Whisky Live Toronto, held in October in Constitution Hall at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre was nothing short of a resounding success.

In only its second year,Whisky Live attracted more than 800 whisky-lovers for an evening of fine food, Highland dancers, Bagpipers, music, and of course more than 100 of the world’s best whiskies.

The Liquor Control Board of Ontario attended in full force with their whisky lounge and a well-stocked retail store where attendees could immediately indulge in the purchase of newly tasted whiskies. In addition, the LCBO and Whisky Magazine sponsored a live whisky cocktail competition among five of Canada’s most talented mixologists. The competition was won this year by Shoana Jenson, of KI Modern Japanese Bar who created a cocktail called Tropical Canadian Winter with cinnamon, and picked up the winner’s cheque.

Via Allegro, a Toronto area Italian restaurant boasting one of the world’s most extensive whisky and wine collections participated with their own experience lounge where rare older whiskies were paired with local artisanal cheeses for an exquisite sensory experience.

Eight masterclasses were held, all of which were attended by overflow crowds of local whisky enthusiasts.

Additionally, an open distillers’ debate was held on stage live between Richard Paterson from Whyte & Mackay, John Hall from Kittling Ridge, and Chris Morris from Woodford Reserve, who all engaged in a lively debate on the virtues of their respective whiskies.

Canadian whiskies made their strongest showing in an international venue, and were richly rewarded with world-wide acclaim.

Not to be outdone, there were Irish whiskies, bourbons and American whiskies, and a large contingent of scotch whiskies in attendance.

Masterclasses

The Art of Oak
Ian Millar, Glenfiddich Global Brand Ambassador & Neil Sharp, Innis & Gunn Brand Ambassador
Join Ian Millar, direct from the distillery, along with Neil Innis Sharp from Innis & Gunn, as they explore the art of cask finishes with an interesting assortment of whiskies, including one whisky inspired beer. Includes a nosing of the newly released The Balvenie New Wood 17 year old.

• Grant’s Ale Cask Reserve
• Innis & Gunn Oak Aged Beer
• The Balvenie New Wood 17 Year Old
• Glenfiddich 12 Year Old
• Glenfiddich 15 Year Old

Experience The Scotch That Scots Drink!
Richard Paterson
Come join Richard Paterson as he takes us on a journey of scotch tasting that is truly unforgettable!! Richard is third generation in a family which has long been associated with the Scotch whisky industry. In 1970 Richard joined Whyte & Mackay Distillers and within 5 years he became their Master Blender. Aged 26, he was reputed at that time to be Scotland’s youngest Master Blender. Richard is in demand around the world and we’re extremely pleased that he is joining us at Whisky Live this year. This is a master class not to be missed!

• Whyte & Mackay The Thirteen
• Isle Of Jura Superstition
• Isle Of Jura – Heavily Peated Version
• Whyte & Mackay 40 Year Old
• Dalmore 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon

Ballantine’s Super Premium Range – a timeless classic
Bill Bergius, Heritage Director, Chivas Brothers
NEW RELEASE at the LCBO! Join Bill Bergius, Heritage Director of Chivas Brothers, to discover the award-winning Super Premium Range of Ballantine’s whiskies (17 Year Old, 21 Year Old, and 30 Year Old). Enjoy a guided tasting where you will learn how continuity of its signature style makes Ballantine’s a timeless classic.

• Ballantine’s 17 Year Old
• Ballantine’s 21 Year Old
• Ballantine’s 30 Year Old

The Macallan – Importance of the wood
Casks play a critical role in the making of our whisky. The type of cask and oak, the cask size, the length of maturation, the use of first versus second fill casks, the amount of expansion and contraction of the wood, all these factors influence the whisky as it gently ages and interacts with the wood.

• The Macallan 12
• The Macallan Fine Oak 21
• The Macallan Cask
• The Macallan Sherry Oak 18
• The Macallan Fine Oak 30

From Tennessee Whisky to Classic Kentucky Bourbon
Chris Morris
As Master Distiller for Woodford Reserve and a Spirits historian Chris Morris will take the participants on a journey through the similarities and differences between the whisky category including a brief history of whisky and bourbon. As participants sample the products Chris will explain the production process and flavour sources. The similarities and differences of Batch Selection, Single Barrel Selection and Vintage Selection will also be discussed.

• Gentleman Jack
• Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel
• Woodford Reserve

Highland Park – Peat, Wind & Fire
The northern most distillery in Scotland produces “The Best Spirit in the World” (Paul Pacult) and “The greatest ALL-ROUNDER in the world of malt whisky” (Michael Jackson). Explore how the elements come into play and contribute to the making of Highland Park whisky.

• Highland Park 12
• Highland Park 15
• Highland Park 18
• Highland Park 25
• Highland Park 30

Exploring Glenfiddich
Ian Millar, Glenfiddich Global Brand Ambassador
Join Ian Millar, Glenfiddich’s Brand Ambasssdor direct from the distillery, as he explores the world of Glenfiddich, including two very special products: Glenfiddich 21 Year Old (Rum Cask Finish) and Glenfiddich 30 Year Old. Here’s an opportunity to try some of the very special Glenfiddich single malts.

• Glenfiddich 12 Year Old
• Glenfiddich 15 Year Old
• Glenfiddich 18 Year Old
• Glenfiddich 21 Year Old
• Glenfiddich 30 Year Old
  

Explore The Rarity of Johnnie Walker
Jonathon Driver, International Whisky Ambassador
Join International Whisky Ambassador, Jonathon Driver, for an exclusive tasting of Johnnie Walker Blue Label and Johnnie Walker King George V Limited Edition, a brand new ultra-deluxe scotch created to celebrate the first Royal Warrant awarded to John Walker and Sons Ltd. using the world’s rarest and most valuable whiskies.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label
Johnnie Walker King George V Limited Edition

Exhibitors & Brands

Coming Soon