05/13/2026
It's been a couple of days since the https://www.spiritoftoronto.ca/ event and I want to get down my thoughts before they fade.
First of all, took the GO Train down - so convenient. When the train arrived at Union Station it was raining a bit. It is not a long walk to Roy Thompson Hall, but I decided to walk through the PATH underground. I got to the St Andrews subway stop and decided to pop up to walk the last block outside... it was POURING so I went back down as there is a entrance to Roy Thompson from the PATH. You really cannot beat the location.
The last time that I attended this event was 2024. Last year's was an anniversary event and the cost was raised beyond affordability. This year the cost was in line with the 2024 event.
First impression was the line up to get in was very much shorter than 2024. Could have been the weather but after the doors opened, I waited less than a minute to get in.
Inside, the number of booths seemed less than 2024 and the products on offer certainly less. Granted there were no bourbons or spirits from the USA. There was a good representation of Canadian producers - some that I have not heard of nor tasted.
Scotch wh**ky selection was very disappointing. Actual distilleries in attendance were Glen Scotia, Ian MacLeod (Glengoyne and Tamdhu), Kilchoman Distillery and Loch Lomond Whiskies. Then there were representatives for Aberfeldy, Dewars, Craigellachie and Teeling Irish; Tormore and Port Askaig; Tomatin Wh**ky; Clydeside; and a few other agencies with a selection of Scotch, Irish, Canadian.
There was one booth of Japanese and another of Indian wh**ky and one booth each for a Tequila, Gin and Barbados Rum.
Food was good. I know the emails talked about the Oyster bar. I did not go looking for it but someone I was talking to complained that it was somewhat hidden and could not find it easily. Brisket, cornbread, veg; cheese charcuterie boards with breads and crackers.
Crowds were very thin. I recall two years ago lining up for a special dram (it was Springbank 15 I think). This year there was one booth with a "special" dram poured every half hour. "The Distillery Exclusive" it was called. I got there at one point and he was pouring a 12 year old Auchentoshan. Had to shake my head! This was the only place with a line up and the guy doing the pouring was not that knowledgeable - when pouring a Glenmorangie I commented that I was hoping Harrison Ford would be pouring it, he did not understand. There was a special pour at 9pm - I honestly do not recall what it was, it was not special to me at all.
Spoke to a few people and they felt a little let down with this event for a lot of the same reasons as I. Given the price point, I think more effort to get some off-shore distillery representation rather than their Canadian agents. The agents there are not that well versed in the distillery or the product - they know the cost and availability only.
Highlights for me however was the offering (and tasting) of a 40 year old Caol Ila, which was very, very nice. Also an 18 year old Tamdhu and a 21 year old Glengoyne. In these cases the people doing the pours were from Scotland, work at the distillery and know their stuff. Easy to talk to and if you have interest they are willing to share. This is what this event needs more of.
So, was it worthwhile? I did pickup on some new candidates if I was to do a Canadian Wh**ky tasting event. I think that Spirit of Toronto needs to review their program. The price point for this event was too much for what it turned out to be. Hopefully some lessons are learned.
I look forward to Wh**ky Global - if it comes back this fall. It has become the better of the two events for me.
We love wh**ky. Since 2004 Spirit of Toronto is where kindred spirits gather to celebrate the craft and culture of wh**ky and fine spirits. What does this mean? Premium Whiskies. Fine Spirits. Cocktails. Masterclasses. Experts. Sumptuous Food. Oyster Bar. Live Jazz. Conviviality. And A World Class S
