OCTOBER 21ST
On numerous occasions, the moniker “Unicorn” has been used to describe an extraordinary bottling of Scotland’s favourite spirit.
With its white horse-like body and single spiralling horn, the unicorn is a symbol of purity, innocence and power in Celtic mythology.
One Cocktail - Four Courses - Six Drams
Cocktail & Drams
Welcome cocktail with Whyte & Mackay Special Blend,
served with an appetizer, starting at 6:15 PM at Liberty North Banquet Hall.
Masterclass commences at 7:00 PM
Tasting:
Fettercairn 12
Fettercairn 16
Fettercairn 18
Fettercairn 22
Tamnavulin 1979
Tamnavulin Sherry Cask
Menu
Food Station - Served as the guests arrive, from 6:15 PM
BBQ braised beef short rib mac & cheese served with a welcome cocktail
3 Course Plated Meal
Main Meal
Roasted pear salad with pickled and crispy onions and feta cheese drizzled with white balsamic and honey vinaigrette.
Maple chipotle marinated pork loin chop topped with whiskey cream sauce served with waffle potato and chefs vegetables
Warm chocolate chip brownie with baileys cream sauce and whisky marinated berries
Event Photographs
Iconic Distilleries
Tamnavulin Distillery
On numerous occasions, the moniker “Unicorn” has been used to describe an extraordinary bottling of Scotland’s favourite spirit. One such bottling is Tamnavulin 1979!
Tamnavulin 39-Year-Old 1979 – is from the Vintages Collection. This Speysider was distilled all the way back in 1979 and matured in a combination of bourbon and matusalem ol
On numerous occasions, the moniker “Unicorn” has been used to describe an extraordinary bottling of Scotland’s favourite spirit. One such bottling is Tamnavulin 1979!
Tamnavulin 39-Year-Old 1979 – is from the Vintages Collection. This Speysider was distilled all the way back in 1979 and matured in a combination of bourbon and matusalem oloroso sherry casks before being bottled in 2019.
The distillery sits on the site of a carding mill that dates back to the 16th century. The mill is still standing today, and its iconic wooden water wheel can be seen on every bottle of their sweet, smooth and fruity single malt whisky.
Fettercairn Distillery
Fettercairn Distillery carries the Unicorn as it’s emblem on each bottle of their brands.
Founded in 1824, Fettercairn is one of the oldest licensed distilleries in Scotland.
On October 21st, you will have the opportunity to experience the nuances of four levels of maturation from the distilleries core range.
Scotland's National Animal
Unicorns are coming to the Academy of Single Malt Whisky Explorers, October 21st, 2026.
These proud, untameable creatures are fiercely independent and famously difficult to capture or conquer, which will sound familiar to anyone who has read up on Scottish history.
National animals are important symbols that represent a country's cultural
Unicorns are coming to the Academy of Single Malt Whisky Explorers, October 21st, 2026.
These proud, untameable creatures are fiercely independent and famously difficult to capture or conquer, which will sound familiar to anyone who has read up on Scottish history.
National animals are important symbols that represent a country's cultural identity, heritage, and natural environment. This is why Unicorns have been adopted as Scotland’s National Animal.
With its white horse-like body and single spiralling horn, the unicorn is a symbol of purity, innocence and power in Celtic mythology.
Our Host for the evening
We welcomed to the Academy, Emma Coady, National Single Malt Specialist for Whyte & Mackay.
I attended one of Emma's Masterclasses earlier this year and was so impressed with her knowledge and passion, as well as her ability to captivate her audience, ensuring everyone took away with them a new sense of understanding and appreciation of th
We welcomed to the Academy, Emma Coady, National Single Malt Specialist for Whyte & Mackay.
I attended one of Emma's Masterclasses earlier this year and was so impressed with her knowledge and passion, as well as her ability to captivate her audience, ensuring everyone took away with them a new sense of understanding and appreciation of the brands she represents.
Emma has a deep appreciation for the heritage, craftsmanship, and sense of place that define single malt whisky.
In her role, with Whyte & Mackay, Emma represents a distinguished portfolio of Scotch whisky brands, including The Dalmore, Jura, Fettercairn, and Tamnavulin, working across education, advocacy, partnerships, and luxury brand experiences to bring the stories behind these exceptional whiskies to consumers and industry alike.
June 12, 2026
The Story of Oak At The Speakcheasy
We experienced a decadent whisky tasting with expressions from the MACALLAN estate!
The time came for us to take in
the "STORY OF OAK",
as told by one of the best story tellers in the industry.
John MacPherson was the host for this unique whisky tasting designed exclusively for
the Academy Of Single Malt Whisky Explorers.
An Exclusive MACALLAN whisky tasting!
From the Speyside single malt whisky distillery in Craigellachie, Moray, in the north-east of Scotland.
- MACALLAN Double Cask 12 YO 40% ABV
- MACALLAN Sherry Oak 12 YO 43% ABV
- MACALLAN 12 YO Sherry Season Travel Collection 40% ABV
- MACALLAN 12 YO High Proof 110 55% ABV
- MACALLAN Rare Cask 43% ABV
Five MACALLAN'S, paired with a hearty Scottish supper;
- Scottish sausages wrapped in phyllo pastry, served with a MACALLAN Meridian welcome cocktail, starting at 6:15 PM
- Charcuterie plate of fine cheese, imported Jambon Iberco from Spain and accompaniments.
- Traditional Scottish Cottage Pie
- Cranachan, with toasted whisky oats, fresh raspberries and house made whisky whipped cream & caulis
An Epic Celebration - April 24th, 2026
A Grand Tasting Experience! celebrating our 5th Anniversary
This anniversary whisky tasting took place at BARRIE CURLING CLUB BANQUET FACILITY - 175 Essa Rd.
The setting and menu were a big hit by all in attendance!
Founded in 2021, Single Malt Whisky Explorers has accomplished so much and has grown into a vibrant community of over 400 whisky enthusiasts locally and has a reach nationally and internationally of over 1,000 followers on social media. Our whisky journey has taken us far and we can now be excited for what the future holds!
Our 5th Anniversary - Dinner & Drams - April 24th
Featured Brands
The Glenlivet 14YO Cognac Cask Selection
The Glenlivet French Oak Reserve 15-Year-Old
The Glenlivet 18YO
The Glenlivet 12-Year-Old (Welcome cocktail)
Aberlour 12-Year-Old
Aberlour 14-Year-Old
Aberlour A'Bunadh Scotch Whisky
LIVE CELTIC MUSIC
Sean Patrick & Cindi Devereux provided the vibe with Celtic folk music.
MENU
6:15 pm Appetizer on Arrival
Charcuterie Cups
Served with a complementary Cocktail
Red Lentil Soup
Main Course
Lamb Shank braised in red wine reduction, mashed potatoes, and sauteed green beans
or
Vegetarian: (Must be selected at point of purchase)
Roasted Bell pepper stuffed with sauteed vegetables and quinoa
Dessert Cranachan
Brand Ambassador for Chivas Brothers
I attended one of Jack McCreadie's Master Classes at Whisky Wonderland and knew right away I had to invite him to our whisky club.
He is such a charismatic gentlemen, passionate about the premium whiskies from his home land, Scotland!
He has trained at a one of the world’s leading performing arts institutions and uses these skills to enric
I attended one of Jack McCreadie's Master Classes at Whisky Wonderland and knew right away I had to invite him to our whisky club.
He is such a charismatic gentlemen, passionate about the premium whiskies from his home land, Scotland!
He has trained at a one of the world’s leading performing arts institutions and uses these skills to enrich his story telling of
Scotch Whisky and the people who make it.
January 23rd, 2026
A Grand Tasting Experience! Robbie Burns Dinner at Liberty North Banquet Hall.
An epic annual celebration honouring Scotland’s Favorite Son. Our panache and ever popular Robert Burns Dinner featured: Five drams from Scotland’s oldest operational distillery,
including an exclusive mystery dram that turned out to be a 30 year old Glenturret!
(Only 500 bottles world wide!)
A Complementary Welcome Cocktail, was offered
made from Aberturret Gin!
Four course banquet dinner.
Traditional Haggis pipped into the hall.
An epic recital of the address to the Haggis.
Celtic Musicians, to set the mood.
...and more!
Dinner & Drams Menu
- Starting at 6:15, Bangers and Mash topped with caramelized balsamic onions, served with a welcome cocktail.
- Smoked cheddar and jalapeno chowder with crispy prosciutto.
- Caramelized onion and gruyere stuffed chicken supreme topped with scotch infused jus served over garlic mashed potatoes and roasted carrots, served with Traditional Haggis.
- Warm sticky toffee pudding drizzled with baileys vanilla cream sauce.