Rocky Mountaineer Station

Whisky Global is Vancouver’s premier whisky-tasting event. It takes place in late January most years at the Rocky Mountaineer Train Station.

In 2024 the event took place on January 26th and 27th, but at a new venue. This year it happened at the Paradox Hotel (which used to be the Trump Hotel). That’s because Space Explorers: The Infinite was at the Rocky Mountaineer Train Station. If you want to experience what it’s like to be an astronaut, you’ll want to check that out next time the event comes to Vancouver!

To learn about Whiskey Global, continue reading. For information about other events happening this month, see Vancouver’s January Calendar of Events.

This article contains the following information about Whisky Global:

Vancouver’s Whisky Global Whisky-Tasting Event

The Grand Tasting Hall at Whisky Global is a gala event where guests dress in formal attire, sample a wide range of premium whiskies and learn about the products. The event also features live music and complimentary appetizers at a unique venue. It’s a fancy affair and a whisky-lovers dream!

Whisky Global is produced by the same people behind events like the Vancouver Craft Beer & Music Festival and Hopscotch Festival.

If you like fine Scotch, bourbon, Irish whisky and other premium whiskies, then this is an event you won’t want to miss! It’s classy, upscale, all-inclusive and features some of the world’s best whiskies!

When and Where

Whisky Global usually takes place in late winter. In 2024, the event ran on the Friday and Saturday of January 26th and 27th.

General admission on both days this year is from 7:00 pm until 10:00 pm and VIP admission starts one hour earlier.

The event usually takes place at the Rocky Mountaineer Station which is located at 1755 Cottrell Street (near 1st Avenue and Clark). However, since that venue wasn’t available this year, the 2024 event took place at a different location. This year’s event wasd held at the Paradox Hotel. It’s located at 1161 West Georgia Street in Vancouver.

Rocky Mountaineer Station at Whisky Global Vancouver — Rocky Mountaineer Station

Whisky Global Ticket Prices

General admission to Whisky Global in 2024 cost $130 for the Friday evening and $135 for the Saturday.

VIP tickets cost closer to $200 and they always sell out. With them, VIP guests get to arrive an hour early and sample a few extra premium whiskies before the doors open to general admission ticket holders.

Both types of admission include complimentary whisky samples, a catered dinner and a souvenir Glencairn glass. If you like whisky, considering what you get, it’s a really good deal and an experience you won’t soon forget. It’s also an excellent opportunity to try a range of exotic products so you’ll know which you’ll want to buy in the future.

Porsche Display at Whisky Global — A Car Display at Whisky Global in 2020

What to Expect at Whisky Global

At the event you can expect to see guests in business and cocktail attire enjoying exquisite hors d’oeuvres and over 200 different whiskies from around the world. There are usually whisky representatives from major premium brands, food stalls with culinary artisans handing out fancy treats, an on-site liquor store to buy whisky from, and a showcase of live music.

In 2024 the live entertainment was with Olin Brix, a one man band that covers songs from multiple genres.

Distilleries that participated in the 2024 event included Shelter Point, Michter’s, Angel’s Envy Bourbon, Johnnie Walker, Glenfiddich, Kyrö Distillery Company, and many more.

Whisky Global Vancouver

About Whisky Global

The Whisky Global event is related to the Hopscotch Festival which happens in the fall. Both are amazing events and run by the same organizers. The Hopscotch Festival is larger, less expensive and features more events. Its main event – the Grand Tasting Hall – takes place at the PNE Forum and includes craft beers and a variety of other spirits in addition to whisky.

The Grand Tasting Hall with Whisky Global, on the other hand, is more of a gala event. Guests dress up, the venue is classier and the food is fancier. At Whisky Global there is also only whisky – including Scotch, Irish whisky, bourbon and other variations – so no gins, vodkas, tequilas or other spirits, and no beers or ciders. Whisky Global is a sophisticated event for whisky connoisseurs.

The same people behind Whisky Global host Vancouver Craft Beer Week in the summer.

Whisky Global Vancouver

Tips & Advice

The following are some suggestions to help you make the most of your whisky-tasting experience.

TIP #1: If you like whisky and cocktail-style parties, then definitely go to Whisky Global. It’s a first-class event! Also, mark your calendar for the Hopscotch Festival later in the year!

TIP #2: Whisky Global is a great event for sampling different kinds of the spirit and discovering which high-end brands are your favourites (and which are not). When a bottle can cost more than $100, and sometimes a lot more, it’s nice to be able to try a sample before making the investment and determine first if you really like it.

TIP #3: Make a note on a piece of paper or your phone which whiskies are your favourites so you’ll remember them the next time you want to buy one. Alternatively, buy your favourite at the event’s on-site liquor store and take a bottle home with you right away.

TIP #4: Chat with the vendors and learn about their products. If you want to increase your knowledge about whisky, this is the place to do it. And if you want to learn even more, then sign up for a whisky-tasting workshop in autumn at Scotfest & the BC Highland Games in June.