Whisky Festivals

Check out this blog for a good run-down of various festivals. There were a series of posts, but this one will let you work backwards:

recenteats.blogspot.com/2016/02/…

@OlJas Thanks. Most of the listed events have descriptions similar to what I've read of other events--that is, they're vague enough that I don't really know what to expect. The "Kentucky Bourbon Affair" has a much better description of individual events, though--looks like a lot of fun (especially the glassblowing!).

I've been to WhiskyFest, WhiskyLive, Whisky Jewbilee, all in NYC, a few times each. These are all run on the same format, much like a trade show. Big companies, small distillers, independent bottles, local bars, each exhibit at a table and pour samples for the public that mills about. These tables are typically manned by articulate and friendly brand ambassadors, and sometimes even an industry celebrity as was the case when Richard Paterson was pouring at the NYC WhiskyFest Dalmore table a couple years ago and entertaining everyone with his patented comedy routines.

The offerings are typically anywhere from three to five examples of the core range from a distillery. These shows usually publish the pour list on their websites prior to the event. There are also massive buffets at these things.

Is it worthwhile? Imagine the first time you went to the carnival as a little kid. Should your wife attend if she does not like whisky? My wife does not drink much at these things either.', but she likes the excitement of the night out, and I never have to worry about finding my way home. There are often a few exhibitors of rum and cognac, which I make sure to stop by at for her.

These events also have master classes, with the opportunity to taste some rare and interesting whiskies and discussions by industry master distillers and other personalities.

No alcohol for sale.

I'll be attending later this month the SMWS Whisky Extravaganza in NYC. I've never been to one of those, but the prospect of tasting all those single cask whiskies has got me pretty excited.

@McTeague Thanks, that's the kind of description I was hoping for. As I live in BC, I;d probably be most likely to attend Vancouver Whisky Festival, Hopscotch, or Whisky Classique (all in Vancouver)--or, if scheduling worked out, perhaps one of the events in Calgary.

Enjoy, S.

I have a vague memory that Ralfy did a YouTube video from one of these festivals once—maybe even the Vancouver one. That'd be worth a search.

@OlJas

I believe that was the Victoria Whisky Festival (he's also vlogged from UK events). It takes place, I believe, in January every year.

@OlJas @Nozinan Thanks guys, I'll give that a search!