Masterclasses
Whether you consider yourself a whisky novice or a seasoned connoisseur, the Spirit of Toronto Masterclass Series is designed for those of you seeking a deeper appreciation of the craft, process and history behind the ‘water of life’, while sampling an array of exceptional whiskies, most of which have been specially imported for the occasion.
All masterclasses run from 5:00 – 6:00pm, after which time patrons attending these sessions will have access to the main showcase to enjoy 30 minutes of Early Admission.
Note that masterclasses can only be booked through the Box Office when purchasing tickets to Spirit of Toronto.
‘Benromach 50 Year Old: Shaped by Time’ with Richard Urquhart
Prepare for an unforgettable start to your evening as Spirit of Toronto presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to taste one of the rarest and most extraordinary single malts ever released: the Benromach 50 Year Old.
With only 248 bottles produced worldwide, this remarkable whisky stands as a testament to the quiet craftsmanship and time-honoured tradition that defines Benromach. It goes without saying that we’re honoured to be hosting the only public tasting of the Benromach 50 Year Old in Canada, making it a privilege reserved for Spirit of Toronto’s most discerning guests.
The experience will be led by Richard Urquhart, a member of the family that lovingly revived the Benromach Distillery, as he shares the compelling story behind this treasured release and the legacy it represents. Exploring the distillery’s signature style, we’ll begin with the elegant Benromach 15 Year Old, the refined Benromach 21 Year Old, and the deeply complex Benromach 40 Year Old, before culminating with the crown jewel of the tasting: the Benromach 50 Year Old, matured for half a century in a single sherry cask, rich in history, rarity, and layered complexity.
In short, get set for the kind of tasting experience that could only be offered at Spirit of Toronto – a true celebration of craftsmanship, heritage and whisky at its finest.
SOLD OUT — EARLY ADMISSION
‘The Story of Single Pot Still Whiskey’ with Fionnán O’Connor
We’re beyond thrilled to be hosting renowned Irish whiskey historian, writer and educator Fionnán O’Connor on his first ever visit to Canada, and even more excited to have him present this exclusive masterclass dedicated to one of the world’s most iconic and misunderstood styles — single pot still whiskey, often hailed as the soul of Ireland, with its extraordinary range of spice, creaminess and a depth that can easily spark love at first sip!
For this tasting guests will be guided through Fionnán’s handpicked line-up of five Irish collectibles including a rare Green Spot bottled circa 2000; the powerful Redbreast Cask Strength B1/19; the rich and historic Powers ‘1817 Release’, a limited edition celebrating 200 years of Dublin pub history; and two exclusive cask samples from the innovative Boann and Killowen distilleries.
Fionnán is author of ‘A Glass Apart’ – the definitive tome on the subject of single pot still – and a leading voice in the global revival of Irish whiskey. We can’t wait for him to mesmerize us with his unrivalled knowledge and an infectious passion that truly epitomizes the Irish gift of the gab.
$75 — EARLY ADMISSION
‘Flavours of India: The Amrut Experience’ with Neelesh Saran
Discover the bold and exotic spirit of India in an exclusive masterclass with Amrut Distillers, pioneers of Indian single malt whisky.
This immersive tasting experience will take you on a sensory journey through three exceptional expressions: the elegance of Amrut Single Malt Whisky, the robustness of Amrut Fusion, and the rich complexity of Amrut Intermediate Sherry Cask.
Guests will then learn about the multitude of hidden malts hailing from across India’s diverse landscape, while savouring two selections from Amrut’s ‘Single Malts of India’ range: Kurinji, inspired by the lush Western Ghats, and Marudham, rooted in the vibrant flavors of the south.
Whether you’re a seasoned whisky lover or a curious explorer, this is a rare opportunity to sample world-class Indian craftsmanship and uncover the depth and diversity of Amrut’s celebrated portfolio.
$75 — EARLY ADMISSION
$75 — EARLY ADMISSION
‘Bushmills Distillery’ with Matt Klette
Step into the storied world of Bushmills, the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery, for an extraordinary tasting experience that pays tribute to over four centuries of whiskey heritage. Known for producing a triple distilled single malt, Bushmills has long been a stalwart of Irish whiskey tradition, and this masterclass offers a rare opportunity to explore its depth like never before.
Guests will begin with the fruity Bushmills 10 Year Old — a beloved classic — and the richly layered 12 Year Old, before embarking on a deep dive into the art of cask maturation with an exclusive lineup of limited releases from the Bushmills Private Reserve series. With these you’ll discover the nuanced influence of wood and its effect on Bushmills when finished in ex-casks of Bordeaux, Burgundy, Plum Brandy and Tequila.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Irish single malt whiskey, this is a unique chance to experience the innovation, legacy, and craftsmanship that define Bushmills, one exceptional dram at a time.
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