Featuring The Rhythm & Booze Project, a blues duo out of the UK which incorporates roots, folk, and blues music in a uniquely gritty mix, blending hypnotic grooves with raucous energy and irresistible showmanship into their gigs and whisky tastings. Get ready for a sublime combination of fantastic music and delicious SMWS whiskies, and launch the 20th edition of VWF in style!

Session One: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Session Two: 9:30 PM – 11:30 PM

The Victoria Whisky Festival is very proud to co~host the annual Canadian Whisky Awards ceremonies at the Hotel Grand Pacific. Join hosts, Davin de Kergommeaux and Heather Leary for the industry event of the year, as they reveal the most outstanding Canadian whiskies of 2025 and present medals and awards to their producers. Tickets will be available online at https://canadianwhiskyawards.com.

Details will be posted soon.

Join Nikka Whisky’s Global Spokesperson and Educator, Emiko Kaji, in commemorating Nikka’s iconic whisky, From the Barrel’s 40^th Anniversary. We will explore the charm of the brand from various angles and experience 3 limited edition whiskies produced for this special anniversary. We will taste first-hand the expert skills of Nikka’s master blenders and the creation of From the Barrel, blended from some 100 iterations of whisky. Adding to this whisky’s complexity, we will taste the evolution of the whisky with additional ageing in the Limited Edition Extra Marriage. In addition, two other cask strength components, created specifically for this occasion, that make up From the Barrel, will be featured. This will be a truly unique experience discovering the creation of Nikka’s global best-selling whisky.

Glenmorangie - Once Upon A Time In Scotland

Glenmorangie are known not only for their delicious single malt scotch whiskies, but also for their philosophy and concepts behind them. From the pioneering family who founded the distillery, to the innovative practices and ideas by their whisky creation team. National Brand Ambassador Bryan Simpson will take us through some of these wonderful expressions, including new and limited releases.

Experience the Mastery of Blending Through a Tasting of Japanese Whisky with Jonathan Armstrong

Join US Brand Ambassador Jonathan Armstrong as he delves into the rich heritage of the House of Suntory, exploring our iconic brands such as Yamazaki, Hibiki, and Toki. Discover what makes Japanese whisky truly exceptional through a captivating discussion and an exquisite tasting experience featuring a remarkable selection of our finest products.

Buffalo Trace: Made in Kentucky, Enjoyed Worldwide

Raise a glass to Buffalo Trace Distillery - over 200 years of care and craftsmanship in every pour! Join Master Blender Drew Mayville and discover some expressions from the world’s most award-winning distillery.

Living Souls – a World of Small Batch Spirit Masterpieces

At Living Souls, we bottle more than just whisky. We capture moments, stories, and the spirit of exploration. Each release is chosen not simply for age or rarity, but for the experience it delivers in the glass. From humble beginnings to show stopping old casks, our whiskies invite you on a journey through flavour, place, and time.

For this Grand Tasting, the lineup will showcase the Living Souls philosophy: diversity of style,authenticity of character, and the joy of discovery. Each dram offers a different perspective on Scotch whisky, together creating a tasting that moves from bright and fresh, through deep history and bold flavour, to playful peated experiments.

For over 125 years Gordon & MacPhail has been driven by a simple mission: to create single malt whisky of exceptional quality. Explore deep into Gordon & MacPhail’s vaults with us as we experience the fruits of this vision with whiskies from all corners of Scotland.

The long-awaited presence of Ichiro’s Malt and Chichibu in B.C. has finally arrived. Ichiro’s intriguing and highly coveted whiskies have enticed the world for years. Now we have the pleasure to welcome Yumi Yoshikawa, Chichibu’s global ambassador, to present, in person, this enticing distillery, its storied past, present and highly anticipated future with a new second distillery and a third in the works. The past connection with Hanyu Distillery has shaped the creation of Chichibu in 2008, and today, we will delve deeper into how this connection is still relevant today with the creation of special release whiskies. Also, new, dynamic whiskies are coming out of the Chichibu Distilleries. We’ll have a first-hand peek into the mysterious master distiller Ichiro Akuto and the alluring Chichibu distilleries and their promising future.

Details will be posted soon.

Tamdhu is a proudly family-owned Speyside distillery, dedicated to maturing every drop exclusively in Oloroso sherry casks. From American Oak to European Oak, each cask tells a story — rich, complex, and deeply rewarding — guiding you through a journey of exceptional single malts.

“Behind Warehouse 24”

Examine the ongoing legacy of The Balvenie, by sampling through its history with Brand Ambassador, Jamie Johnson. From DoubleWood 12 to present day releases; we explore the journey of Malt Masters past and present.

“Highland Park, the Taste of Orkney”

Situated in the North Sea and on the same latitude as the Yukon and Northwest Territories, Orkney is a remote, formidable landscape home to just two distilleries. Founded in 1724, Highland Park is the oldest on the Island and is one of the most highly awarded Single Malts in the world - named ‘Best Spirit in the World’ three times and collected countless Gold and Double Gold medals at international competitions. But what makes it so unique to stand out above so many others? Join the masterclass to find out.

Step into the world of whisky-making with Leon Webb, Distillery Manager at Tamnavulin, as he guides you through the technical journey from grain to glass. In this in-depth masterclass, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the processes that define Tamnavulin’s distinctive Speyside style — from fermentation and distillation to cask selection and maturation. Leon will share his expertise on how each stage shapes the final character of the spirit, while offering insight into the distillery’s innovations and dedication to consistency.

Come raise a glass, at this masterclass, hosted by John and Cooper Sleeman. Participants will hear stories of the Sleeman family’s brewing legacy and the founding vision of Spring Mill Distillery. Built with reverence for tradition and a passion for craft, the distillery continues the family’s long history of producing exceptional Canadian spirits. Guests will also take part in an intimate guided tasting session led by Cooper Sleeman, featuring a selection of John Sleeman & Sons whiskies, including unique expressions that showcase the character and heritage behind the brand.

Living Souls – a World of Small Batch Spirit Masterpieces

At Living Souls, we bottle more than just whisky. We capture moments, stories, and the spirit of exploration. Each release is chosen not simply for age or rarity, but for the experience it delivers in the glass. From humble beginnings to show stopping old casks, our whiskies invite you on a journey through flavour, place, and time.

At this masterclass, the lineup will showcase the Living Souls philosophy: diversity of style, authenticity of character, and the joy of discovery. Each dram offers a different perspective on Scotch whisky, together creating a tasting that moves from bright and fresh, through deep history and bold flavour, to playful peated experiments. There will be several different whiskies including: Tamnavulin, Lagmore, Lochranza, and others in the 2025 fall releases.

This will be a unique virtual experience as we take you and drop you into a virtual world of Armorik whisky. This tour will transport you on a personal journey behind the scenes of the distillery, strolling through copper stills, rows and rows of aging whisky barrels, including some secret barrels and, of course, interesting stories of the world of Armorik, Bretagne single malt whisky. While this is a serious exploration of whisky, be sure to bring your sense of humour, along with your curiosity and expectant taste buds. Paul and the whiskies will take care of the rest!

Founded in 2011, Shelter Point Distillery has been committed to distilling high quality single malt whisky from the outset. Located on the Eastern shore of Vancouver Island, sourcing water from its own aquifer and surrounded by the farm that supplies much of the barley for its distillations it is well placed to do so. Brand Experience Manager Chris Read will talk you through the history of the distillery and the process for making its whiskies. This masterclass will feature a chance to try Shelter Points inaugural 15 Year Old Single Malt, a new PX finish and a Burrowing Owl Coruja finish as well as a selection of the distillery’s core offerings.

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 Adamson will bring the distillery to life and guide you 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 will leave having had some fun and with some new knowledge of what makes a Tomatin.

Join Reece Sims as she explores TS Global’s incredible portfolio of peated whiskies in a guided tasting that brings smoke to life in all its forms. Peat is one of whisky’s most distinctive flavors, and how it expresses itself depends on where it’s born. In this masterclass, we’ll travel through six whiskies from around the world to uncover how local ingredients, fuel sources, and climates shape the smoke within each glass. Together, we’ll explore the full spectrum of smoke, from maritime and earthy to woody, sweet, and tropical. Then, it’s your turn to test your palate. In true Flavor Camp Taste Challenge style, you’ll take part in a blind tasting to see if you can identify each whisky’s origin and uncover what truly makes peat from each region unique.

Discover how Dr. Graeme Macaloney blends time-honored tradition with bold innovation to create the most awarded craft whisky in Canada, earning 17 gold medals and three “World’s Best” titles in just ten short years. Hear how a culture of experimentation inspired The Peat ProjectTM — a series of special releases featuring imaginative local ingredients like sugar kelp, crafted with Graeme’s custom-designed distillery smoker that infuses each peated whisky with exceptional flavour and character. See why Macaloney’s is captivating whisky lovers and fueling a new revolution in Canadian whisky.

An Unapologetically Canadian Whisky Masterclass

Join Canadian Whisky Ambassador Mike McLean as he explores the proud history of our Canadian Club and Alberta Distillers brands, along with a breakdown of what makes Canadian Whisky so unique, all while enjoying an incredible range of our products.

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 is ready to take us there.

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.

The Ardbeg Committee Meeting

Ardbeg invites you to a super serious meeting of the Ardbeg Committee! Loyal Ardbeggians have fallen 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. Bryan Simpson will lead us through some of their weird and wonderful Ardbeg expressions, with some limited editions among the mix.

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’s in this legendary warehouse that Bowmore single malts have been meticulously matured and transformed for over 240 years. Join James Neil as he leads a tasting explaining the "Art of Time", the traditions, skills and expertise passed down through generations of whisky makers and what that means for this exceptionally balanced Islay Malt.

The Art and Diversity of Scottish Whisky

Whether you’re a whisky novice or whisky enthusiast, join us in exploring the diverse and captivating world of Scottish whisky through sampling different styles and innovative releases from InchDairnie Distillery.

Taste of Imagination with Fettercairn Highland Single Malt Distillery

Discover the innovative spirit of Fettercairn in this guided tasting experience. Known for its unique copper cooling ring that shapes a tropical house style unlike any other Highland malt, Fettercairn pushes the boundaries of whisky-making with creativity and vision. Explore a selection of distinctive expressions while uncovering the craft, character, and imagination that define this remarkable distillery. Hosted by Canadian Brand Ambassador, Emma Coady.

The Golden Age of Canadian Whisky is now! Join Canadian Whisky Awards head judge, Davin de Kergommeaux as he leads us through the best of the very best – the winners of the 2026 Canadian Whisky Awards. The New York Times said Davin’s influence on the renaissance of Canadian whisky cannot be overestimated. From large distilleries and small, find out from the source what all the excitement is about.

Experience the legacy of Old Forester in this engaging one hour masterclass. As America’s first bottled bourbon, Old Forester has been setting standards since 1870, with a legacy rooted in consistency and innovation. Dive into the rich history of the only bourbon continuously sold by the same company before, during and after prohibition. This session dives into the brand’s unique approach to barrel aging, showcasing how time, wood and craftsmanship converge to create its signature flavour profile. Discover how history and artistry come together in every sip.

Tomintoul Speyside Scotch

Join us for an exclusive masterclass with Cody Reynolds, Brand Ambassador, showcasing the finest whiskies from Tomintoul Distillery in Speyside, Scotland. Journey to the heart of the Cairngorms and discover the smooth, balanced character of Tomintoul, crafted with pure Ballantruan spring water, fresh mountain air, and their distinctive tall stills—offering a true taste of Speyside's renowned whisky heritage.

Discover the story behind Canadian Rockies, a trailblazer in the Canadian whisky market for over 10years, guided by renowned whisky educator Roberto Roberti. This masterclass offers a unique opportunity to taste our latest releases, freshly introduced to Canada, alongside rare archival whiskies not yet bottled. Join Roberto on a journey through flavor, craftsmanship, and history, as he shares the story of the brand and the passion behind each expression. Whether you’re a whisky enthusiast or simply curious, this experience combines education with enjoyment, offering a rare chance to explore exceptional drams and deepen your appreciation of Canadian whisky.

For over 200 years, Buffalo Trace Distillery has been dedicated to one craft: making fine bourbon whiskey. By honoring tradition while embracing innovation, it has earned a place among the world’s legendary distilleries. Join Master Blender Drew Mayville as he explores the art of blending, where mashbills and oak come together to create exceptional whiskey.

Join Adam Bradshaw in discovering exceptional independent bottlings from Signatory Vintage, featuring rare cask-strength single malts and grain whiskies with unique maturation profiles never before available to British Columbia.

Paul John Whisky is made from Indian 6-row malted barley and, for some variants, imported Islay and Aberdeen peat, distilled in traditional copper pot stills and then matured in charred American Oak casks at the company’s distillery in Goa, India. The Paul John Single Malt expressions (except Nirvana) are non-chill filtered, with no added colour, additives, or flavours. Come experience a selection of these exceptional spirits that have won over 290 prestigious international awards.

Celebrating over 200 Years of Glencadam Scotches

Join us for a special tasting of Glencadam Scotches. Discover the distillery’s rich heritage, established in 1825, and its commitment to traditional craftsmanship that has produced award-winning Single Malts for more than two centuries. Guided by Cody Reynolds, Brand Ambassador, you'll explore the unique character and history behind Glencadam’s finest whiskies, experiencing their depth of flavour and timeless quality. This is a rare opportunity to celebrate two centuries of excellence in whisky-making with an expert in the field. Each sip reflects the distillery’s dedication to preserving time-honored methods, delivering a whisky that is both authentic and exquisite.

The Spirit of Niigata: Shinobu Single Malts

Hosted by Reece Sims and TS Global, this exclusive masterclass takes you inside the world of Shinobu Distillery, where craftsmanship meets the rare elegance of Mizunara oak. Together, we’ll taste through a selection of single malts and limited-edition single cask bottlings from Niigata, Japan, exploring how Mizunara oak imparts its signature sandalwood, incense, and exotic spice. A must-attend for those seeking a deeper appreciation of Japanese whisky’s artistry.

“The Glenfiddich Effect”

Sip your way through the history and legacy of The Grant Family. Brand Ambassador Jamie Johnson, will guide you through a flight of The Worlds Most Awarded single malt, and weave a tale of how one of Scotland’s most famous family made an everlasting impact on Scotch Whisky.

Two Brewers started barreling single malt whisky in 2009, and sold their first bottles in 2016. Find out what they are planning for 2026, 10 years of whisky, and what they have learned over that time frame. Oh, and by the way, enjoy a suite of their current offerings.

This will be a masterclass for women to either start or further their whisky journey as part of a one hour masterclass featuring 5 excellent single malts.

Chocolate is the perfect pairing for whisky and we are partnering with Hot Chocolates of Courtenay to ensure a very special tasting. If you enjoy your whisky experience to be paired with not only chocolate, but also a growth in knowledge in a fun social atmosphere, then this is the class for you.

This class will be led by Viola Van de Ruyt, Victoria Whisky Festival Director, and along with her husband, has run and presented tastings for the Sidney Companions of the Quaich for over ten years.

Step into the world of Glendronach with this exclusive one hour masterclass, where rich heritage and craftsmanship take centre stage. This session will explore the distillery’s renowned sherry cask maturation process, delve into the unique character of select expressions, and offer guided tastings that highlight the bold, complex flavours Glendronach is celebrated for. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast, or new to the world of single malts, this masterclass promises an unforgettable experience of tradition, taste and storytelling.

Join Jack McCreadie, Brand Ambassador for Chivas Brothers, for an in-depth exploration of how oak casks shape the character and complexity of Scotch whisky. A Maturation Education, delves into the artistry of cask maturation — uncovering how wood, time, and tradition define flavour, style, and quality. Guests will sample a curated selection of exceptional whiskies, including iconic expressions such as The Glenlivet 12 and the richly layered Aberlour 16, showcasing the evolving craftsmanship behind some of Scotland’s most celebrated single malts.

Stillhead Distillery founder and Master Distiller Brennan Colebank will take you on a tasting experience showcasing the potential of 100% Rye Whisky. From Sherry to Garry oak casks, you’ll taste some unique to the world expressions of 100% Rye Whisky.

Located in the Galloway region of Southern Scotland, Bladnoch, known as the Queen of the Lowlands, is one of the oldest independently owned distilleries in Scotland. Established in 1817, its rich history spans nearly two centuries. In a new chapter, Australian businessman David Prior acquired Bladnoch and meticulously restored it to its former glory. To secure its future, Dr. Nick Savage, formerly of The Macallan, was brought on as master distiller. His creative expertise is evident in the exquisite Bladnoch whiskies. These handcrafted single malt whiskies are produced using the finest local ingredients, reflecting Dr. Savage's masterful touch and dedication.

Billy Walker has achieved about as much as one can achieve in the whisky business, from his early days at Chivas through the sale of BenRiach and GlenDronach. His newest venture at GlenAllachie distillery, focusing of heavily peated spirit as well as richly sherried single malts, may be his best work to date. GlenAllachie has now won “World’s Best Single Malt” twice under Billy’s leadership. The full range of GlenAllachie expressions, both peated, sherried and other, will be featured including a single cask bottled for this year’s festival.

Glengoyne is a family-run distillery, slowly distilling vibrant, fruity spirit in the finest oak casks—from Bourbon to Sherry—offering a diversity of flavour in their single malts, natural colour and unhurried since 1833.

Glenmorangie - Once Upon A Time In Scotland

Glenmorangie are known not only for their delicious single malt scotch whiskies, but also for their philosophy and concepts behind them. From the pioneering family who founded the distillery, to the innovative practices and ideas by their whisky creation team. National Brand Ambassador Bryan Simpson will take us through some of these wonderful expressions, including new and limited releases.

For the first time ever at the Victoria Whisky Festival, enjoy an inspired journey of flavour with The Glen Grant! For over 180 years, The Glen Grant has been creating outstanding and intriguing Speyside Single Malt Scotch whiskies that celebrate the innovation that has defined its lasting legacy. In this session you will learn about the incredible history that makes The Glen Grant unique while sipping through the exceptional, award winning principal collection as well as the first limited expression from the new Exploration Series.

Celebrate 30 Years of Whisky Excellence

Join Dr. Don Livermore as he marks three decades in the Canadian whisky industry with an exclusive Master Class. Experience a guided tasting of his latest releases, including:

• JP Wiser’s 27 Year Mizunara Cask Strength
• JP Wiser’s 20 Year Red Letter
• Lot 40 Oloroso Cask Strength

Plus, enjoy a few surprise whiskies specially selected for this milestone event.

Michter's is proud to honor a historical legacy tracing back to the founding of America's first whiskey company in 1753. Today Michter’s has married this history to innovations in whiskey production that has led to the creation of some of the best whiskies in America.

Johnnie Walker: Art of the Blend

Become the Master of your own scotch whisky blend in this interactive Johnnie Walker masterclass workshop. Learn about the intricate process of blending scotch whiskies and what it takes to make the world’s best-selling blended scotch whisky. Work alongside a team and a Johnnie Walker brand ambassador to create your own Johnnie Walker Private Label blend, utilizing premium Single Malts within the Johnnie Walker Portfolio!

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

Join Ray Daniel in this Masterclass focused on our Bourbon history and innovations. Ray will lead you through a sampling of some classic recipes and contrast those with some unique innovations. There is room for everyone in the world of Bourbon.

A Whale’s Tale: Exploring Kujira Japanese Rice Whisky

Join Reece Sims and TS Global for a flavour journey that redefines Japanese whisky. Distilled from rice and rooted in Okinawa’s centuries-old awamori traditions, Kujira whisky offers a tropical expression unlike anything you’ve tasted before. In this guided tasting, you’ll uncover layers of sweetness, umami, and exotic fruit notes that capture the spirit of Japan’s southern islands.

The VIP Tasting is open to special guests of the 2026 Victoria Whisky Festival and VIP Ticket holders. It will be held in the Vancouver & Pender Island Ballrooms prior to the Consumer Tasting and will feature the full line of whiskies as with the Consumer Tasting. VIP Ticket holders will be able to explore the range of whiskies being presented for a full hour prior to the Consumer Tasting (Ticket price includes VIP Tasting & Consumer Tasting).

The heart of the Festival is 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, Swedish, Australian whiskies and a variety of whisky & whiskey styles from the United States of America.

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

The Hotel Grand Pacific will be providing the best Hors d’Oeuvres from their award winning kitchen and Chefs using local ingredients including the very popular & elusive haggis tarts created especially for the Victoria Whisky Festival! Here you will be able to satisfy your whisky curiosity by sampling your choice of over 150 whiskies, the largest selection available for such an event in British Columbia.

Featuring The Rhythm & Booze Project, a blues duo out of the UK which incorporates roots, folk, and blues music in a uniquely gritty mix, blending hypnotic grooves with raucous energy and irresistible showmanship into their gigs and whisky tastings. Get ready for a sublime combination of fantastic music and delicious Laphroaig whiskies, and complete the 20^th edition of VWF in style!

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

This exceptional dinner is by invitation only; the culinary team at the Hotel Grand Pacific led by Executive Chef Roy Tam will pair exceptional local ingredients with some outstanding whiskies.