Interested in learning the difference between a single malt and a blend or a 10, 14 or 18-year old whisky?

Then join us on the Main Stage for the 2026 ScotFestBC Whisky School with Macaloney Distillery, JAK’s Beer Wine & Spirits and The British Store.

Friday Night Island Spirit Social

On Friday, Whisky School tickets include entry to the grounds

One Sitting:
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Friday Evening “The Island Spirit Social”

Tickets: $60 + service charge

Join us for an evening where Scottish tradition meets local flavour. A one-of-a-kind after-work mixer featuring five award-winning Macaloney Distillery whiskies with a selection of Scottish-inspired local delicacies, in a unique setting beside Lafarge Lake, Coquitlam.

It starts at 6:00 pm. And it isn’t just a tasting; it’s an audience with a master. ScotFestBC kicks off with the man who revolutionized Canadian craft distilling and was just awarded Best Craft Distiller at the World Whisky Awards. With more than 30-years of global expertise and a PhD in fermentation, Dr. Graeme Macaloney brings a legendary flare and deep-rooted passion to every glass he pours.

With Macaloney’s Whisky in hand, engage directly with Graeme as he shares the stories behind his “World’s Best” winners. Paired with authentic savory appetizers from The British Store, this is the ultimate VIP launch for the weekend.

Enjoy premium pours:

  1. ‘World’s Best’ potstill – 46% abv Kildara / Triple Take triple distilled potstill;
  2. Newly released Honey-infused single malt – 46% abv Buzz Cut single malt;
  3. ‘Best CASC Spirit of the Year 2026 / Double gold’ Sherried single malt – 46% abv Cath-nah-aven / Truth Serum single malt;
  4. ‘Gold medal’ cask strength single malt – 57% abv Saint Mallie Portuguese red wine STR cask;
  5. ‘Gold medal’ Sugar Kelp peated single malt – 50% abv Peat Project Sugar Kelp & Washington peat, ex-Bourbon cask; and
  6. ‘Best CWA Single Malt of the Year 2026’ sherried 54 ppm – 50% abv Peat Project Harvest Coast.

Food Sponsor: The British Store, Surrey, BC

Presented by: Dr. Graeme Macaloney, PhD. Founder, Macaloney Distillery

Limited seating

Saturday Whisky School Tastings

On Saturday, Whisky School tasting tickets ALSO include a Games entry ticket.

Tickets for EACH tasting:

Limited seating for each tasting

12:00 pm

The Whisky Revolution (Macaloney’s)

Forget everything you know about “standard” maturation. Macaloney’s Graeme Macaloney leads this fascinating exploration into the vanguard of spirit science. This session focuses on Macaloney’s boundary-pushing Single Cask and Small Batch experiments—where the wood does the talking. This is a masterclass showcasing how non-traditional barrels are being used to create the most complex whiskies ever produced on the West Coast.

This will include:

  1. ‘Best CASC Spirit of the Year 2026 / Double gold’ Sherried single malt – 46% abv Cath-nah-aven / Truth Serum single malt;
  2. Newly released Honey-infused single malt – 46% abv Buzz Cut single malt;
  3. ‘Gold medal’ cask strength single malt – 57% abv Saint Mallie Portuguese red wine STR cask;
  4. ‘Gold medal’ 54ppm peated single malt – 46% abv Peat Project Cathedral Grove, Virgin cask, and
  5. ‘Best CWA Single Malt of the Year 2026’ sherried 54 ppm – 50% abv Peat Project Harvest Coast.

Presenter: Dr. Graeme Macaloney, Founder, Macaloney Distillery

Sponsored by: Macaloney Distillery

Price: $65 + service charge (includes entry fee)

1:00 pm

The Spirit of Islay (JAK’s)

A pilgrimage to the “Queen of the Hebrides.” Explore the peated icons of this rugged island. This session dives into the maritime smoke, seaweed, and brine notes that have made Islay the most famous whisky region in the world. A must-attend for those who worship a powerful “smoke and salt” profile.

Presenter: Diageo Ambassador (TBA)

Sponsored by: JAK’s Beer Wine Spirits

Price: $65 + service charge (includes entry fee)

2:00 pm

The Highland Heights (JAK’s)

This session dives into the sophisticated world of Highland single malts. Explore the nuanced, honeyed, and occasionally spicy profiles that define northern craftsmanship. From floral delicacies to rich, structured oak, this class highlights the refined legacy and diverse character of Scotland’s most expansive whisky region.

Presenter: Beam Suntory Ambassador

Sponsored by: JAK’s Beer Wine Spirits

Price: $65 + service charge (includes entry fee)

3:00 pm

The Grand Tour (JAK’s)

An Elevated Journey Through Scotland. Our “Premium” session for the curious palate. This class is designed for those who want to go beyond the basics and understand the incredible diversity of Scotch whisky in one sitting..

Presenter: Diageo Ambassador

Sponsored by: JAK’s Beer Wine Spirits

Price: $75 + service charge (includes entry fee)

4:00 pm

The Peat Project (Macaloney’s)

Smoke, Sea, and Terroir. This is the ultimate session for the smoke-lover who thinks they’ve tasted it all. While the world looks to the mossy bogs of Islay, Macaloney’s has spent years perfecting a purely North American peated profile that is as bold as the Pacific spirit. Join Graeme Macaloney for a masterclass in The Peat Project—a technical and sensory journey into the most unique smoke-infusion process in the industry.

* Following this class, you’ll have time to make it to the Lew Ross Field for the finale “Massed Pipe Bands”, followed by The Barra MacNeil’s in the Big Tent.

This includes:

  1. ‘Gold medal’ lightly peated triple disitlled potstill – 46% abv, 13 ppm Peated Kildara;
  2. Newly released lightly peated single malt – 46% abv, 13 ppm Bang Sauce red wine & Virgin cask single malt;
  3. ‘Gold medal’ Sugar Kelp peated single malt – 50% abv, 54 ppm Peat Project Sugar Kelp & Washington peat, ex-Bourbon cask;
  4. ‘Gold medal’ peated PX sherry bomb – 46% abv, 54 ppm Peat Project Washington peat, Pedro Ximénez cask; and
  5. ‘Whisky of the Year CWA 2025’ peated single malt – 50% abv, 54 ppm European Moscatel cask.

Presenter: Dr. Graeme Macaloney, Founder, Macaloney Distillery

Sponsored by Macaloney Distillery

Price: $65 + service charge (includes entry fee)