ABOUT THE SPIRITS
From classics such as Single Malt Scotch, Bourbon, and rum to modern favourites, including mezcal, tequila, amaro, gin, and more, there is a spirit and a cocktail to suit all palates at the Halifax International Spirit Festival. We offer a mix of tasting events including an all local craft spirit event, dining experiences, master classes, and, of course, the Grand Tasting to enjoy with more than 100 premium spirits from near and far to sample.
The Event Schedule
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We have a rich list of events featuring Master Classes, dining events and, of course, our Grand Tasting which will be held at The Westin Nova Scotian Hotel.
Thursday, October 3rd
6:30pm - 9:00 pm
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Tides and Tastings - The Westin Hotel
Presented by Craft Distillers of Nova Scotia
Get set set to 'Toast the Coast' at this incredible event celebrating our local, authentically distilled in Nova Scotia craft distillers. At this event you'll have the opportunity to samples dozens of premium spirits, including some that have achieved some lofty awards at international spirit competitions. Enjoy them neat or as part of a mixed drink, cocktail. There will be a variety of locally inspired foods available including oysters (limited # per person), chocolate, and so much more....add in some fun music and this will be this celebration of location that is guaranteed to lift your spirits.
Friday, October 4th
6:30pm - 9:00 pm
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The Gala Dinner:- The Westin Hotel
A dining event matching local food with craft spirits from the portfolio of Beam Suntory. The night begins with a special cocktail made for the event by Suntory Global's master of mixology Mike MacLean crafted from Jim Beam 7 Year Old Bourbon, there will be Japanese spirits from The House of Suntory paired with a seafood station, a specially designed cocktail curated by Suntory Global Bourbon expert Ray Daniel made with Basil Hayden Bourbon to pair the side dishes, Canadian Club 12 to match the main course station and the legendary Bowmore 12 Year Old with the dessert station. We are shaking up the Gala Dinner routine with a lively moving event featuring incredibly spirits, inventive cocktails, all matched with classic Nova Scotian flavours.
Saturday, October 5th
11:30am - 2:00pm
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A Woman's Spirit Brunch @ Fawn
We celebrate the women of the spirit world at this upbeat, and fashionable event. At the event you'll enjoy an incredible multi-course brunch created by Chef Natalie Rosen of Fawn Restaurant. Fawn Restaurant is a women owned, women run restaurant that offers a bright, welcoming environment and delicious food. In addition to the amazing food, you'll learning the stories of four women of distillate including the legendary Tish Harcus (Canadian Club), Jamie Johnson (Glenfiddich), Miranda Parker (Compass Distillery) and Maura Casey, a sommelier (Best Sommelier of Atlantic Canada 2023) turned spirit ambassador. Each will offer a specially curated drink for you to enjoy. 4 cocktails, multi-course brunch and camaraderie. Don't miss this spirit event.
Saturday, October 5th
6:00pm - 9:00pm (VIP)
7:00pm - 9:00pm (General)
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The Grand Tasting - The Westin Nova Scotian Hotel
Join us for an evening of sampling great spirits from near and far. At this 'Grand' event you'll enjoy samples of fine spirits (150 to select from you) form near and far that includes prestigious Single Malt Whiskies, the best of Canadian and American whiskies, tequila, gin, rum and so much more. Whether you like fragrant gins or robust Islay whiskies there are spirits, and cocktails, to suit all tastes. There will also be small bites of food on offer. Bring your tastes buds and get set to Toast the Coast with Nova Scotia's newest spirit festival.
MASTER CLASSES: DISCOVER THE WORLD OF SPIRITS (OCT 3. 4 & 5)
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Have you ever wanted to delve into the rich world of spirits, from classics to exotic finds? At the Halifax International Spirit Festival, we're offering a series of captivating workshops and tastings where you can unlock the secrets of spirits and cocktails guided by passionate experts who share your enthusiasm! Discover more about our Master Class and talented experts hosting them. We'll have local round table discussions on rum, and local flavours, classes on Bourbon, Single Malt Whisky including a Single Malt Whisky and cheese pairing and special guest speaker Davin deKergommeaux will focus on the past and future of Canadian whiskies.