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Spirit of Toronto 2012 Masterclass
Series
Sketches of Spain—5:30PM Early Admission
 Join Regis
Lemaitre as he explains why Scotland and Spain form whisky’s Auld
Alliance in this “Sherried Whisky Extravaganza” that looks at first fill vs
refill, American vs European oak, finishing vs full maturation. Spirit of
Toronto looks forward to welcoming back Regis, a judge and consultant in the
Scotch whisky industry, not to mention an independent bottler with his own soft
spot for sherried whiskies!
(Please note that this tasting takes place in a lounge setting and not all
patrons will be seated.)
Whisky and Chocolate—5:30PM Early Admission
 Single
malt meets single estate in this presentation of fine whisky and fine
chocolate by self-professed chocoholic Ferne Glaser and Erich Sisa
of Red Hot Spirits . Learn the
best way to savour these two indulgences together in a tasting that features the
product of artisinal chocolatiers from both Canada and Europe.
Gordon & MacPhail: 2 Bens and 3 Glens—5:30PM
Early Admission
 Boasting
the most extensive whisky inventory of any independent bottler, Gordon &
MacPhail is a third generation family concern based in the Scottish
Highlands. Join managing director Michael Urquhart for a tasting of
two “Bens” and three “Glens” in a masterclass that samples 150 years worth of
Speyside malt whisky.
Green Giants: An Irish Renaissance—5:30PM Early
Admission
 Whisky writer Dominic Roskrow has long been a
champion of Irish whiskey and looks forward to his first trip to Toronto and
this masterclass on the rise and rise of Irish whiskey. Dominic has assembled
the grand crus of the Emerald Isle, and is excited to present the very best
of Ireland in a tasting set to include Redbreast Cask Strength, the
newly released Connemara Bog Oak and Midleton’s Barry Crockett
Legacy… to name a few!
The Editor’s Collection—5:30PM Early Admission
 Spirit
of Toronto was born of a desire to
share the joy of discovering new whiskies with other likeminded
individuals—in this masterclass, show producer Johanna Ngoh looks
forward to sharing some bottles from her own personal collection.
Remy Martin, The Heart of Cognac—7:00PM
 Discover
the rarity of Fine Champagne Cognac, distilled in small copper pot
stills—alambics—and aged extensively in Limousin oak casks. Matthew Rodriguez
explores the heart of cognac through a tasting of the House of Rémy Martin
that includes the 1988 vintage as well as the rare opportunity to sample the
much acclaimed Louis XIII de Rémy Martin, a unique blend of 1,200 eaux-de-vie
from Grande Champagne, also known as the ‘King of Cognacs’.
Whisky and Cheese—7:00PM
 Psst…
cheese pairs better with whisky than it does with wine! Those in doubt are
invited to join Regis Lemaitre as he explores this little known pairing with a selection of
Canadian and international cheeses. (Please note that this tasting takes
place in a lounge setting and not all patrons will be seated.)
Canadian Club—7:00PM
 Fans of Prohibition memorabilia, whisky folklore and
smugglers’ tales won’t want to miss this presentation by Tish Harcus,
brand ambassador for Canadian Club. As a custodian of Canadian Club’s rich
154 year old history, its legacy and archival materials, Tish’s presentation
on Canada’s most famous whisky promises to be a fascinating one that will
culminate in a rare tasting of the Canadian Club 30 Year Old.
The Original Small Batch Bourbon Collection—7:00PM
 Jim
Beam’s Small Batch Collection: brand ambassador Matt Jones invites you
to discover “bourbon the way it used to be, the way it was meant to be” in
this tutored session that covers the tastes and stories of Makers Mark, Knob
Creek, Basil Hayden, Bakers and the eponymous Bookers.
Highland Park, Aging in Style—7:00PM
 This stylish vertical tasting with Marc
Laverdière pits the vigour and vitality of youth against the grace and
panache of age in this vertical tasting that includes the 15 Year Old, 18
Year Old and 21 Year Old expressions from one of Scotland’s most renowned
distilleries courtesy of one of Canada’s best loved brand ambassadors.
Glenrothes, Maturity not Age—8:30PM
 Known
for setting itself apart from other Scottish distilleries, The Glenrothes is
readily acknowledged within the industry as a premiere whisky bar none and
releases its single malts by vintage, not age statement. Sample the range and
learn about this grand cru distillery in a vintage tasting with Mike
Harrison of Berry Bros & Rudd.
The Great Whis(e)y Debate!—8:30PM
 Scotch,
Canadian or Bourbon? Brand ambassadors Tish Harcus, Matt Jones
and Marc Laverdière bring out their A-game as they debate the merits
of these three styles of whisky in this fun and educational tasting where the
audience will judge the winner! (Please note that this tasting takes place
in a lounge setting and not all patrons will be seated.)
Forty Creek, Whisky without Borders—8:30PM
 Be the
first to taste not one but two sneak previews of Forty Creek
works-in-progress with Whisky Maker John Hall! Discussing his winemaker’s
approach to whisky making, John will explain the diversity in taste and
complexity that can be achieved with barrel selection, char levels and a
variety of aging techniques, all while showcasing Forty Creek’s unique house
style.
Canadian Whisky, For Export Only—8:30PM
 Do we really keep our best whiskies to ourselves?
Malt Maniac and whisky writer Davin de Kergommeaux of www.canadianwhisky.org
invites you to sample a selection of Canadian whiskies only available abroad,
including a single barrel of cask strength Canadian corn whisky bottled by Wm
Cadenhead in Scotland!
Amrut, from the land of the Himalayas—8:30PM
 Discover this incredible range of single malt whisky
from the land of the Himalayas with Ashok Chokalingham. In just seven
short years Amrut is not only one of new world whisky’s most awarded ranges,
but is already a firm favourite with whisky connoisseurs the world over. With
5 standard expressions in its core range, Ashok looks forward to presenting
mainstays of this distillery’s malt whisky line-up and some of their limited
editions.
Cuba Meets Kentucky—9:30PM (Weather Permitting)
 Regis
Lemaitre will once again close out the evening with a cigar and bourbon
pairing on the lower outdoor terrace of Roy Thomson Hall. Regretfully this
session cannot be reserved in advance, and all seating will be available on a
first come, first served basis upon arrival at the show. Please note that
this session will only be scheduled weather permitting.
Disclaimer:
Excessive drinking and intoxication will not be tolerated and patrons showing
signs of either will be asked to leave. Please do not drink and drive.
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