The Victoria Highland Games Association is once again pleased to present “The Whisky Tasting School” on May 20th and 21st, 2023 at the 160th Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival at Topaz Park.

All sessions will feature single malt whiskies presented by ambassadors representing a variety of Scotch, American, Japanese and Canadian whiskies.

The registration fee is $45.00 (Sunday Food and Whisky pairing sessions $60.00 ) and includes a one-day field entry (value $20).

Guests must be aged 19 years or older to attend!

Each session has limited seating; in previous years all sessions have sold out prior to the Games so don’t be late in registering!

Details of the 8 sessions are as follows:

(WS1)
Saturday May 20th 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
20 Years of the Strath
Price: $45 – 45 attendees. SOLD OUT Buy Now!
with Adam Bradshaw

In celebration of their 20th anniversary, The Strath’s Whisky Curator Adam Bradshaw is showcasing some of the store’s favourite past releases and unveiling some exciting new ones. Enjoy drams from Scotland and beyond, and discover how you can become a part of the Strath’s wonderful whisky community.

(WS2)
Saturday May 20th 12:45 PM – 1:45 PM
Shelter Point Distillery Masterclass
Price: $45 – 45 attendees. SOLD OUT Buy Now!
with Chris Read

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.

(WS3)
Saturday May 20th 2:30 – 3:30 PM
Get to know your Kujira/Shinobu Japanese Whiskies
Price: $45 – 45 attendees. SOLD OUT Buy Now!
with Rick Sousa

Join Victoria Single Malt Club Executive member, Rick Sousa, as he leads you through a selection of outstanding Japanese Whiskies from the TS Global portfolio, including Kujira and Shinobu.

(WS4)
Saturday May 20th 4:15 – 5:15 PM
Scotland vs The World
Price: $45 – 45 attendees. SOLD OUT Buy Now!
with Stacy Kyle

How does Scotch whisky compare to other world whiskies?

Test your pallet and skill. Join Stacy Kyle of Lionheart Spirits as she leads you through a selection of extraordinary whiskies from Scotland and around the globe.

(WS5)
Sunday May 21st 10:45 AM – 12:00 PM
Whisky and Local Charcuterie Pairing
Price: $60 – 45 attendees. SOLD OUT Buy Now!
with Chef Chris Ireland and Stacy Kyle

Join Chef Chris Ireland of the Whole Beast and Lionheart Spirit’s Stacy Kyle, as they lead you through a selection of local made charcuterie paired with paired with outstanding whiskies from the Douglas Laing portfolio. For more information on The Whole Beast, visit www.thewholebeast.ca.

(WS6)
Sunday May 21st 12:45 PM – 2:00 PM
Whisky and Local Food Pairing
Price: $60 – 45 attendees. SOLD OUT Buy Now!
with Bill Jones and James Bornn

Join Deerholme Farm owner, Cookbook Author and Celebrity Chef, Bill Jones and James Bornn, of Authentic Wine & Spirits as they guide you through a sensory journey pairing single malt whiskies with delectable local food choices. Bill will lead you through a variety of local food choices paired with outstanding Benromach whiskies including an exclusive Vancouver Island Single cask. For more information on Bill, visit www.deerholme.com.

(WS7)
Sunday May 21st 2:45 PM – 3:45 PM
Scotch Malt Whisky Society Masterclass
Price: $45 – 45 attendees. SOLD OUT Buy Now!
with Lawrence Graham

SMWS Canada invites members and guests alike to join host Lawrence Graham, Co-Founder of the Victoria Whisky Festival, Keeper of the Quaich and long time SMWS member, as he leads you through an exciting lineup of SMWS whiskies.

(WS8)
Sunday May 21st 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
The Kyrö Distillery Masterclass
Price: $45 – 45 attendees. SOLD OUT Buy Now!
with Mark Robertson

Experience the rye whiskies of the Kyrö Distillery Company of Finland. Built to showcase their beloved national grain, all whiskies distilled at Kyrö are produced with only 100% Finnish rye. Join ambassador Mark Robertson as he leads you through a selection of core products along with some special finishes.