Just incase anyone is interested...

Toronto's First Ever Whisky Show Set to Feature 100 Plus Single Malts, Bourbons and Premium Spirits


Forget the port after dinner. Pass the Macallan please

TORONTO, Sept. 13 /CNW Telbec/ - Once the domain of bootleggers and hardened men, whisky has finally come into its own with a proliferation of vintage bottlings, publications and consumer shows dedicated solely to the
'water of life'.
As these whisky shows flourish in London, Tokyo, New York and Paris,tickets go on sale today for the "Spirit of Toronto 2004", Toronto's first ever showcase of single malt whisky, bourbon and premium spirits from around
the world. Admission includes sampling of more than 100 whiskies, a blender's nosing glass specifically designed for whisky tasting, the Mark Eisenman Jazz Trio, and the highlight of the show, a series of twelve masterclass tastings
hosted by whisky distillers and blenders, including Richard Paterson from The
Dalmore, Jim Cryle from The Glenlivet and Evan Cattanach from Johnnie Walker.
"This event is about bringing together whisky enthusiasts and the people who make these fine spirits, about discovering the heritage, romance and passion of whisky," enthuses John Hall, proprietor of Kittling Ridge and Forty
Creek Whisky, and a self-titled 'first generation Canadian whisky maker' who will be hosting one of the masterclasses. He observes that whisky is
undergoing a renaissance guided by the axiom, "drink less, drink better".
The "Spirit of Toronto" is the brainchild of Johanna Ngoh, editor and publisher of "Single Minded, A Single Malt Whisky Journal". Fiercely
independent and opinionated, Ms. Ngoh has been educating consumers for the last two years through articles and product reviews that aim to inform and entertain with commentary that draws analogies to Katharine Hepburn, neutered
dogs and bananas Foster.
"This is no longer the drink of old men in the middle of winter," according to Ms. Ngoh, an aficionado who enjoys a personal collection of over 300 whiskies. "Premium whiskies are attracting a growing number of women and
thirtysomethings whose palates have evolved beyond vodka and coolers. And these are zero carb treats so how can you go wrong?"
Ms. Ngoh acknowledges that first impressions are hard to break and that the industry has a long way to go towards changing the perception of whisky as a hard man's drink that leaves a burn in the back of the throat. "So many factors influence the final product: whisky taste descriptors run the gamut from red roses to a pair of leather boots - and that's a good thing to some people's palate! People who say they don't like whisky just haven't found the
one that suits their taste. With more than a 100 whiskies on offer, the "Spirit of Toronto" is guaranteed to feature something for everyone."

WHAT: SPIRIT OF TORONTO, A SHOWCASE OF SINGLE MALT WHISKY, BOURBON AND PREMIUM SPIRITS

WHEN: Friday, October 29, 2004 7:00-11:00PM

WHERE: Roy Thomson Hall, Toronto

TICKETS: $95 advance/$115 at the door, available from Roy Thomson Hall

INFO: www.spiritoftoronto.ca