Interested in learning the difference between a single malt and a blend? A 10, 14 or 18-year old whisky?
Then join us on the Main Stage for the 2025 ScotFestBC Whisky School with Macaloney Distillery, Jak’s Beer Wine & Spirits and The British Store.
Friday Night Whisky School
On Friday, Whisky School tickets include entry to the grounds
6:00 pm & 7:30 pm
A Whisky – Food Experience Like No Other
Join us for an evening where Scottish tradition meets local flavour. This gourmet session features a pairing of award-winning Macaloney Distillery whiskies with a curated selection of Scottish-inspired local delicacies.
Tasting #1: Macaloney’s Single Malt Whisky “Na Braiche” & Scottish Scones
Rich malt character, honeyed sweetness, orchard fruit, soft oak spice, biscuity finish paired with a savoury Scottish potato scone.
Tasting #2: Macaloney’s Single Malt Whisky “Kildara” & British Sausage Roll
Triple distilled smoothness, creamy vanilla, tropical fruit, pot still spice, oak influence paired with a Great Britain classic sausage roll from The British Store.
Tasting #3: Macaloney’s Single Malt Whisky “Siol Dugall” & Lorne Sausage
Subtle peat smoke, maritime saltiness, black pepper, dried fruit, malty backbone paired with Lorne (Square) Sausage. Awarded the best Canadian Single Malt 2023 at the World Whiskies Awards.
Tasting #4: Macaloney’s Single Malt Whisky “Kirkinriola” & Haggis
Dark berries, baking spice, red wine tannins, toasted oak, rich mouthfeel paired with the classic taste of Scotland’s national dish, the “great chieftain of the puddin’ race” – Haggis.
Tasting #5: Macaloney’s Single Malt “An Aba” & British Chocolate
Smoky-sweet balance, caramel, cocoa, lingering campfire smoke paired with British dairy-milk chocolate.
Food Sponsor: The British Store, Surrey, BC
Presented by Richard Blanchard, Macaloney Distillery
Tickets: $60 (includes Sat. entry ticket)
With a rich background spanning over seven years in the Scotch whisky industry and a noteworthy year in Canadian production, Richard Blanchard brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his role as Macaloney Whisky’s Brand Ambassador. His journey through the world of spirits began in the famed distilleries of Scotland, extending through to influential roles in Australian craft distilleries where he honed his skills and deepened his passion for artisanal spirit production.
Richard’s expertise is not just limited to production; his flair for creating engaging, award-winning events has made him a prominent figure in the whisky community. His contributions have been recognised with multiple accolades, celebrating his ability to bring people together through the shared love of whisky. At Macaloney Distillers, Richard continues to drive enthusiasm and appreciation for finely crafted whiskies, sharing his intricate knowledge and passion with both new enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.
Limited seating.
Saturday Whisky School
On Saturday, Whisky tickets require a Games entry ticket. Those tickets can be purchased in advance or at the gate.
12:30 pm
Macaloney’s Award Winners
Experience an exclusive tasting of Macaloney Distillery’s finest at this special session, highlighting its 2025 Canadian Whisky Awards and World Whisky Awards winners. This is your rare chance to explore some of Canada’s top single malts, each a testament to Macaloney’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Dive into the stories behind the distillery’s award-winning whiskies and discover why Macaloney’s is Canada’s most celebrated craft whisky distillery.
Limited seating available for this once-in-a-year opportunity.
Whiskies & Presenter: TBA
Sponsored by Macaloney Distillery
Tickets:
$45 Early Bird (until June 9)
$55 After June 9
Limited seating.
1:30 pm
Craft Distilleries of Scotland
Experience exceptional whisky expressions from some of Scotland’s most unique distilleries. Jak’s and TS Global Carmanah will present a variety of popular but “boutique” and in-demand whiskies from their wide selection of spirits and premium products, all presented by a whisky sommelier who will guide you through the subtleties of each tasting. A chance to experience “Uisge Beatha”; “Water of Life”.
Whiskies & Presenter: TS Global Carmanah
Sponsored by Jak’s Beer Wine Spirits
Final Expressions: TBA
Tickets:
$45 Early Bird (until June 9)
$55 After June 9
Limited seating.
2:30 pm
Icons of Islay
From the Hebridean Islands, Islay whiskies are famous the world over. As one of the world’s great distilling regions in Scotland, Islay’s are known for their smoky and peaty expressions with a hint of salt. Join Beam Suntory as they explore Islay whiskies from their product line that could include Laphroiag, Bowmore, Ardbeg and Lagavulin.
Whiskies & Presenter: Beam Suntory
Sponsored by Jak’s Beer Wine Spirits
Final Expressions: TBA
Tickets:
$45 Early Bird (until June 9)
$55 After June 9
Limited seating.
3:30 pm
Straight Session Cocktails
Jak’s and the Georgia Straight team up to teach the art of cocktailing from some of the best in the business. From whisky to gin, with lots of ingredients in between, it’s a fun, informative and great way to wrap up the highland games before massed pipe bands at 5:00 pm.
Drinks & Presenter: TBA
Sponsored by Georgia Straight
Tickets:
$45 Early Bird (until June 9)
$55 After June 9
Limited seating.
5:00 pm
Chocolate & Whisky
Indulge in a decadent tasting event where the rich flavours of premium chocolate meet the complex profiles of Macaloney whisky. This pairing session explores the harmonious relationship between chocolate and whisky, highlighting how sweet and bitter notes can beautifully coalesce with the robust, peaty characteristics of our carefully crafted spirits. Perfect for those with a sweet tooth and a love for whisky, this event promises to deliver an unforgettable sensory experience.
Presenter: Richard Blanchard
Sponsored by Macaloney Distillery
Tickets:
$45 Early Bird (until June 9)
$55 After June 9
Limited seating.
