2025 MS Calgary Whisky Festival

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

2025 MS Calgary Whisky Festival Event Schedule

Welcome to the MS Calgary Whisky Festival! 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 Thursday, January 16, 2025, numerous vendors from around the world will be in attendance to showcase their best whiskies for you to sample. Hotel Arts, in the heart of Calgary, plays host to the 12th annual MS Calgary Whisky Festival where Kensington Wine Market will have an on-site retail store for you to conveniently place all your whisky orders right at the event.

For this one night only, receive 15% off listed retail price of all whisky orders placed through Kensington Wine Market’s on-site retail store that will be set up outside the ballroom for Whisky Festival event ticket holders to visit. You can also take your event handbook to Kensington Wine Market (1257 Kensington Road NW, Calgary) post-event to receive 10% off listed retail price of orders you make there.

Join fellow whisky aficionados as you bid on silent auction items, visit multiple vendor booths, enjoy scrumptious snacks, and take in the spectacular ambiance of Hotel Arts. You may also participate in a Master Class to learn more about whisky from those who make it. The classes are designed to dive deeper into the whisky making process – from mashing to fermenting, and distilling to, of course, drinking. Master Class tickets are available now.

Please arrange a designated driver or ride share option to get home safely. Don’t drink and drive.

Proceeds of MS Calgary’s Whisky Festival will go to MS Canada. Please note that tickets are non-refundable.

Ticket Information

General Admission: $125

General Admission Tickets allow ticket holders entry to the MS Calgary 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): $165

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 ticket holders 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.

VIP ticket holders also can purchase the exclusive VIP Master Class tickets (see below for more information).

Master Classes (limited quantities available): $40 - AVAILABLE NOW!

2025 MS Calgary Whisky Festival Master Class Schedule

Master Classes are guided tastings of fine whiskies with industry experts. They run between 40-50 minutes in length and are held in a classroom set up with limited seating away from the main event. Tickets, in addition to your VIP or General Admission event tickets, must be purchased to attend a Master Class.

An Exclusive VIP Master Class – in which you must purchase a VIP event ticket to attend this session - will open its doors at 5:00pm. We ask that all attendees of this Exclusive VIP Master Class head straight to their classroom first before joining the festival. Event coordinators will check-in VIP Master Class attendees upstairs, where you will receive your commemorative Glencairn whisky glass and event program before the session starts.

All other Master Classes will be open to General Admission or VIPs and run at different times. Be sure to check your ticket to confirm which class you’ve purchased and its applicable start time. MS Canada staff and volunteers will also be able to assist in directing you to the appropriate session location. Master Class sessions have limited seating and are based on a first come first served basis, so order your tickets early to reserve your seat.

Note: Attendees must have a General Admission or VIP ticket to attend a Master Class.

Thank You Kensington Wine Market for the Support

Kensington Wine Market is one of the oldest private liquor stores in Canada and hosts a collection of diverse and interesting selection of whisky in Canada. Kensington Wine Market has twice been named “Highly Commended or 2nd place for Single Outlet: Whisky Retailer of the Year,” as well as having been shortlisted six times. It is the only Canadian liquor store ever nominated for this award! Be sure to stop by the Kensington Wine Market booth at the event and meet their owner, Andrew Ferguson, who is the store’s resident Scotch and whisky expert!

About the VIP Sponsor

Miller Thomson LLP is a national business law firm with approximately 525 lawyers across five Canadian provinces. The firm offers a full range of services in litigation and disputes, and provides business law expertise in mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance and securities, financial services tax, restructuring and insolvency, trade, real estate, labour and employment, as well as a host of other specialty areas.

Miller Thomson offices are located in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Regina, Saskatoon, Waterloo Region, Toronto, Vaughan, and Montreal. Visit millerthomson.com for more information. 

If you are interested in learning more about our Corporate Packages or donating a silent auction item for this event, please contact Amanda Zamperin at amanda.zamperin@mscanada.ca.

Gallery

2024 Calgary MS Whisky Festival | Flickr

FAQ

When is the MS Calgary Whisky Festival?

Thursday, January 16th, 2025 from 7:00pm-10:00pm. Exclusive VIP hour – Hosted by Miller Thomson begins at 6:00.

Where is the MS Calgary Whisky Festival being held?

At the Hotel Arts, Spectrum Ballroom - 119 12 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0G8 

How do I order tickets?

Visit the MS Canada MS Calgary Whisky Festival event page to find the online ticket link to buy tickets there.

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

You’ll receive a commemorative Glencairn nosing glass, an event handbook, a gourmet selection of appetizers throughout the evening, and access to hundreds of whiskies to sample! Also, don’t miss out on the chance to bid on silent auction items to help raise funds for MS Canada.

What’s the difference between a General Admission ticket and a VIP ticket?

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 - Hosted by Miller Thomson 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 - Hosted by Miller Thomson. Please note, these exclusive whiskies are provided at the discretion of the distillers and may be in very limited quantities.

Do you sell tickets at the door?

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

What is a Master Class?

Master Class tickets are now available!

As part of a small group of 20 people, you will have the opportunity to sit down in a break-out room and focus on several whiskies from one distillery or listen to an expert on a particular genre within the world of whisky.

Please visit our MS Calgary Whisky Festival events listing page for more about the Master Classes.  Nine classes will run throughout the evening, but tickets are limited, and available on a first come, first served basis, so get yours now!

Note: You must purchase a General Admission or VIP event ticket to be able to purchase a 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.

Is there parking at Hotel Arts?

Hotel Arts has some paid guest parking available; however, we strongly encourage the use of public transportation, taxi cabs, or ride share programs if you plan to sample several whiskies at the festival.

Check out parking and transportation options. Please don’t drink and drive! 

What should I wear to MS Calgary Whisky Festival?

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

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 at registration. It’s yours to use for the evening and to take home with you.

What if I lose or misplace 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 and you’ll find an assigned table number noted beside their name. The tables in the Atrium are placed in a logical, sequential order of table numbers. Each table is marked with the name of an agent / importer to help you find your favourite whisky and vendor. 

Is there a coat check available?

There is a coat check available at the event for a small donation and 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.

Will there be food available?

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

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

MS Calgary Whisky Festival is a tasting event only. Order forms will be available at Kensington Wine Market’s on-site retail store (sectioned off in the Atrium near the entrance) for you to place orders for most whiskies sampled at the event from all vendors. Orders placed will receive 15% off listed retail price discount for this night only! Festival attendees can fill out order forms at the event and Kensington Wine Market will place orders the following week.

Should I save my electronic ticket?

Absolutely! Show your ticket, or your event handbook, when visiting at Kensington Wine Market (1257 Kensington Road NW, Calgary) before the end of April 2024 to receive 10% off retail price of a whisky purchase! Please visit their website for more details.

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’). For a brief lesson on the many classifications and types of whisky, attend one of the Master Classes at the festival, but also visit Kensington Wine Market’s website.

I have a suggestion on how to improve the event. Who do I contact?

You may contact either Andrew at scotchguy@kensingtonwinemarket.com, or Amanda at amanda.zamperin@mscanada.ca.

Contact Us

MS Canada 
9405-50 St NW #150
Edmonton, AB T6B 2T4
Email Amanda Zamperin: amanda.zamperin@mscanada.ca
Phone: 587-401-2673

Or

Kensington Wine Market
1257 Kensington Road NW
Calgary, AB, Canada
T2N 3P8
Phone: 403-283-8000
Toll Free: 1-888-283-9004
Email: atyourservice@kensingtonwinemarket.com