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.
Coming September 11th, 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 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.
Ticket Price $145 Includes
6:15 PM
Complementary Spring Mill Distillery Gin Cocktail and Appetizer.
7:00 PM
Double Barreled Masterclass
Three course menu, (Posted later).
2 Spring Mill Single Malt Whiskies
One Spring Mill Bourbon Style Whisky
2 Spring Mill Canadian Rye Whiskies
Each "Dinner & Dram" ticket, receives a signed copy of "Canadian Whisky"
COOPER SLEEMAN
Cooper started in the beverage alcohol industry at 19, working on the bottling line for Sleeman Breweries. After completing his undergraduate degree at Queens University, Cooper started in Sales with Sleeman, working in a variety of different territories including Toronto Core Retail, Sudbury/North Dual, and Kingston Dual. In these positions, Cooper worked closely with Product Consultants, and Managers at many LCBO locations.
Cooper began working at Spring Mill Distillery in May of 2018, where he worked with Doan Bellman, the Master Distiller and VP of Operations, to help assemble the equipment. This is where he learned most of his distilling knowledge, which assists him in his current position, Director of Sales and Marketing.
With a strong background in sales and marketing obtained from the brewery world, Cooper manages brand development and is thoroughly involved in the day-to-day operation of the distillery.
Cooper also opened the Ward Bar. A Liquor Licenced establishment at the distillery that offers a wide selection of wine, beer, hand made cocktails, charcuterie boards.
Working for the family business has always been a passion for Cooper, he hopes to continue to grow Spring Mill Distillery into one of Canada's leading spirit producers.
DAVIN DE KERGOMMEAUX
For three decades now, Davin de Kergommeaux has been writing about, speaking about and teaching about whisky. He is the author of four whisky books, has contributed chapters to eight others, and is recognized as the world expert on Canadian whisky.
Whisky explorations have taken him to four continents to research, pour and speak about whisky. In 2016 the Globe and Mail named him one of the 50 most influential Canadians in food and drink, then in 2018 the New York Times said his significance in the revival of Canadian whisky could not be overstated.
De Kergommeaux is the world’s foremost expert on Canadian whisky and is the founder of the Canadian Whisky Awards.
His most recent book, Canadian Whisky: The Essential Portable Expert was released in March 2024.
That same month, in London, England he was inducted into the Whisky Hall of Fame, only the second Canadian ever accorded that honour.
SPRING MILL DISTILLERY
A craft Whisky and Spirits distillery located in central Guelph, Ontario on the banks of the Speed River.
Built on a foundation of family values that date back to pre-confederation, it is the enduring spirit of John Sleeman and his sons, Cooper and Quin, to deliver the highest quality premium Canadian spirits. Using time-tested technology that keeps the spirit of traditional distillation alive.
After a comprehensive year-long restoration and renovation project, the Sleeman’s spared no expense outfitting Spring Mill Distillery with state-of-the-art equipment.
Spring Mill has also shown an unparalleled commitment to aging its whisky in high-quality barrels, and unlike most Canadian distilleries, it has its own cooperage. Led by Quinn, who trained in Scotland and the U.S.A., their small cooperage produces new Canadian oak barrels for aging its main whiskies as well as for select private cask purchases.
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!
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