were presented by Whisky Magzaine Lifetime Achievement Award winner Jim Cryle from Chivas Brothers, and the American and Canadian whiskies by Chris Morris from Woodford Reserve. Visitors learnt the art, science and craft of whisky from the world leaders, and came to understand what makes whiskies from such different places taste so different.

Liberating Taste with Rare Malts
Scotch whisky Ambassador Evan Cattenach led guests on a discovery of rare malts, and liberated their tastebuds enjoying Banff 21 Year Old, Rosebank 22 Year Old and Inchgower 27 Year Old, accompanied with food pairings.

The Art of Oak
Ian Millar, direct from the Glenfiddich Distillery explored the William Grant & Sons art of cask finishes with an interesting assortment of whiskies, including one whisky inspired by beer. The Masterclass included a nosing of the Balvenie 30 Year Old.

The Macallan and Highland Park
Chris Spalding introduced two whisky heavy weights; The Macallan took on Highland Park, taking consumers into the world of two exceptional whisky brands.

Exploring Glenfiddich
Ian Millar from Glenfiddich explored the world of Glenfiddich, with two very special bottlings; the Glenfiddich Vintage Cask 1972 and the Glenfiddich 40 Year Old – with a retail price over Can $2,000.

From Tennessee whiskey to classic Kentucky bourbon
Chris Morris, Master Distiller for Woodford Reserve, took participants on a journey through the similarities and differences between the whiskey category including a brief history of whiskey and bourbon. He explained the production process and flavour sources, highlighting the similarities and differences of Batch Selection, Single Barrel Selection and Vintage Selection will also be discussed.

Maker’s Mark
Dave Pickerell, Maker's Mark master distiller, presented this finest of Kentucky bourbons, explaining the whisky and the Samuels Family prior to Maker’s Mark, why Kentucky is ideal for producing American whisky, the craft unique to Maker’s Mark and why they only make one brand.

Crown Royal – Premium Canadian Whisky
Crown Royal Canadian Whisky Ambassador Andrew MacKay gave a refined tasting experience of the world’s best selling Canadian Whisky – Crown Royal. Guests enjoyed tastes and profile of Crown Royal Deluxe, Crown Royal Special Reserve and its new luxury jewel – Crown Royal XR.

Whisky Live Toronto was always intended to offer more than just great whisky – an experience of all the great things associated with whisky.

There was great food with an amazing array of satay, a carving station, the Asian star station and fine chesses. And wonderful entertainment from the Whisky Live stage; Scottish dancing (from well trained young ladies, followed by their less disciplined fathers), the dulcimer performed by Winnie Czulinski, and the LCBO cocktail competition. This very visual cocktail experience involved three individuals taking on the LCBO’s queen of cocktails, Laura Panter, in a 15 minute race to produce a unique cocktail, name it and list the ingredients.

Deep amidst the whisky tasting booths was the peaceful Dewar’s experience, a haven of relaxation for visitors to unwind and learn about the blending process. Beyond Dewar’s was the Whisky Lounge, the LCBO experience playing great music, serving wonderful cocktails produced by leading Torontonian mixologists and offering a range of whiskies for sale.

Whisky Live Toronto came to a close at 9 pm, and as one visitor said as they left the show when asked whether they had enjoyed the evening; “enjoyed the evening – I have entered a whisky heaven and don’t ever want to leave”. Sadly they had to, but Whisky Live Toronto returns on Saturday 20th October 2007, not really that long to wait.

Whiskies available at Whisky Live Toronto

Links and Supporters

Coming Soon

Ultimate Whisky Bar Chef Competition

Winner:
Jeff Sansone

From:
Canoe Restaurant & Bar

Drink Name:
Fred & Ginger

1 oz. Canadian Club Canadian Whisky
1/2 oz. Sour Puss Apple Liqueur
1/8 oz. Vanilla Liqueur
1/2 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
1/2 oz. Cranberry Juice
1/4 oz Apricot Nectar
Pinch freshly grated ginger

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice add 1 oz. Canadian Club Canadian Whisky, 1/2 oz. Sour Puss Apple liqueur, 1/8 oz. Vanilla liqueur, 1/2 oz. fresh Lemon juice, 1/2 oz. Cranberry Juice, 1/4 oz Apricot nectar and a pinch freshly grated ginger. Shake sharply and strain into a Martini glass. Garnish with a ginger, apple, blueberry skewer.

Show Photos