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 is very pleased to welcome back Lee Hanson, representing Hunter Laing, who will share 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 will take place in the intimate setting of the SpeakCheasy.
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In addition to experiencing drams from the Old Malt Single Cask whisky collection, attendees will have the opportunity to experience from two other product ranges from Hunter Laing, First Edition & Hepburn's Choice.
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Attendees will be provided with an opportunity to purchase a bottle from this flight of limited and very rare expressions, at a special club price!
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Ardnahoe - Islay's Newest Distillery!
In 2018 Hunter Laing opened its first distillery, Ardnahoe, on Islay!
We are 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.
Sea-spray, Islay peat and dark chocolate on the nose. Menthol, fresh fruits and bonfire notes on the palate lead into a smoky, zesty finish.
Our Special Guest Speaker!
Lee Hanson
Lee Hanson has been in the wine and spirits business for over 27 years. Starting in restaurants at too young an age, sparked a life long passion for fine wines. This lead to a number of sommelier positions in Calgary and the Caribbean as well as cellar hand opportunities at 3 California wineries.
A smoldering interest in Scotch whisky was stoked when Lee had a hand in relaunching the Bruichladdich distillery of Islay. The bold and honest approach of these whiskies and the exposure to single cask-single malts would become the cornerstone of Lee's working life.
In 2013 Lee founded Barrel Hunter Import and Brokerage, working with family-owned distilleries and wineries.
A new partnership was formed with Select Wines in 2019, as the Spirit Ambassador. Lee now has the honour of sharing the Hunter Laing whiskies as well as Tesseron Cognac and more, all across Canada.
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 12 year old 50% abv $203.00
Old Malt Cask Ben Nevis 12 year old refill Sherry 50% abv $259.00
Old Malt Cask Glen Garioch 13 year old 50% abv $202.50
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 % $259.00
Hepburn's Choice Glentauchers 9 year old wine cask 46% $91.00
All prices include tax
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 50% abv $149.00
Coming September 4th, 2025
SPRING MILL DISTILLERY
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 as 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"!
Welcome to this journey!
The Academy of Single Malt Whisky Explorers is committed to sharing unique world renown premium whisky with like minded enthusiasts.
We are making plans for another epic tasting experience!
Be sure to SUBSCRIBE BELOW so we can send you your invitation to the next tasting experience!