The 27th Annual NB Spirits Festival
Events
The current schedule, program, etc. are from the 2023 show,
and will be replaced with up-to-date information as the event plan is solidified.
Specific events, presenters, timing and pricing are all subject to change.
Prices are exclusive of HST and Eventbrite fees.
Please ensure to have a hearty meal prior to attending tastings/masterclasses and the Friday Showcase.
The Rum Dinner (6:00pm)
Please join us with host Guillaume Lamy,the Global Ambassador of Plantation Rum as he leads us through
a dinner and rum pairing with some new and exciting Plantation rums from Fiji, Guatemala, Panama,
Trinidad and Barbados.
The Rum Dinner starts at 6:00pm for pre-dinner cocktails. Assigned seating for dinner at 6:30pm.
Following the dinner, Our event partner, Alcool NB Liquor will have
a pop-up store in the ballroom coat check area.
$100. Limited seating. Dress: Business Casual. Your ticket includes a ride home. Ticket Info.
Please advise of any dietary restrictions at time of booking.
The Whisky Dinner (6:00pm)
We are delighted to have Emma Coady of The Dalmore host our 14th Whisky Dinner.
The Menu has been created by The Spirited Chef, Taylore Darnel.
A cocktail will be served upon arrival and an expression of The Dalmore will be paired with each course.
The Whisky Dinner will start at 6:00pm for pre-dinner cocktails.
Assigned seating for dinner at 6:30pm.
Following the dinner, Our event partner, Alcool NB Liquor will have
a pop-up store in the ballroom coat check area.
$125. Limited seating. Business Attire.
Your ticket includes a ride home. Ticket Info.
Please advise of any dietary restrictions at time of booking.
Irish Whiskey Breakfast (8:30am to 10:00am)
A new event for the Festival. Breakfast with Ambassador Eric Ryan from the Midleton Distillery in Eire.
A four course breakfast paired with Powers and Knappogue Castle whiskeys.
$60. Limited seating. Ticket Info.
Please advise of any dietary restrictions at time of booking.
The Irish Whiskey Lunch (11:45am to 1:30pm)
The Irish Whiskey Lunch will be hosted by Irish Distillers Ambassador Colin MacDougall. Four whiskeys to be sampled with
a 3 course lunch served with some of the best Irish whiskeys in the world: Redbreast and The Spots.
$85. Limited seating. Ticket Info.
Please advise of any dietary restrictions at time of booking.
Sold Out! Whisky & Art: A Feast for the Senses (3:00-5:00pm)
We are pleased to present a unique event that combines the related pursuits
of creativity and craft.
Join Emmett Hossack as he contrasts
great whisky with masterworks from the world-class collection of
the Beaverbrook Art Gallery.
Emmett will be joined by the Gallery's Manager of Collections and Exhibitions,
John Leroux, who will share the wondrous stories of the paintings with you.
This event will be held at
The Beaverbrook Art Gallery.
$75. Ticket Info.
Your ticket includes a ride home from the gallery.
Master Classes
Join Product Ambassadors and Distillers as they guide you through
their incredible section of amazing spirits, whiskies and rums.
Light food and sandwiches will be available for purchase before and between the first
and second sessions.
Please note that all product listings for tastings are tentative and subject to change, as some products have yet to be delivered to ANBL.
$30 each, except as noted on the Schedule page. Ticket Info.
Your ticket includes a ride home.
2:30pm Master Class
-
Canadian Club: Join Tish Harcus the Canadian Club Ambassador for an outstanding
vertical tasting of Canada's iconic Canadian Whisky Brand.
3:00pm Master Class
-
Lagavulin, Talisker, Caol Ila & More: Join Stuart Brown, Brand Ambassador for Diageo as he guides through a great selection of whiskies
from the Diageo Class Malts range and more, including Lagavulin 8, Lagavulin Distillers Edition, Talisker Skye, Caol Ila 12, Oban 14 and the fan favourite Johnnie Walker Green
blended malt.
3:30pm Master Class
-
Going Fast! House of Suntory: A taste of five products from the House of Suntory, Japan.
Lead by Ambassador Mike McLean you will sample their gin, vodka and three
whiskies including the new OA world whisky.
5:30pm Master Classes
-
Benromach: We are delighted to have Bill Somerville present a vertical tasting of 6 Benromach whiskies. Located in the town of
Forres, Scotland, the distillery is owned by the independent bottler Gordon and MacPhail. If you have not
had the opportunity to try these amazing expressions, here is your chance!
-
Sold Out! Bowmore: Hosted by James Neil,
who will be presenting top notch Bowmore expressions, including the Bowmore Aston Martin and the Bowmore 25 year old.
-
El Dorado Rum: Join Aaron Trafton who will present some of what are
arguably best rums on the planet.
-
Forty Creek: Hosted by Chris Thompson,
who will be presenting a selection of Forty Creek expressions including the new Forty Creek Butter.
-
Glenfiddich & Balvenie: Hosted by Jamie Johnson,
who will be presenting drams from the Balvenie and Glenfiddich range.
-
Glenmorangie: Hosted by Bryan Simpson,
who will be presenting malts from the iconic Glenmorangie distillery.
-
Going Fast! Kilchoman/GlenAllachie/Lindores Abbey: Hosted by Pierre Mullin,
who will be presenting fan favourites Kilchoman and GlenAllachie, along with malts from
Lindores Abbey, in their first appearance at our festival.
-
Knob Creek, Booker's & Bakers': Join Bourbon Ambassador Ray Daniel
as we explore some of the best bourbons from Kentucky: Booker's, Baker's, Knob Creek and Little Book.
-
Michter's: Michter's American Whiskey is produced in Kentucky but is not called bourbon.
Come and find out the secrets of this incredibly smooth whiskey in a vertical tasting
with Karina Mair. Might include a surprise or two as well.
-
Sold Out! Redbreast and the Spots: Hosted by Colin MacDougall,
who will be presenting some excellent Irish Whisky from the Redbreast and Spot ranges,
including the new Green Spot Quail's Gate.
-
Virginia Single Malt: We are pleased to welcome Amanda Beckwith of
the Virginia Distillers Co. to the Festival with New American whiskeys never sampled here before,
including the Courage and Conviction bottlings.
-
Whisky 101 - An Introduction to Whisky: Johanne McInnis, The Whisky Lassie opens the doors for the
new adventurers with the Whisky 101 Class. Not sure what you like? let Johanne guide you through whirlwind
tour of Scotch Whisky, Irish Whiskey and Bourbon.
7:30pm Master Classes
-
Going Fast! Aberlour: Hosted by Colin MacDougall. This Speyside gem is a
wonderful whisky just waiting to be explored: the A'bunadhs, the 16 year old and a special treat
from Colin. Not to be missed.
-
Sold Out! Basil Hayden: Join Ray Daniel as he showcases a vertical tasting
of the iconic Basil Hayden Bourbon. Basil Hayden is known for its unique flavours and finish.
Come and explore.
-
Bunnahabhain/Deanston: Burn Stewart's finest whiskies presented by David Hudyma,
Reserve Specialist at PMA Canada, who will showcase expressions of Bunnahabhain , Deanston
and Tobermory single malts.
-
Sold Out! The Dalmore: Ambassador Emma Coady opens the doors on
this outstanding single malt from Alness on the Cromarty Coast
of Scotland. Emma will host a vertical nosing and tasting of this classic whisky.
-
Davin's Master Class: Davin de Kergommeaux has been writing about, talking about, and teaching about
whisky for two decades. We are delighted to welcome Davin back to our festival. Davin will pour two rare and highly regarded Canadian Whiskies
just for this class. In addition to Signal Hill Founders Select Overproof, Forty Creek Cherrywood, Alberta Premium Cask Strength, the
Canadian Club 20 year old, Davin will be adding the Found North Batch 5 Cask Strength and a special Forty Creek 12 year old.
-
Sold Out! Defining Flavour - The Language of the Senses: The Spirited Chef, Taylore Darnel, will take you through a journey of recognizing
and communicating via the language of flavour. Learn to define flavours using (almost) all of the senses, assisted by a flavour
wheel, samples of foods, organic and inedible materials, and the X-factor.
-
Glenfarclas: Hosted by The Whisky Lassie Johanne McInnis,
who will who will take us through a vertical nosing and tasting of Glenfarclas single malts.
-
Heaven Hill: Join Bernie Lubbers, an educator and ambassador for Heaven Hill Distillery.
He will guide you through an amazing selection of Heaven Hill Bourbons expessions.
-
Plantation Rum: Hosted by Guillaume Lamy,
who will be presenting rums from the Plantation family that includes many Caribbean and Latin American rums.
If you enjoy rum, this class is not to be missed
-
Power's & Knappogue Castle Irish Whiskies: Eric Ryan is the Powers Distiller at Irish Distillers'
Midleton Distillery. Eric is pleased to showcase the Power's and Knappogue Castle brands - six expressions
in total. Irish Whiskeys that area not to be missed.
-
Going Fast! Staoisha - Cask Strength Peated Bunnahabhain: Emmett Hossack is a well known whisky
connoisseur from Ottawa. He has been an outstanding supporter of the NB Spirits Festival for many years.
We have tapped into his knowledge and kindness to offer a unique tasting of six Bunnahabhain Staoisha
expressions.
-
Yellowstone, Rebel & Remus Bourbons:
Luxco's International Sales Director, Greg Mefford, with guide you through
a selection of wonderful Kentucky bourbons including Rebel and Yellowstone along with masterfully crafted
Whiskeys from Indiana.
9:00pm Master Classes
-
Sold Out! Ardbeg: Hosted by Bryan Simpson,
who will be presenting several Ardbeg expressions. A must-not-miss class for Islay whisky fans. Bryan is an
outstanding presenter and lots of fun.
-
The Busker Irish Whiskies: Hosted by Woody Kane,
who will be presenting four Busker Irish whiskey expressions from the Royal Oak distillery.
Woody's unique story telling and knowledge of the whiskey make for a great experience.
-
Camborne, Amorik & Puni: Join Steven Lewis as we explore world whiskies:
Camborne from Austrialia, Puni from Italy, and Amorik from France.
-
Casey Jones Kentucky Bourbon: We welcome Cody Turner from Casey Jones Distillery in Hopkinsville,
Kentucky for the first time in New Brunswick. A great vertical tasting of their whiskey awaits.
-
Heaven Hill Bluegrass Whiskies: Join Bernie Lubbers, an educator and
ambassador for Heaven Hiil Distillery as he guides you through an amazing selection of Heaven Hill
Bourbon whiskies. Bernie will play some Bluegrass to accompany each whiskey.
-
Sold Out! Laphroaig: One of the great Islay whiskies and a must for peatheads, Ambassador James Neil leads a vertical
tasting of some outstanding Laphroaig expressions including the Laphroaig 25 year old.
-
Maker's Mark: Lindsay Wood, Maker's Mark Diplomat will open the door to
the outstanding Maker's Mark range of products. A bourbon like no other, with a few new ones to sample.
We cannot wait!
-
Oban, Mortlach, Dalwhinnie & More: Hosted by Stuart Brown,
who will be presenting drams from Diageo's extensive portfolio, ijncluding Oban Little Bay, Mortlach 16, Dalwhinnie 15,
Glenkinchie Distillers Edition, The Singleton of Glendullan 14 and Johnnie Walker 18.
-
Sold Out! Six Degrees of Separation - A Whisky Game: Hosted by Johanne McInnis, is
back to enlighten and surprise you with a new whisky game. Come relax, sip some whiskies and watch as
Johanne takes you on a journey of the Six Degrees of Separation.
Pop-Up Alcool NB Liquor Store (opens at approx 7:30pm)
Our event partner, Alcool NB Liquor will have
a pop-up store in the ballroom coat check area following the first round of master classes.
To Be Confirmed Diageo Whisky Breakfast (8:30am to 10:00am)
Start your day with breakfast paired with some great Scotch Whisky.
$65. Limited seating. Ticket Info.
Please advise of any dietary restrictions at time of booking.
Going Fast! Whisky Lunch & Cocktails by Glenmorangie (11:45am to 1:15pm)
Hosted by The Spirited Chef, Taylore Darnel and Glenmorangie
National Brand Ambassador Bryan Simpson,
the annual lunch has been a very popular event selling out every year.
This year we are thrilled to be serving a menu created by Taylore paired with great whisky from Glenmorangie.
$80. Limited seating. Ticket Info.
Please advise of any dietary restrictions at time of booking.
Let the Nose Know (2:00pm to 5:00pm)
We will be offering twelve 18 year old malts in a blind tasting format. See if you have a conoisseur's nose
$100. Limited seating. Ticket Info.
Do You Know your Scottish Whisky Regions? (5:30pm to 7:00pm)
The Whisky Lassie, Johanne McInnis and The Spirited Chef,
Taylore Darnel will take you through six different 12 year old Scotches
and lead the discussion about historical regional whisky flavour profiles. Interact, guess and learn
where each whisky is from!
$35. Ticket Info.
Sold Out! VIP Showcase Access (5:30pm)
You will gain early entrance to the Festival! Stroll around the ballroom and sample before the doors open
to the general admission ticket holders! Enjoy the opportunity to sample in a relaxed atmosphere.
This does not include early access to the on-site ANBL store.
$175. Ticket Info.
The Festival Showcase (6:45pm to 10:00pm)
The Festival Showcase is the centerpiece of the New Brunswick Spirits Festival.
$125 Your ticket includes a ride home. Ticket Info.
On-Site Alcool NB Liquor Boutique (6:30pm to 11:00pm)
Our event partner, Alcool NB Liquor will have
an on-site store operating Friday evening so that you can pick up your favourite
products right away.
This is a great opportunity to buy the perfect dram for the whisky (and other spirit)
drinkers on your Christmas shopping list!
On-Site Alcool NB Liquor Boutique (9:00am to 5:00pm)
Our event partner, Alcool NB Liquor will have
the on-site store operating Saturday.
Pick up the items you missed earlier in the week!
Going Fast! The Collectors (10:15am to 11:45pm)
Join a group of whisky fanatics who share in their passion of the unique and rare drams.
Six collectors will offer each ticket holder a sample of one of their prized bottles from
their collection.
If you are interested in donating a bottle for us to sample contact Frank @ The Lunar Rogue.
Price $75. Ticket Info.
Sold Out! The Gin Lunch (11:45am-1:15pm)
Join The Spirited Chef, Taylore Darnel, for a unique opportunity to sample four amazing gins paired with a three-course lunch.
$95. Ticket Info.
Please advise of any dietary restrictions at time of booking.
Sold Out! The Chairman's Dram (12:45pm to 2:30pm)
Join Festival Chair Frank Scott for a rare opportunity to sample some
very old, rare, and long gone whiskies. Frank will guide us through a tasting of six rare whiskies from his collection.
This event sells out fast, so get your ticket while you can.
Price $135. Ticket Info.
Sold Out! Closed Distilleries Master Class (3pm to 4:30pm)
Over the years we have offered some of the world's rarest drams at this amazing class.
Price $150. Ticket Info.
The American Whiskey Dinner
The last event of the Festival will be one of the best!
The American Whiskey Dinner hosted by four American distillers with whiskeys from the USA never before
tried in New Brunswick. The menu will be created by The Spirited Chef, Taylore Darnel
a rare opportunity to try new and exciting products.
The dinner starts at 6:00pm for a pre-dinner recption.
Assigned seating for dinner at 6:30pm.
$95. Limited seating. Dress: Business Casual. Your ticket includes a ride home. Ticket Info.
Please advise of any dietary restrictions at time of booking.