Spirit of Toronto 2010

Spirit of Toronto 2010

April 24, 2010
Roy Thompson Hall
6:30-10pm

Now in it's 6th year, The Spirit of Toronto Whisky Gala is around the corner and is not an event to be missed. I have mentioned it on Dr. Whisky over the past few years, have been involved in the past two, and will promote it again this year cuz it is a truly excellent event in one of the greatest cities in the world.

This is a celebration of the water of life (whisky, whiskey, scotch whisky, and congnac) with over 100 drops to try, dozens of exhibitors, live jazz, a killer cocktail bar, a cigar lounge (outside), and truly excellent Masterclasses.

Buy your tickets now!

Spirit of Toronto 2009

Last year around this time I told you about "a whisky lover's dream," The Spirit of Toronto.

This is a celebration of the water of life (whisky, whiskey, scotch whisky, and congnac) with over 100 drops to try, dozens of exhibitors, live jazz, a killer cocktail bar, a cigar lounge (outside), and ten truly excellent masterclasses, including local maverick John Hall leading folks through creations from Forty Creek, Dave Broom taking whisky lovers to some silent stills/closed distilleries, Mike Nicolson relaying his stories from the ten+ distilleries he worked at while sharing drops from a handful, and many more.

Spirit of Toronto
Friday May 8, 2009
6:30-10:30pm
Roy Thompson Hall
$115(advance)/$145(door)

Yes, ticket prices have gone up by ten bucks both advance and at the door this year, but the event is worth every penny in that it allows the subjects of Totalitario to enjoy spirits of their choosing without coupon-per-serving systems used by other festivals, perhaps proving that the citizen CAN control their liquor intake and perhaps do not need the state to interfere in selecting what they can and cannot drink.

It will no doubt be a great event and the only thing of its kind in 2009.

Attend. Enjoy. Say "hi".

Spirit of Toronto 2008

Tomorrow, Saturday May 10 2008, is another SPIRIT OF TORONTO whisky gala at Roy Thomson Hall. This event is put on by the knowledgeable, talented, and fiercely independent Johanna Ngoh. To understand the latter descriptor we must appreciate that in Ontario there is a wine and spirits monopoly called the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) that, in many ways, decides how booze business AND pleasure operates in Ontario. The former Single Minded blogger and other passionate whisky lovers started this grassroots event only to be usurped by the LCBOs power when they endorsed WhiskyLIVE Toronto and placed the event in direct calendar competition with Ngoh's Spirit of Toronto and placed a few other logistical obstacles in her way.

Nonetheless, the Spirit of Toronto has persisted and this year, unlike WhiskyLIVE, boasts some unparalleled masterclasses, a beautiful venue, dozens of malt whiskies that are otherwise unavailable in Totalitario, and no dram vouchers! It has been called "a whisky lover's dream."

So yes, the ticket price may initially seem high, but when you calculate what you receive as a guest, it is worth every penny and there is nothing comparable in this part of the world. It is $105 in advance[(416) 872-4255 or on the website of the Roy Thomson Hall)] and $135 at the door.

Support a local, show YOUR Spirit of Toronto, and go to the show Saturday May 10 at Roy Thompson Hall from 6:30-10:30pm.

See you there! Come by the Whisky 101 stall and say "Hi!"
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