This grand tasting, featuring the ‘nectar of the gods’, was hosted by Amrut’s award-winning global brand ambassador and head distiller, Ashok Chokalingam.

Amrut Distillery was the first Indian distillery to produce single malt whisky which were first experienced abroad in 2004 and has truly transformed perceptions around Indian whisky.

In this session, Ashok led a tasting of some of Amrut’s most popular releases including Amrut Single Malt and Amrut Fusion, as well as showcasing some of the limited edition expressions and two 2023 rare releases.

The Victoria Whisky Festival was very proud to co~host the annual Canadian Whisky Awards ceremonies at the Hotel Grand Pacific. Davin de Kergommeaux and Heather Leary hosted this industry event of the year, revealing the most outstanding Canadian whiskies of 2022 and presenting medals and awards to their producers.

This class covered the history of whisky in Japan and followed the story of Nikka’s founder, Masataka Taketsuru, the “Father of Japanese Whisky“ whose travel to Scotland and back shaped the history of whisky production in Japan. Participants tasted single malts from Nikka’s two distilleries, Yoichi and Miyagikyo, and learned how Taketsuru’s enduring influence allowed Japanese whisky to carve out a unique niche for itself. In addition, two experimental batches of single malt whiskies provided a glimpse of the evolution of styles and character that has made Nikka a world leader in whisky production. The tasting concluded with a tasting of the year’s limited editions Nikka Discovery Series.

What is Whisky? Well, that depends on where it’s from. Each whisky producing region around the world has its own definitions. Who makes the best whisky? That is certainly up for debate! Ambassadors: Tish Harcus, James Neil, and Ray Daniel debated the benefits of the whiskies from their respective region, Canadian Whisky, Scotch and Bourbon.

"SMWS Around the World"

Although Scotch is the main focus of the SMWS, there's no doubt that other parts of the world are making fantastic whisky. SMWS Master Brand Ambassador, John McCheyne , hosted a fun-filled flavour journey with a carefully curated line-up of extraordinary whiskies from around the globe, including the first Canadian single malt to ever be bottled by the SMWS in its almost 40 year history.

Old Particular Single Casks are a much sought-after range of individually-selected Single Malt and Single Grain Scotch Whiskies from distilleries all over Scotland. Hosted by Dougal Barr, this Grand Tasting took participants on a journey through the wonderful world of Single Cask Scotch Whisky.

Michter’s is proud to honor its historical legacy tracing back to the founding of America’s first whiskey company in 1753. In this Grand Tasting, its history was connected to the innovations in whiskey production that led to the creation of some of the best whiskies in America.

“For over 125 years Gordon & MacPhail has been driven by a simple mission: to create single malt whisky of exceptional quality.” Led by Richard Urquhart, participants explored “deep into Gordon & MacPhail’s vaults”, and experienced “the fruits of this vision with whiskies from all corners of Scotland.”

The rare and unique whisky styles found in Japan were explored with Reece Sims and TS Global. During this session different grain bills, oak types, and cask finishes were presented that challenged the senses in new and unique ways - from rice whiskies, to international malts, to peated pure malts finished in Mizunara oak!

This masterclass, featuring the ‘nectar of the gods’, was hosted by Amrut’s award-winning global brand ambassador and head distiller, Ashok Chokalingam.

Amrut Distillery was the first Indian distillery to produce single malt whisky which were first experienced abroad in 2004 and has truly transformed perceptions around Indian whisky.

In this session, Ashok led participants through a tasting of some of Amrut’s most popular releases including Amrut Single Malt, Amrut Fusion and Amrut Peated, as well as showcase a couple of annual limited releases.

The SMWS is all about flavour! SMWS Master Brand Ambassador, John McCheyne, provided an entertaining exploration of Society bottlings.

A journey with Joel Virginillo to the Isles, with a family of malts as delicate as the land on which they are made – Islay, the Isle of Mull, and the Highlands – and an exploration of their unique characters.

Bowmore has stood on the shores of Lochindaal since 1779, the original Islay. home to one of the world’s oldest Scotch maturation warehouses, the No. 1 Vaults. It is in this legendary warehouse that Bowmore single malts have been meticulously matured and transformed for over 240 years. James Neil led a tasting explaining the "Art of Time", the traditions, skills and expertise passed down through generations of whisky makers and what that meant for this exceptionally balanced Islay Malt.

Two Brewers Yukon Single Malt Whisky started in 2009 in Whitehorse, Yukon. The distillers bring a unique brewers’ twist on making whisky, and the terroir of the far north plays a big part in the final product. These techniques – as presented by Bob and Corey – are helping them win multiple awards for their products.

Glenmorangie’s Kind of Delicious and Wonderful Whiskies:

Glenmorangie are known not only for their delicious single malt Scotch whiskies, but also for their philosophy and concepts behind them. From the family who founded the distillery, to the innovative practices and ideas by their whisky creation team. National Brand Ambassador Bry Simpson took participants through 6 of these wonderful expressions, with stories from the wild imaginations of the whisky makers who created them.

Forty Creek - The Art of the Blend

Twenty-plus years ago, Forty Creek ushered in a new era of premium whiskies from Canada. With an unwavering focus on innovation and quality, Forty Creek has released a long line of award-winning expressions that have dazzled judges and consumers alike. Forty Creek Brand Ambassador, Chris Thompson, poured a few of his favourites, including a long-gone expression from the Forty Creek vaults and the latest limited edition, "Art of the Blend."

Dr. Don Livermore, Hiram Walker Master Blender, showcased rare and exclusive releases from J.P. Wiser’s, walking participants through a tasting of his latest wood series innovations and rare higher marques like J.P. Wiser’s 40 Year Old.

Through generations of passion, dedication and craftsmanship, Ian MacLeod Distillers are very proud of their collection of brands: Glengoyne, Tamdhu and Smokehead, to name but a few. Gordon Dundas presented their distinctly different family of brands united by a shared drive to produce only the finest quality spirits imaginable.

Glenfiddich: Now and Then

The history and future of the worlds most-awarded single malt, told through their most beloved whiskies, with National Brand Ambassador, Jamie Johnson.

Stillhead Distillery founder and master distiller, Brennan Colebank, took the class on a tasting experience through an assortment of his whiskies aged in exotic and premium casks from around the world.

Bruichladdich Ambassador, Frazer Matthews, guided the masterclass through a selection of whisky from the Progressive Hebridean Distillers, and stories from the B-Corp Certified distillery at the helm of the barley movement on Islay. From Islay grown, and organic, to Bere and biodynamic.

Ardbeg – The Weird Story of a Weird Distillery

The wee island of Islay is home to some of the world’s most loved distilleries, Ardbeg is certainly one of them and has attracted a cult following like no other. The Ardbeggians not only fall in love with the full-on phenolic power of their Ardbeg whiskies, but also the stories of the distillery including the dark days and the miraculous re-birth of the brand. Bry Simpson led the class through 6 of their weird and wonderful Ardbeg expressions, with some limited editions among the mix.

Sometimes it seems like everything Billy Walker touches turns to gold. In 2017 he purchased the GlenAllachie distillery and every year since has seen new expressions and ideas that expand on his legacy.

A celebration of the award-winning Scottish Oak Programme, born at Highland Single Malt Distillery Fettercairn. On the eve of its 200^th anniversary Fettercairn is a hidden gem of the North American Scotch market, with a rich history of ingenuity and distinctive tropical house style. Pioneering Whisky Maker, Gregg Glass, launched the Scottish Oak Programme alongside Head of Whisky Discovery, Kieran Healey-Ryder, and Distillery Manager, Stewart Walker, to re-kindle the use of Scottish Oak in cask creation, and explore the diversity of flavour of local, responsibly-sourced Oak. The acclaimed Fettercairn 18 Year Old launched as the first release from the programme, and marks a real landmark for the industry. Ingvar Ronde, author of the Single Malt Whisky Yearbook, has cited Fettercairn and Gregg Glass for their innovation. This masterclass was an opportunity to experience that first hand.

A tasting through time by Tish Harcus, revelling in the storied background of Canadian Club. Tasted: the oldest Canadian Whisky ever released, the Canadian Club 45 Year Old CC Chronicles: The Icon. This very special release celebrates the role of Canadian Club in popular culture. With a past that dates back over 160 years, it's no wonder CC has become a true icon.

Established in 1948, Douglas Laing is a proudly independent, family-owned Scotch Whisky business in its third generation. Over 70 years of heritage have helped the company to refine its processes, and deliver Whisky that is consistently exceptional.

This masterclass, led by Dougal Barr, featured limited editions from the Remarkable Regional malt range.

No description received.

The Golden Age of Canadian Whisky is now! Canadian Whisky Awards head judge, Davin de Kergommeaux, as he led the class through the best of the very best – the winners of the 2023 Canadian Whisky Awards. The New York Times has said that Davin’s influence on the renaissance of Canadian whisky cannot be overestimated.

“Against the Grain”

Maker’s Mark Diplomat, Micah Dew, led a tasting “Against the Grain”, beginning with how Maker’s Mark bourbon stood out from the crowd substituting distiller’s rye for soft red winter wheat, to the impact of changing proof and finishing with the exploration into the science of wood.

Located at the ‘gateway to the Highlands’ in Blackford, Tullibardine Distillery produces handcrafted single malt Scotch Whiskies that are light, floral, and malty. Since reimagining their range in 2013, Tullibardine has embarked on an intensive wood management program to create a delectable selection of cask finished favourites.

During this masterclass, presented by Roberto Roberti, attendees were led through a tasting of the core collection including expressions finished in ex-Sauternes, ex-Sherry, and ex-Burgundy casks as well as an exploration of two limited edition expressions.

This Masterclass class covered the history of whisky in Japan and follow the story of Nikka’s founder, Masataka Taketsuru, the “Father of Japanese Whisky”, whose trip to Scotland and back shaped the history of whisky production in Japan.

Bruichladdich Ambassador, Frazer Matthews, guided the class through a selection of peated single malt from The Progressive Hebridean Distillers. Port Charlotte & Octomore are whiskies born of a community with a vision and a mission to kick start a whisky revolution.

The number one selling Islay Single Malt in the World is a fan favourite for flavour and history. James Neil led the Masterclass through their favourite expressions, a good dose of Islay lore, and some very special drams for guests and Friends of Laphroaig.

When it comes to whisky and the joy it brings, Compass Box keeps our minds open to new possibilities. They tap into new production processes, new combinations of flavours, new ways of sharing and enjoying great whisky. There is so much to discover in the world of whisky, and Compass Box has always been ready to take us there. This class was no exception.

Ray Daniel focused on Bourbon history and innovations. He led the class through a sampling of some classic recipes and contrasted those with some unique innovations. There is room for everyone in the world of Bourbon.

A walk down Whiskey row, visiting old friends and taking a look at what made these American whiskies; Woodford Reserve, Old Forester and Jack Daniels so unique and iconic.

One of the leaders in American single malt whisky is a small Colorado distillery that was born from a dream of a Scotsman who moved to the State with the intent of making great single malt in America. Boulder Spirits Chieftain, Alastair Brogan, presented a range of excellent whiskies including a Victoria Whisky Festival exclusive cask strength American Single Malt.

The Softer Side of the Highlands

Tomatin Distillery positions itself as the ‘Softer Side of the Highlands’ and its recent successes have been built on an incredibly diverse core range. Scott Fraser brought the distillery to life, guiding the class through the intricacies and intrigue that is created by such an assorted portfolio. By experiencing the location, the ingredients, the people - and a few laughs – those lucky enough to attend left having had some fun and with new knowledge of what makes a Tomatin.

A masterclass to experience the rye whiskies of Kyrö Distillery Company of Finland. Built to showcase their beloved national grain, all whiskies distilled at Kyrö are produced with only 100% malted Finnish rye. Their core ryes were tasted along with special finishes brought in exclusively for VWF 2023.

The Strath showcased some of the Dram Association’s favourite whiskies of the last year, and teamed with the folks at Glencairn to explore how different shape and size glassware can affect your experience.

Established in 1938, Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky Limited is a specialist independent whisky merchant with one of the largest privately held collections of aged single and single grain casks. Fergus Simpson, Global Brand Ambassador for Douglas Laing, led the class through a selection of excellent Duncan Taylor offerings.

Terroir in whisky.

Dr. Dustin Herb led participants through a tasting of several outstanding Waterford Irish Whisky selections and explained the influence of terroir on single malt whisky – he also shared the latest research, dispelling myths and opening minds to the new frontiers of natural flavour.

From one of Japan’s newest and smallest distilleries, Nagahama Distillery, the Amahagan World Malt range features five unique expressions made from malt whiskies sourced from around the globe. Each international malt expression is blended to 47% ABV in Japan then finished for an additional three years in a variety of casks from around the world. This core range highlights the precision and craftmanship required to be an exceptional Master Blender.

The SMWS is all about flavour! SMWS Master Brand Ambassador, John McCheyne, provided an entertaining exploration of Society bottlings.

Benromach is a window into another time - a traditional family-owned Speyside distillery intent on making single malt the right way with true character. They keep things simple: single malt made by hand matured exclusively in first-fill casks, with a subtly smoky character.

Master distiller, Matthew Hofmann, guided the class through the new frontier of American single malts whisky, from defining a new category, to pioneering innovation in ways that showcase the Terroir of the Pacific Northwest.

What is a Rye Whisky? Led by Mike McLean, the class learned more about this special grain, the flavour powerhouse as well as why it is revered, what makes it so difficult to work with, and why Alberta Distillers Ltd. to this day remains one of the only distilleries who can create the bold and spicy flavour of a 100% rye whisky.

Situated along the oceanside and surrounded by 380 acres of farmland, Shelter Point’s selection of uniquely Canadian whiskies are made with traditional methods that allow the Vancouver Island coastal terroir to shine. Shelter Point is coming of age, and their whiskies are garnering much international acclaim.

The Dalmore, celebrating 180 years of excellence, hosted a Master Class animated by Louis-Jérôme Doise, Single Malt Specialist for the prestigious brand. Tasted were the Principal Collection of 3 unique age statements and 3 non age statements, all hand curated by Master Distiller Richard Patterson.

A Canadian Whisky proudly unlike any other. At Bearface things are done differently. Experimenting. Collaborating. Innovating. Led by Master Blender Andres Faustinelli, this masterclass was intended to “talk, taste and deconstruct Bearface whisky”. Attendees also tasted the exclusive Wilderness Series Release, inspired by “our Wild Canadian North”.

Colin MacDougall, National Brand Education Specialist, presented a unique international tasting of iconic 18 year old age statement whiskies. The class tasted through multiple world whisky brands and learned their styles through their 18 year old releases and discovered why so many people find this age to be so iconic.

One of Speyside’s lesser-known gems, this distillery has an eclectic collection of casks. Expressions aged in rum, sherry, madeira, & port casks showcased the spirit of Benriach.

Located in the Scottish Lowlands, Bladnoch is one of the oldest independently owned distilleries in Scotland. Its rich history, dating back to 1817, was covered and handcrafted single malt from the finest local ingredients tasted.

The VIP Tasting was open to special guests of the 2023 Victoria Whisky Festival and VIP Ticket holders. It was held in the Vancouver & Pender Island Ballrooms prior to the Consumer Tasting and featured the full line of whiskies at the Consumer Tasting.

The heart of the Festival was the Consumer Tasting being held in the Hotel Grand Pacific’s Pender Island and Vancouver Island Ballrooms featuring a myriad of distilleries and whiskies including Canadian whisky, Scottish single malts and blended whiskies, Irish whiskey, Japanese, Indian, French, Finnish, Swiss, Australian whiskies and a variety of whisky & whiskey styles from the United States of America.

Each attendee was provided with an engraved Glencairn whisky nosing & tasting glass as well as assorted product information from the presenters.

Screened at the Vic Theater, The Water of Life is a feature documentary that focuses on the craftsmen, chemists, and renegades at the heart of the whisky revolution that turned the stagnant scotch whisky industry of the 1980s into the titan it is today.

Starting behind the locked gates of an abandoned distillery, Jim McEwan and Mark Reynier share their personal experiences of the risk-taking and wild experimentation they used to turn Bruichladdich into what it is today.

The film takes you on the journeys of other early visionaries like Gordon & MacPhail, Billy Walker, Dr. Rachel Barrie and David Stewart, whose mixture of talent, chemistry, hard work, grit, and a little sprinkle of magic paved the way for the next generation of innovators like Adam Hannett, Kelsey McKechnie, Liam Hughes, Iain Croucher, and Eddie Brook.

The Screening was accompanied by a interactive tasting of malts from the Bruichladdich Distillery, including some new releases. Guests received a tasting kit, including 4 malts, Bruichladdich dram glass & Ltd edition box. The screening was followed by a Bruichladdich Q&A with Brand ambassador Reed Pettit.

By invitation only.