2024 MS Edmonton Whisky Festival
In Person
When
Delta Edmonton South - 4404 Gateway Blvd. NW, Edmonton, AB, T6H 5C2
Time: 7:00pm-10:00pm (VIP Hour from 6:00pm-7:00pm)
2024 MS Edmonton Whisky Festival Event Schedule
Welcome to the MS Edmonton 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 Wednesday, January 17, 2024, numerous vendors from around the world will be in attendance to showcase their best whiskies for you to sample. The Delta Edmonton South plays host again for the 13th annual MS Edmonton Whisky Festival that is presented by Vines Riverbend Wine Merchants.
Join fellow whisky aficionados as you bid on silent auction items, visit numerous vendor booths, enjoy scrumptious snacks, and take in all things Whisky!
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 now available.
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 that tickets are non-refundable.
Ticket Information
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.
VIP Tickets (limited quantities available): $160 *SOLD OUT*
VIP tickets are available for those who want 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 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.
Master Classes (limited quantities available): $40 AVAILABLE NOW!
2024 MS Edmonton Whisky Festival Master Class Schedule
Master Classes are guided tastings of fine whiskies with industry experts. They are about 40-50 minutes long 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 arrive 10 mins early and head straight up to their classes first before joining the festival. You will get checked in upstairs and receive your commemorative Glencairn whisky glass and event program 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.
Note: Attendees must have a General Admission event ticket to attend a Master Class. Check the event listing page for all the 2024 Edmonton Master Classes!
Sponsors
About the Presenting Sponsor
Vines Riverbend 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?
If you are interested in learning more about our Corporate Packages for this event or donating a silent auction item, please contact Nicole Sullivan at nicole.sullivan@mscanada.ca
Gallery
2023 Edmonton MS Whisky Festival | Flickr
FAQ
When is the MS Edmonton Whisky Festival?
Wednesday, January 17, 2024.
What time does the MS Edmonton Whisky Festival start?
- VIP hour doors open at 6:00pm
- Master Classes start at 6:30pm
- General Admission doors open at 7:00pm
Where is the MS Edmonton Whisky Festival held?
In the Grand Ballroom at the Delta Edmonton South located at 4404 Gateway Boulevard, Edmonton, Alberta.
How do I order tickets?
Visit the MS Edmonton 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 whisky glass, an event program, a gourmet snacks throughout the evening and access to over 175 whiskies to sample.
Is there parking at the hotel?
The hotel does have free parking available; however, we encourage the use of public transportation and cabs. 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 tickets cost?
General Admission Tickets: $125
VIP Tickets: $160 *SOLD OUT*
Master Classes: $40 (20 spots each class)
What are the benefits of upgrading to VIP? *PLEASE NOTE: VIP TICKETS ARE SOLD OUT*
In addition to what General Admission ticket holders receive, 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.
What are Master Classes? AVAILABLE NOW!
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 attendees arrive 10 mins early and head straight up to their classes first before joining the festival. You will get checked in upstairs and receive your commemorative Glencairn whisky glass and event handbook before the class.
Master Classes will only be for General Admission ticketholders to attend as the VIP hour (6:00pm-7:00pm) overlaps with the Master Classes offered between 6:30pm-7:30pm. Please visit our event 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.
Note: You must purchase a General Admission event ticket to be able to purchase a separate Master Class ticket and attend a session.
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 to you when you enter the event. 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 Grand Ballroom. Sorry, we cannot replace any lost or broken nosing glass.
Will there be food available?
Light gourmet snacks and water are provided throughout the evening, but we suggest having a meal before you arrive.
How can I find my favorite Whisky during the event?
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.
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.
Should I save my electronic ticket?
Yes! Show your ticket to staff at Vines Riverbend Wine Merchants before the end of April 2024, and that entitles you to a 10% discount on your whisky purchase.
What should I wear?
Most commonly, business or business casual attire. Please feel free to wear a kilt if you have one!
May I bring my briefcase with me?
Backpacks, briefcases, tote bags, or any other such items, are not permitted inside of MS Edmonton Whisky Festival. You will be asked to leave them at the coat check.
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 completely 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 a coat check available?
There is a coat check available at the event for a small cash donation. All donations go directly to MS Canada.
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 Vines-Riverbend Wine Merchants website at www.vineswinemerchants.com
I have a suggestion on how to improve the event. Who do I contact?
You may contact the event managers, Steve Richmond at info@vineswinemerchants.com or Michelle Lindstrom at michelle.lindstrom@mscanada.ca
Contact Us
MS Canada
9405-50 St NW #150
Edmonton, AB T6B 2T4
Email Michelle Lindstrom: michelle.lindstrom@mscanada.ca
Phone: 587-401-2673
Or
Vines-Riverbend Wine Merchants
2331 Rabbit Hill Road Northwest
Edmonton, AB T6R 3L6
Email Steve Richmond: info@vineswinemerchants.com
Phone: 780-434-9444