Is Anyone Else Going To Whisky Live Toronto?

probably .. can't say for sure yet.. not last minute enough.

Sadly, I'm missing it as I have another engagement. I'm a little upset as I've never been before.

You should both look into "Spirit of Toronto" @ www.spiritoftoronto.ca it is set for May 12 2012.

I've been to multiple interations of both shows and I think this is a much better event.

Yep, I've got that blocked off!

Hmm. Didn't know about that one, cheers!

Well, I quite enjoyed Whisky Live - my only real complaint is there wasn't enough food (which makes your ability to withstand the onslaught of brown liquid a little challenging). As good as the Classic Malts Masterclass was (featuring Glenkinchie 12 yo, Dalwhinnie 15 yo, Cragganmore 12 yo, Talisker 10 yo, Oban 14 yo, Lagavulin 16 yo, and the great Singleton of Glendullan), the Highland Park Masterclass was brilliant. 12 yo, 15 yo, 18 yo (my favourite), 25 yo, Magnus and - amazingly - the 40 yo, which sent the room cheering. Other highlights included a pairing of Ardbeg 10 yo with a Cabrales cheese (heavenly), Laphroaig 18 yo, Aberlour A'Bunadh, Longmorn 16 yo, Nikka Pure Malt 12 yo and a very smooth Crown Royal XR. Other whiskies I sampled included Spicebox (too sweet), Four Roses Bourbon Yellow Label (not great), Maker's Mark 46 (quite good, and they gave me a very cool pen), Forty Creek Confederation Oak (very good) and their John's Private Cask No. 1 (excellent, and had a good conversation with Master Distiller John Hall), The Balvenie Double Wood 12 yo, Crown Royal Reserve, Smokehead Islay Single Malt (very disappointing), some weird tropical "whisky" that comes from tree sap (WTF??). I was hoping to get a sample of Chivas Regal 25 yo but the booth only had it up to 18 - so I skipped it. Also hoping to get a taste of CC 20 or 30 yo - which wasn't at the booth but was part of the masterclass - but there was none left afterwards :( Also, I joined The Companions of The Quaich. I would go again in a heartbeat - and it was great to hang out with some friends who showed up later in the evening!

How does it work ? You have to buy coupons to taste right ? It is not simply an entrance fee and then you taste everything free of charge ?!?

You pay the entrance fee but you also have to buy samples. On one hand, I think it's too expensive. The fee is $65-99 (the $99 includes 10 tickets) and each ticket is $2 (samples are 1, 2 or 3 tickets, with some super-premium whiskies at 4 tickets). Also, the Masterclasses are $20 each (but they're worth it). Despite the price, I will definitely go back next year...

@talexander, nice collection of whiskies you sampled. I counted 27 in all, assuming that you had some of each. That would be about the same number I sample at events like that. (and about my limit for an evening.)

Ohhhhh.....that was WELL past my limit....and beyond.......

@Victor that's a fair number, do you use the spittoon?

Another comment I will make about Whisky Live: there should have been more exploration of whisky cocktails.

@Jean-Luc, occasionally I use a spittoon. Usually not.

@talexander How long was the event, Tom?

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Extravaganzas I've attended have been two hours. That's been plenty of time to taste (not drink the whole pour) the number you tried, but I've found it much more enjoyable to try only about 17 or so in that time. And all the while I graze on the terrific buffet.

@two-bit-cowboy, you can buy the $65 ticket (admission at 6:30pm) or the $99 ticket (admission at 4:00pm). It goes until 10pm (last pour is at 9:20). But it can get away with being a little shorter, as it only takes a couple of hours to get through everything (depending on your masterclasses if you get them - they last an hour)

@talexander thanks for the concise explanation. Seems a l-o-n-g time (4 - 9:20) so I can see where you could be done with it all in less. Sounds like a nice event.

@talexander How much the evening cost you ? I went the Extravaganza at Boston this year and for 120$ I had free tasting and a buffet. In addition, before the evening, there was a Whisky Panel where the brand ambassadors answered some questions while we enjoy a Glenlivet 18 yo.
I tasted about 25 different malts during the 2 hours event. I may try the Toronto event next year.

@Kutter All told, probably about 160 bucks - 100 for the event, 40 in masterclasses and 20 in tickets.

When is the next one?

Anyone into trading their doubles from a collection? I have a few I would like to trade..

@kvass1970 It's an annual event - so I guess Nov 2012

thanks!@talexander

Ardbeg 17 Old Glenmorangie 15 and 18 Bruichladdich 15 First Edition Longmorn 15 Talisker 1986 Distillers Edition and 1990 Caol Isla Natural Cask Strength Balblair 16 Aberlour Abunadh Batch 10

These are my duplicates that wouldn't mind offering..

vintage Macallan 12 pre-1999 vintage Macallan 18 1984 and 1985