Monday November 16, 2009 / 6:00PM-9:00pm
Once again, the John Molson Academy is welcoming the Hopscotch Festival with open arms for a truly special, rare, and exclusive beer experience. This event sells out every single year. 2008 was no exception and 2009 won't be either. Taste beer that has been brewed that day and kegged mere hours before you taste it. Then, tour one of the biggest breweries in Canada with Molson’s brewmasters and run through a tasting of Molson’s finest brews including beer from their subzero draft tower. Not open to the public, you won’t have seen, or tasted anything like it before. Snacks Provided.
Molson Brewery, Burrard Street Entrance,
South End of Burrard St. Bridge, Vancouver $25
Monday November 16, 2009 / 7:00pm-9:00pm
Last year this event sold out instantly with a waiting list twice the size of the actual class. This is your chance to attend the 2009 Whisky 101! Discover the world of whisky with Cask Strength founder and whisky educator Andrew Staritt. This event focuses on understanding the differences between the main types of whisky as well as some ideas on how best to appreciate and serve them. The evening will include the tasting of a wide variety of whiskies as well as the learning of how tasting can be related to such things as raw materials & production methods. Great for a novice or an experienced aficionado wanting to brush up on their knowledge!
International Culinary School (Downtown)
609 Granville St. (by Dunsmuir) $59
Tuesday November 17, 2009 / 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Due to high demand, we are once again producing ‘Whisky 201’. Whisky 201 was new last year and like most events, sold out as well. This event will explore in more depth the effects of cask ag ing on whisky flavour and style. Another not-to-be-missed opportunity to increase your knowledge in the company of Vancouver’s esteemed whisky expert, Andrew Starritt. Continuing our journey into the world of whisky, this class will focus on the importance of wood and its influence on taste. The effects of both cask origin (e.g. Sherry, Port, ex-Bourbon) and time spent in wood will be examined with a tasting of six whiskies side by side to demonstrate these points. The atmosphere is fun yet informative which makes this class perfect for both the novice whisky drinker and enthusiasts alike. Whisky 101 is not a pre-requisite for this event and it is open to all, from beginners to experts.
International Culinary School (Downtown)
609 Granville St.(by Dunsmuir) $69
Tuesday November 17, 2009 / 7:00PM-9:30pm
Always trying something new each year, Hopscotch has decided to launch a new type of event! Auchentoshan and Chill Winston, along with Hopscotch presents The Auchentoshan "SocialReception". Mix and Mingle with like minded scotch afficionados and the "scotch curious" as we serve an intriguing array of Chill Winston's Canapes/Hors d'oeuvres specially prepared by chef Derek. Guests will enjoy the Auchentoshan Lowland Triple Distilled Single Malts including the Classic, the 12yo, the Three Wood, and the very special 21yo. We invite you to try these 4 premium single malts "neat" or experience their versatility in some specialy prepared mixed cocktails. Jamie MacKenzie (North American Regional Manager) and his VERY entertaining charisma will be in attendance to present, educate, and field questions from/to guests in a "small groups" format. Nibble, Taste, and Mingle at this very casual, no pressure, relaxed atmosphere. As you can see, the quality of the whisky is well worth the ticket price, let alone the delicious food, short presentations, and entertaining atmosphere. This will be a high demand ticket so get some quickly!
Reception 7:00pm, Food 7:30pm -9:30pm
Chill Winston, 3 Alexander Street, Gastown, Vancouver $44
Wednesday November 18, 2009 / 7:00pm-9:00pm
The Hopscotch Festival is proud to co-produce "Whisky Wednesdays" with The Opus Hotel. This dinner, that will turn the novice into a true aficionado will be held at Elixir Bistro, in The Opus Hotel, in the heart of Yaletown. To start, guests will enjoy a full sized custom whisky cocktail made with the 12yo, then have their food, creatively paired by Executive Chef Don Letendre, with the Morrison-Bowmore 12yo, 15yo, and the 18yo. As a very special treat, guests will be able to sample Bowmore’s ‘Maltmans Selection’ - a 3000 bottle limited bottling that is only available from the distillery shop itself. You’ll learn how best to appreciate and serve whisky, while sampling some of Chef Letendre’s culinary talent in classic French cuisine. This dinner will be led by top whisky educator Bruce MacKenzie.
Elixir Bistro, Opus Hotel, 322 Davie St. $55
Friday November 20, 2009 / 2:30pm – 5:30pm
If you were at either of the first two Great Whisky Smokes (GWS) , you know how special this event really is. Packed with bang for your buck and presented by Glenmorangie, The GWS is an afternoon of sitting back, listening to live music, enjoying catered food, drinking whisky and beer, and smoking the finest Torano cigars from the Nuestra Familia Cigar Co. This truly is an aficionado’s heaven. Treat your best clients (and yourself) to this once in a year event. If you ever wanted to know the perfect way to spend a Friday afternoon, now you do. Your admission price includes 4 types of Glenmorangie Scotch, 2 Beers, 2 Cigars, Catered Food, 3 hours of enjoyment, entrance to the Grand Tasting Hall (alongside the VIP ticket holders), and 10 free tasting tokens. Enjoy this special Hopscotch Experience.
The Business in Vancouver Tent @ The Station, 1755 Cottrell St. $119 (Includes VIP ticket to Friday night’s tasting)
Saturday November 21, 2009 / 6:30pm-9:30pm
During the reception, experience a signature cocktail with Highland Park 12yo. Afterwards, enjoy your 4-course meal with the distinguished line of Highland Park Single Malt Whisky including their 12yo, 18yo, 25yo and the very exclusive 40yo! Along with the delicious food and mouth watering high-end Highland Park scotch, Highland Park’s brand ambassador will be on location to educate guests on what makes this brand spectacular. Although driving is not recommended to any event where liquor is served, valet parking is included for guests of this event.
Reception 6:30pm, Dinner 7:00pm -9:30pm
Diva @ The Met, $100
Saturday November 21, 2009 / 5:00pm-7:00pm
Join Marcus Von Albrecht, President of Von Albrecht and Associates and Director of The BC Chefs Association, as he walks you down the island of Islay. Experience the sea salt air, smoky peat moss, autumn fruits, and finish of dark chocolate flavours of the Islay Scotches. Hodie Rondeau, Owner of XOXOLAT, and her team will join you on this walk as they pair the finest chocolates from around the world with each of the Scotch flavours. To top off the pairings, allow the Benton brothers from Benton Brothers Cheese to complete the tripod of flavours with specially matched fine international cheeses. The Bentons will perform the challenging task of properly matching cheese and Scotch and will explain how you can do so on your own. Use your five senses to fully appreciate these three delicacies together. Lastly, but most definitely not least, join one of Vancouver's top Chefs de Patisserie for a live chocolate cooking demonstration. Did you know that cacao beans only grow within 20 degrees of the equator and that chocolate has different flavours depending on where the beans are grown? You will after this soon to be sold-out event!
International Culinary School (Downtown), 609 Granville St. $60
Sunday November 22, 2009 / 6:30pm-9:30pm
By far the fastest selling event last year, The Macallan line of single malt scotch whisky invites you to enjoy a 4-course meal at Vancouver’s premiere Steakhouse: Gotham. Going into its 4th consecutive year, The Macallan dinner is always a fan favourite. While J Wheelock, The Macallan’s brand ambassador, teaches you about what makes The Macallan one of the most desired whiskies on the planet, you will enjoy the fine taste of The Macallan Fine Oak 10yo, 15yo and 25yo and as well, The Macallan Sherry Cask 12yo and 18yo. Although driving is not recommended to any event where liquor is served, valet parking is included for guests of this event.
Reception 6:30pm Dinner 7:00pm -9:30pm
Gotham Steakhouse, 615 Seymour St. $130 (incl. valet service)
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