September 25th, 2025
Ian Palmer - Creator of the Inchdairnie Distillery
In collaboration with The Speakcheasy Tasting Lounge, we welcomed to our whisky community, an extremely special visitor from the InchDairnie Distillery in Scotland!
Ian’s foresight, innovative spirit has taken him beyond the boundaries of Scotch whisky. He is the driving force in developing the award-winning InchDairnie bottle and in securing the equipment such as their unusual hammer mill and mash filter.
This innovation has enabled InchDairnie to distil winter barley, unmalted barley, rye, wheat, oats and create future classics such as Scotch Sour Mash and Pot Still whisky
Ian Palmer has accumulated a vast amount of experience over the past four decades, and his contributions to the whisky industry are enormous.
Join us for Drams and stories, paired with a delicious four course meal, starting with an Islay Mist Cocktail!
September 25th - Dinner & Drams with Ian Palmer
An Ingenious Whisky distillery
The Inchdairnie distillery brings malt whisky tradition into the modern world. From grain to bottle, they take an innovative approach to flavour and engineer their whiskies with a strong purpose: to excite palates
FOUR COURSE PAIRING MENU
STARTING AT 6:15 PM - Scottish sausages wrapped in phyllo pastry, paired with a complementary "Welcome Cocktail" made with Islay Mist Scotch whisky!
Charcuterie plate of fine cheese, meats and accompaniments.
Traditional Scottish Cottage Pie with a side salad
Cranachan, with toasted whisky oats, fresh raspberries and house made whisky whipped cream & caulis
September 11th, 2025
A "Whisky Maker" and an "Inductee" into the Whisky Hall of Fame!
The Academy of Single Malt Whisky Explorers is very pleased and honoured to present not just one, but two incredibly passionate whisky experts, to deliver everything you need to taste, experience, learn and discover about Canadian Whisky.
September 11th, Dinner & Drams in Pictures
A Delicious Whisky Pairing & a Guide to Canadian Whisky
MENU
1st Course
Maple bacon B.L.T. slider with maple chipotle aioli, served with fresh cut potato wedge poutine.
2nd Course
Herb marinated Elk loin crostini’s with wild mushroom bruschetta and goats cheese served with baby arugula salad with fresh lemon caper vinaigrette
3rd Course
BBQ whiskey pork back ribs and buttermilk marinated chicken th
MENU
1st Course
Maple bacon B.L.T. slider with maple chipotle aioli, served with fresh cut potato wedge poutine.
2nd Course
Herb marinated Elk loin crostini’s with wild mushroom bruschetta and goats cheese served with baby arugula salad with fresh lemon caper vinaigrette
3rd Course
BBQ whiskey pork back ribs and buttermilk marinated chicken thigh served with fully loaded twice baked potato and housemade slaw
4th Course
Butterscotch pecan tart with French vanilla ice cream
FOUR DELICIOUS COURSES
A COMPLEMENTARY COCKTAIL
DOUBLE BARRELLED MASTERCLASS
FIVE DRAMS
Each "Dinner & Dram" ticket, also received a signed copy of
"CANADIAN WHISKY"
Spring Mill Distillery is one of the most interesting new distilleries, with deep roots in Ontario history and is founded by one of Guelph’s most famous resident, John Sleeman, the founder of the Sleeman Brewing Company.
Canadian whisky is a unique style of whisky, and John Sleeman, along with his sons Quinn and Cooper, have created a r
Spring Mill Distillery is one of the most interesting new distilleries, with deep roots in Ontario history and is founded by one of Guelph’s most famous resident, John Sleeman, the founder of the Sleeman Brewing Company.
Canadian whisky is a unique style of whisky, and John Sleeman, along with his sons Quinn and Cooper, have created a range of styles suitable to everyone's palate.
They have gained recognition through the Canadian Whisky Awards and the World Whiskies Awards. Specifically, they won three awards in the 2024 Canadian Whisky Awards: a bronze for their Rye Whisky, a bronze for their Sherry Finished Single Malt, and a silver for their The Cooper's Rye.
Canadian Whisky is getting a lot of attention these days, so lets include John Sleeman & Sons Canadian Whisky on our "Whisky Journey"!
An Exceptional - Canadian Tasting Experience!
Single Malt Whisky
Sherry Finished Single Malt Whisky
Sherry Finished Single Malt Whisky
From its inception, Spring Mill Distillery was designed by John Sleeman & Sons to distill fine Single Malt whiskies that would lend to the good reputation of Canadian whiskies.
Fruity, floral, and sweet, this Single Malt comes from Canadian barley and Scottish-made washbacks and stills.
Sherry Finished Single Malt Whisky
Sherry Finished Single Malt Whisky
Sherry Finished Single Malt Whisky
This award winning whisky is
made by carefully following traditional Scotch distilling methods, this spirit was partially finished in Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez Sherry Casks. In this classic iteration of a barrel-finished Single Malt, the added fruity complexity of sherry barrels compliment the delicacy of the 100% malt spirit.
Traditional Straight Whisky
Sherry Finished Single Malt Whisky
Traditional Straight Whisky
This is a smooth Whisky, inspired by the great American Bourbons and made from a classic Kentucky-style mashbill.
Spring Mill's Traditional Straight Whisky is created on a foundation of three pillars - traditional copper column stills, corn grown in the Canadian heartland, and the unwavering commitment of their Master Distiller to produce a whisky of highest quality.
High Rye Straight Whisky
High Rye Straight Whisky
Traditional Straight Whisky
This new variation of straight whisky (only available from the distillery) is fermented, distilled, and matured from a mash bill featuring rye, and a good lot of it, too.
In contrast to their sweet and mild Traditional Straight Whisky, the new High Rye Straight Whisky is a robust, peppery, southern-style whisky that packs a punch at 48% ABV.
Cooper's Rye Whisky
High Rye Straight Whisky
Complementary Cocktail
This award winning 100% Canadian Rye whisky is made from 100% rye grain. Aged a minimum of 4 years in new Canadian white oak barrels made on site, by Spring Mills's very own cooper, Quinn Sleeman.
The virgin white oak lends a gentle sweetness to the distinct spice of rye uninterrupted by other grains.
Complementary Cocktail
High Rye Straight Whisky
Complementary Cocktail
This evenings complementary cocktail will be made from Spring Mill's Gin, that introduces a bright and approachable juniper with gentle floral notes and a crisp clean citrus finish.
Provincial earthiness is highlighted by the supporting cast of botanicals which present bright pine, green leaf aromatics, cheerful notes of mint and echoes
This evenings complementary cocktail will be made from Spring Mill's Gin, that introduces a bright and approachable juniper with gentle floral notes and a crisp clean citrus finish.
Provincial earthiness is highlighted by the supporting cast of botanicals which present bright pine, green leaf aromatics, cheerful notes of mint and echoes of soft, sweet, spicy undertones reflecting the lush rural landscape of Ontario.
June 25th
Hunter Laing Independent Bottler
The Laing family has been in the Scotch Whisky business for more than three generations. This company has acquired not only a great deal of experience but, just as importantly, vast stocks of some of the most sought after whiskies in Scotland.
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This Academy welcomed back Lee Hanson, representing Hunter Laing, who shared their proud history and showcased five unique premium Single Cask Whiskies, plus one special bottling from Hunter Laing's new distillery on Islay! This event took place in the intimate setting of the SpeakCheasy.
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FOUR COURSE PAIRING MENU
- Scottish sausages wrapped in phyllo pastry
- Charcuterie plate of fine cheese, meats and accompaniments.
- Traditional Scottish Stovies, served with potato rostis
- Cranachan, with toasted whisky oats, fresh raspberries and house made whisky whipped cream & caulis
An Absolutely Epic Line-up!
Old Malt Single cask whiskies!
Single cask whisky from First Edition and Hepburn's Choice
Single cask whisky from First Edition and Hepburn's Choice
Old Malt Cask Royal Brackla 13 year old 50% abv
Old Malt Cask Ben Nevis 12 year old refill Sherry 50% abv
Old Malt Cask Glen Garioch 14 year old 50% abv
Single cask whisky from First Edition and Hepburn's Choice
Single cask whisky from First Edition and Hepburn's Choice
Single cask whisky from First Edition and Hepburn's Choice
First Edition Glenburgie 2007 refill butt 53.1 %
Hepburn's Choice Dailuaine 13 Year Old Bourbon Finish 46%
From the newest distillery on Islay!
Single cask whisky from First Edition and Hepburn's Choice
From the newest distillery on Islay!
Ardnahoe Infinite Loch.
We were very please to present at our tasting table. Ardnahoe's first core release,
Ardnahoe Infinite Loch has been matured in a combination of ex-Bourbon and ex-Oloroso sherry casks, and is bottled at 50% abv.
Our 4th Anniversary! April 11th
Celebrating Four Incredible Years of Whisky Tasting Experiences
Whyte & Mackay Ltd is a company in Glasgow, Scotland, producing alcoholic beverages.
Charles Mackay (1850–1919) and James Whyte founded this company as whisky merchants and bonded warehousemen in Glasgow in 1882.
W&M Special, was their first blended whisky and it was successful in the United Kingdom and other English speaking countries. A
Whyte & Mackay Ltd is a company in Glasgow, Scotland, producing alcoholic beverages.
Charles Mackay (1850–1919) and James Whyte founded this company as whisky merchants and bonded warehousemen in Glasgow in 1882.
W&M Special, was their first blended whisky and it was successful in the United Kingdom and other English speaking countries. After World War II the company focused on the home market and now sell more than 1 million cases a year.
Whyte & Mackay operates several distilleries is Scotland.
Single Malt distilleries, Jura, Fettercairn, Dalmore and Tamnavulin. Also, a Grain distillery, Invergordon.
Our Host for this Very Special Anniversary Event! Louis-Jérôme Barbosa-Doise
Louis-Jérôme Doise, with over 18 years of experience in the industry, is the Area Manager and the Senior Single Malt Specialist for The Dalmore in Canada and for Whyte & Mackay, the company behind the world renowned and distinguished whiskies of The Dalmore, Jura, Fettercairn and Tamnavulin.
Featured Brands for this Anniversary Event
The Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve
The Dalmore King Alexander III
The Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve
Dalmore has produce a new version of the original, called the"Cigar Malt Reserve". In this version, they use a slightly older base stock of Dalmore whisky and age it in previously used American bourbon casks, Matusalem sherry casks (an enriched 30-year-aged sherry) and the addition of cabernet sauvignon casks.
The Dalmore Port Wood Reserve
The Dalmore King Alexander III
The Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve
A smooth and indulgent Highland Single Malt matured in American white oak ex-Bourbon barrels and finished in aged Tawny Port pipes.
The Dalmore King Alexander III
The Dalmore King Alexander III
18 Year Old annual limited release
King Alexander III Scotch Whisky takes its name from an act of heroism that occurred in 1263 — during a hunting trip with King Alexander III, a member of Clan MacKenzie saved the King from being attacked by a charging stag.
The whisky is matured in six different types of casks: used bourbon casks, marsala barrels, madera drums, French wine barriques, port pipes and sherry butts.
18 Year Old annual limited release
18 Year Old annual limited release
18 Year Old annual limited release
Created using a handpicked selection of first fill and refill ex-bourbon American white oak casks and then finished in responsibly sourced 100% Scottish oak casks.
The Jura 18 year old
18 Year Old annual limited release
A Double Cask from Speyside
With 18 years of maturation, this expression represents a harmonious balance of age, complexity, and the distinct flavors derived from Jura.
This single malt, created with a blend of both peated and unpeated spirit, has been matured for 18 years in Ex bourbon barrels, then finished in Premier Grand Cru Classé Bordeaux red wine barriques.
A Double Cask from Speyside
18 Year Old annual limited release
A Double Cask from Speyside
Tamnavulin Double Cask is amber-gold in colour, matured in American oak and finished in ex-sherry casks.
Complex flavours along with a smooth and refreshing finish, will mix well in your complementary welcome cocktail at the beginning of this tasting experience!
Rich aromas of apple, toffee, honey and tangy marmalade are followed by creamy peaches, roasted pineapple.
4th Anniversary Menu
Welcome Station - Starting at 6:15 PM
Complementary “Old Fashion” cocktail, made with Tamnavulin Single Malt.
Paired with, BBQ braised beef cheek poutine, served over house made potato wedges topped with Quebec cheese curds and whisky peppercorn gravy.
Starting at 7:PM -
Seated courses begin with a delicious Arugula and mixed greens salad, mixed with grilled pineapple, mango, mandarin oranges, and dragon fruit topped with house made citrus vinaigrette
Paired with Fettercairn 18
Followed by 7oz grilled top sirloin steak, topped with Café de Paris butter served over parsnip infused mashed potatoes and garlic roasted broccolini.
Paired with Jura 18
& Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve
The dessert course is an Individual raspberry chocolate mousse cake with whisky marinated berries and micro mint. Paired with
Dalmore Portwood Reserve
Finishing off this tasting experience with
Dalmore King Allexander III
A Gala Celebration for Scotland's Favourite Son!
Robbie Burns Dinner & Drams January 24th 2025
Complementary Cocktail and appetizer commenced at 6:15 PM.
A Master class took place, of seven unique releases, presented by Will Martin, our whisky ambassador from Noble Estates.
All the makings of an Epic Robert Burns Dinner!
Piper
Our Piper for the evening is Juhan Puhm, who will lead the procession of the Haggis!
Juhan Puhm
Is a composer, Performer, Musician, Piper providing live music for special occasions like, Weddings, Anniversaries etc.
Juhan also provides a wide and comprehensive range of music instruction for beginners to advanced studies for all ages, fea
Our Piper for the evening is Juhan Puhm, who will lead the procession of the Haggis!
Juhan Puhm
Is a composer, Performer, Musician, Piper providing live music for special occasions like, Weddings, Anniversaries etc.
Juhan also provides a wide and comprehensive range of music instruction for beginners to advanced studies for all ages, featuring Guitar, Piano, Voice, Bagpipes, Theory, Composition!
Scottish Music
Performed by Michael Martyn & John MacDonald
Michael Martyn on guitar and John MacDonald on the uilleann pipes, are highly sought after performers and can be found quite regularly at the Hog & Penny in Orillia.
Address to the Haggis
Address to the Haggis
The Robert Burns' Address to the Haggis will be delivered by Inga Thompson.
Inga Thompson
Hails from the Shetland Islands, the northernmost region of the United Kingdom.
Inga is also a member of the energetic and very entertaining Celtic Band Pagan's Folly and shares lead vocals with Juhan Puhm, while playing the bodhran.