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MS Edmonton Whisky Festival - Wednesday, January 17, 2024

4404 Gateway Blvd NW

Edmonton, AB T6H 5C2, Canada

Welcome to the 13th Annual MS Edmonton Whisky Festival


Many thanks to Vines Riverbend Wine Merchants for the support.

This event, in support of MS Canada, is for those who already love whisky, and those intrigued to learn more about this well-loved spirit! 

On Wednesday, January 17, 2024, the Delta Edmonton South plays host to vendors from around the world who will showcase their best whiskies for you to sample in your commemorative Glencairn glass given to event ticket holders upon entry.

*AS OF NOV. 23, 2023, VIP TICKETS ARE SOLD OUT. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT*

A VIP hour, between 6:00pm-7:00pm, is exclusively for VIP ticket holders to explore the uncrowded general tasting room before General Admission ticket holders gain access at 7:00pm.

*Please Note: For VIP event ticket holders to take full advantage of their VIP hour, VIPs will not be able to attend any Master Classes offered at6:30pm. 

Join fellow whisky aficionados as you bid on silent auction items, visit vendor booths, enjoy scrumptious snacks, and take in all things Whisky! 

Buy a Master Class ticket ($40/ea) to dive deeper into the whisky making process – from mashing to fermenting and distilling to drinking. Check out the Edmonton Whisky Festival's Event Page for a Master Class schedule and buy a ticket soon as space is limited to 20 people per class. (Please note you must purchase a General Admission event ticket in addition to a Master Class ticket to be able to attend the sessions.)

Please arrange a designated driver or ride share option to get home safely. Don’t drink and drive. Proceeds of MS Edmonton’s Whisky Festival will go to MS Canada.

*Please Note: Tickets are non-refundable. 

General Event Details

Date: Wednesday, January 17, 2024

Time: 7:00pm-10:00pm (VIP Hour from 6:00pm-7:00pm)

Location: Delta Edmonton South - 4400 Gateway Blvd. NW, Edmonton, AB, T6H 5C2 

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Event Schedule(*Please note that the schedule may be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.) 

6:00pm – Doors open for VIP guests in Grand Ballroom. VIP Hour starts

  • Special VIP cut Glencairn whisky nosing glass & event handbook given to VIPs upon entry 
  • Gourmet snacks available in buffet style 
  • All vendors ready to serve samples to VIP guests only
  • Limited exclusive whisky samples available from some vendors 
  • Silent auction items available to bid on

6:30pm – Doors open for Master Classes in 2nd floor classrooms

  • General Admission guests with Master Class tickets head straight to assigned room (not Grand Ballroom) and check in with volunteers/staff to collect nosing glass & event handbook

7:00pm – General Admission guests gain entry to Grand Ballroom & VIP Hour concludes 

  • Glencairn whisky nosing glass & event handbook given to General Admission guests upon entry 
  • Gourmet snacks available in buffet style 
  • All vendors ready to serve samples to all guests 
  • Silent auction items available to bid on 
  • Welcome address from MS Canada

9:30pm – Silent Auction end and the winners announced! 

10:00pm – Event ends

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Ticket Information

General Admission: $125

General Admission Tickets allow ticket holders entry to the MS Edmonton Whisky Festival from 7:00pm-10:00pm. Ticket prices include a Glencairn nosing glass given to you at the start of the night to use for samples of whisky poured by vendors from around the world. All pours are ¼ ounce.

VIP Tickets (limited quantities available): $160 *SOLD OUT*
VIP Tickets are available for those who would like something a little extra and a lot more exclusive! VIP ticket holders are granted private entry into the general tasting room at 6:00pm, which is one hour prior to General Admission ticket holders. VIP ticketholders also receive an exclusive cut Glencairn glass. Some exhibitors will pour special whiskies that are only available during VIP hour, but please note that these are provided at the discretion of the distillers and may be in very limited quantities.

*Please Note: For VIP ticket holders to take full advantage of their VIP hour (6:00pm-7:00pm), VIPs will not be able to attend any Master Classes offered at 6:30pm.


Master Classes (limited quantities - going fast): $40

Master Classes are guided tastings of fine whiskies with industry experts. They run between 40-50 minutes in length and held in four different rooms on the second floor of the Delta between 6:30pm-7:30pm. 

Master Class doors open at 6:30pm and we ask that all attendees head straight up to their classes first before joining the festival in the Grand Ballroom. You will get checked in upstairs and receive your commemorative Glencairn whisky glass and event handbook before the class starts. Sessions are limited to 20 people and are based on a first come first served basis, so order your tickets early to reserve your seat.


If you want to support local, you can check out Master Class #4 with Parkland County (AB)'s Anohka Distillery founder, Gurpreet Ranu.


Please Note: Attendees must have a General Admission ticket to attend a Master Class. Check back soon for a list of all the 2024 Edmonton Master Classes!


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Bulk Ticket Purchases


MS Canada requests that you please enter the email addresses of everyone attending the event when purchasing tickets in bulk to enable us to provide festival updates to all members of the group. This option will be provided to you as you complete your ticket purchases through Zeffy.


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About Zeffy's Tickets & Service Charges

Zeffy covers all service and credit card fees for MS Canada (and all other charities) to use its ticket platform for events, meaning 100% of your donations go directly to MS Canada’s mission.
 

Before the transaction of your MS Edmonton Whisky Festival Ticket Purchase is complete, Zeffy will provide the option (not obligatory) to support them by adding a % contribution to your total. Zeffy is financed exclusively by voluntary contributions from donors to remain completely free to charities.

After buying tickets to MS Edmonton Whisky Festival, the charge will show up as “Zeffy” on your credit card statement. Zeffy's name appears on the receipt because it is the payment platform and merchant, but the funds will go directly to MS Canada.


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Silent Auction Items & Corporate Packages

If you are interested in donating a silent auction to benefit MS Canada or learning more about our Corporate Packages for this event, please contact Nicole Sullivan at nicole.sullivan@mscanada.ca 

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About Vines Riverbend Wine Merchants

VinesRiverbend Wine Merchants opened in 2004 in Riverbend (southwest Edmonton) and is co-owned by Steve, the unofficial whisky guy, and William, a world-trained sommelier. Combined, they offer more than 70 years of experience to share with the community. As sommeliers and owners, the two not only live their passion but drink it as well, as do their staff. Grateful to be able to talk to people all day about wine, whisky, and life, Steve and William never stop tasting, learning, and teaching. How does it get any better than that?

Find Vines Riverbend Wine Merchants at 2331 Rabbit Hill Road Northwest, Edmonton, AB T6R 3L6. Contact Steve Richmond via email info@vineswinemerchants.com or phone 780-434-9444.


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FAQs

When is the MS Edmonton Whisky Festival?

Wednesday, January 17th, 2024 from 7:00pm-10:00pm.

What time does the MS Edmonton Whisky Festival start?

VIP hour doors open at 6:00pm;Master Classes start at 6:30pm; andGeneral Admission doors open at 7:00pm.


Where is the MS Edmonton Whisky Festival being held?

In the Grand Ballroom at the Delta Edmonton South located at 4404 Gateway Boulevard, Edmonton, Alberta. 

Is there parking at the hotel?The hotel does have free parking available; however, we encourage the use of public transportation and cabs. Please don’t drink and drive. Better yet, stay at the Delta Edmonton South for the night. (See below for hotel booking information.)

Can I get a preferred rate to stay at the Delta? Yes! Stay at the Delta Edmonton South for the night for a reduced room rate as an attendee of the MS Edmonton Whisky Festival. Make your reservations here, or call the Delta directly at 1-888-890-3222. 

How much do event tickets cost?

General Admission Tickets: $125

VIP Tickets: $160*SOLD OUT*

Master Classes: $40 (20 spots each class; 4 classes)


What do I get for the price of a General Admission ticket?

You’ll receive a commemorative Glencairn whisky glass, an event program, gourmet snacks throughout the evening, and access to numerous whiskies to sample. Each pour is ¼ ounce.

What’s the difference between a General Admission ticket and a VIP ticket?*VIP TICKETS HAVE SOLD OUT*

In addition to what General Admission ticket holders receive (above), VIP ticket holders gain access to the event a full hour prior to General Admission. VIP tickets will be limited, therefore ticket holders can make the most out of their VIP hour between 6:00pm-7:00pm in the general tasting room by enjoying shorter line-ups to vendors, food, and silent auction items and having more time to talk with distillery representatives.


Each VIP attendee also receives a special cut Glencairn VIP nosing glass for some exhibitors to pour special whiskies into that are only available during VIP hour. Please note, these exclusive whiskies are provided at the discretion of the distillers and may be in very limited quantities.


*Please Note: For VIP ticket holders to take full advantage of their VIP hour (6:00pm-7:00pm), VIPs will not be able to attend any Master Classes offered at 6:30pm.

Do you sell tickets at the door?

We will onlysell tickets at the door if any are remaining. We strongly advise that you order tickets in advance online.

What is a Master Class?

Our Master Classes provide a great opportunity for you to learn - and taste! They are conducted in a small classroom-style setting with 20 people on the second floor of the Delta Edmonton South. Doors open at 6:30pm and we ask that all Master Class attendees head straight up to their classes first before joining the festival in the Grand Ballroom. You will get checked in upstairs and receive your commemorative Glencairn whisky glass and event handbook before the class starts. 

Master Classes will only be for General Admission ticket holders to attend as the VIP hour (6:00pm-7:00pm) overlaps with the Master Classes offered between 6:30pm-7:30pm. Please visit our web listing page for updates about the MS Edmonton Whisky Festival Master Classes and presenters! Master Class tickets are limited and available on a first come first served basis. 

Please note: You must purchase a General Admission event ticket to be able to purchase a separate Master Class ticket and attend a session.

Should I wear perfume / after shave?

One of the joys of any whisky event is nosing whisky in the glass to identify the subtle and delicate aromas. These delicate aromas can be overpowered by perfume, cologne, and after shave worn on your own person or even by somebody else some distance away. Please refrain from wearing any scent for the duration of the festival and advise your guests accordingly.

What should I wear to MS Edmonton Whisky Festival?

Most commonly, business or business casual attire. Please feel free to wear a kilt if you have one!

Is there a coat check available?

There is a coat check available at the event for a small donation. All donations will go to MS Canada.

May I bring my briefcase with me?

Backpacks, briefcases, tote bags, or any other such items, are not permitted inside of MS Calgary Whisky Festival. You will be asked to leave them at the coat check.

Do I need to bring a glass with me?

There’s no need to bring a glass with you. A Glencairn commemorative nosing glass will be provided and given to you upon entry. It’s yours to use for the evening and to take home with you.

What if I lose my nosing glass?

If you lose your nosing glass, we’ll have wine glasses available in the tasting room. Sorry, we cannot replace any lost or broken nosing glasses.

There’s a whisky on the list that I want to be sure to try. How can I find out which booth is pouring it?

The event handbook you receive upon entrance is set alphabetically by the local agent / importer responsible for that distillery. The tables in the ballroom follow that list in a clockwise direction. Each table is marked with the name of an agent / importer.

Will there be food available?

Light, gourmet snacks are provided throughout the evening along with water, but we suggest having a full meal before you arrive.

When I discover a new whisky that I love at MS Edmonton Whisky Festival, can I buy a bottle of it right there?

MS Edmonton Whisky Festival is a tasting event only. Order forms will be available at each vendor table for the whisky that agent is presenting. Festival attendees can fill out order forms at the event and Vines Riverbend Wine Merchants will place your order the following week. 

What is the difference between Whisky and Whiskey?

Most simply, “whisky” (no ‘e’) refers to the grain spirits distilled in Scotland, Canada, and Japan, while Irish and American grain spirits are referred to as “Whiskey” (with an ‘e’). 

I have a suggestion on how to improve the event. Who do I contact?You may contact either Steve Richmond at info@vineswinemerchants.com or Michelle Lindstrom atmichelle.lindstrom@mscanada.ca

Add a donation for MS Canada
CA$
General Admission
$125
General Admission tickets offer ticket holders entry to the MS Edmonton Whisky Festival from 7:00pm-10:00pm. Ticket prices include a Glencairn nosing glass given to you at the start of the evening to use for samples of whisky poured by vendors from around the world. All pours are ¼ ounce. This ticket enables you to purchase a Master Class ticket when those are released $40/ea.

More

VIP (*SOLD OUT*)
$160
VIP (*SOLD OUT*) tickets are available for those who want something a little extra and a lot more exclusive! VIP ticketholders are granted private entry into the general tasting room at 6:00pm, which is one hour prior to General Admission ticket holders. VIP ticket holders also receive an exclusive cut Glencairn glass. Some exhibitors will pour special whiskies that are only available during the VIP hour, but please note that these are provided at the discretion of the distillers and may be in very limited quantities. *Please Note: For VIP ticket holders to take full advantage of their VIP hour (6:00pm-7:00pm), VIPs will not be able to attend any Master Classes offered between 6:30pm-7:30pm.

More

Master Class #1 - Ardnamurchan and Adelphi-6:30pm
$40
MC1 - Ardnamurchan and Adelphi @ 6:30pm in the EDMONTON ROOM (2nd Floor) Join Sales Director Connal Mackenzie and Americas Sales Executive Carl Crafts for an exclusive tasting of whiskies from Ardnamurchan and Adelphi, including drams that have never been seen anywhere in Canada! Ardnamurchan Distillery, launched in 2014 on a remote peninsula in the Western Highlands, creates one of the most exciting and sustainably produced single malt scotches available today. Their parent company, Adelphi Selection, produces single-cask, cask-strength bottlings which represent some of the most highly regarded, unique, and rare single malts on the market.  *Please arrive 10min before your Master Class starts to give enough time to scan your event and Master Class tickets and find the right Master Class room.

More

Master Class #2 - Lindores Abbey-6:30pm
$40
MC2 - Lindores Abbey @ 6:30pm in the FORT McMURRAY ROOM (2nd floor) - *CHANGED FROM the CALGARY ROOM (2nd floor). Elliot joined the Lindores Abbey team five and a half years ago, and began his career with the Distillery as the Brand Home Manager. Whilst some people have a detailed or convoluted story of how their career evolved, Elliot’s love of whisky stemmed simply from reading a book about the spirit that piqued his interest. The rest, as they say, is history! Elliot’s fascination for the distilling and maturation process opened the door to part of his current role as Cask Custodian; taking clients through the exciting and magical process of selecting their own casks to mature here at Lindores. It soon became clear that Elliot’s passion for whisky, unrivalled sense of humour and love for Lindores had to be utilized even further and he was soon appointed as the Export Manager, now handling all sales out with the UK. Splitting his time between international trips and his base at the Distillery, Elliot is always on the go sharing the story of Lindores and, of course, the whisky that accompanies it (especially our single cask Bourbon, he can’t resist it!). In his free time, Elliot enjoys Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, spending time with his wife, Ashleigh and walking their cocker spaniel, Ted. *Please arrive 10min before your Master Class starts to give enough time to scan your event and Master Class tickets and find the right Master Class room.

More

Master Class #3 - Douglas Laing and Co.-6:30pm
$40
MC3 - Douglas Laing and Co. @ 6:30pm in the BANFF/LAKE LOUISE ROOM (2nd floor). With a Masters in Scottish History from the University of Edinburgh and well over a decade of public speaking experience, Dougal Barr found the world of Whisky a very organic and natural fit when he stepped into discussing Scotland’s largest and most famous export. Having worked with world-renowned brands such as Auchentoshan, Bowmore, Laphroaig and Glen Garioch over several years with Beam Suntory, Dougal had the perfect knowledge base to step into the diverse world of Douglas Laing and Co as their Global Brand Ambassador. Whether it is an education in blending and Blended Malts with the Remarkable Regional Malts Series or deep-diving into the wonderful world of independently bottled Single Cask expressions, you can expect a passionate, easy-going discussion around the wonderful history of Scotch whisky, the science behind it and the delights it can offer up to the newcomer and seasoned whisky drinking veteran alike. *Please arrive 10min before your Master Class starts to give enough time to scan your event and Master Class tickets and find the right Master Class room.

More

Master Class #4 - Anohka Distillery-CANCELLED
$40
MC4 - Anohka Distillery @ 6:30pm N/A.

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