Now in its tenth year and going stronger than ever, the Willow Park Whisky Festival is set to once again enlighten and entertain the lucky 800 who manage to get their hands on a ticket. Wednesday, November 3rd will see no less than sixteen leading industry figures, each with as many as four tables of different product lines, take over Willow Park Wines & Spirits for an evening of tasting, teaching and socializing.
Last year’s festival saw an astounding 125 whiskies open and available for sampling. This year promises no less. Guests will receive a booklet of information upon arrival, listing whiskies and vendors, in order to plan their tour of the event. A wise approach which will help to ensure your tastebuds aren’t singed before you reach the gem or two you’ve been dying to sample.
The Calgary Police Service Pipe Band will provide the soundtrack to an evening highlighted by the presence of Andrew Gray (Sales Director of Bruichladdich), Ronnie Cox (Director of Glenrothes and BBR) and Alex Bruce (Sales and Marketing Director of Adelphi), sharing their many years of experience and insight…not to mention whisky. Many other ambassadors will be circulating and available to answer questions.
Past years at the festival have given us stunning and rare exclusive casks of Glenfiddich, from 1974 through 1977. All of which carry unique stories and histories, but share a couple of common attributes. First..all were limited to about 300 bottles. And second…each time the customer who came the furthest to claim his prize was from South Africa. This should help provide a little insight into the elite nature of such an event and such products.
This years’s Willow Park exclusive barrel is a 1985 Glendronach. All assurances are that this is indeed a stunning cask. Certainly you’ll be able to form an opinion on the night of the festival.
When it comes to getting the most out of the festival, Willow Park’s Whisky Buyer, afficionado and resident ambassador, David Michiels offers this bit of advice…”take it slow and do not rush the tasting”. Solid advice. 6:30 to 9:00 can make for a long evening when trying a few of the wares on display.
One final note…please be safe. Taxis will be available. Please do not drink and drive.
See you there.
For tickets contact Willow Park:
email: info@willowpark.net
403.296.1640