Vancouver’s Whisky Global Whisky-Tasting Event at Rocky Mountaineer Station

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 whiskey 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!

When and Where

Whisky Global usually takes place in late winter. In 2020 it was on the weekend of January 31st and February 1st. The event didn’t happen in 2021 and it took place in April in 2022 (so a couple of months later than usual).

In 2023 the event runs on the Friday and Saturday of February 3rd and 4th.

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

The event is in Vancouver at the Rocky Mountaineer Station which is located at 1755 Cottrell Street (near 1st Avenue and Clark). Built in the 1950’s, the brick building features exposed timber, 35-foot ceilings and giant windows.

The Rocky Mountaineer is a tourist-focused passenger railway company that offers trips from Vancouver to the Rockies in Alberta. Their train station can be rented and is a popular venue for events.

Rocky Mountaineer Station at Whisky Global Vancouver — Rocky Mountaineer Station

Whisky Global Ticket Prices

General admission to Whisky Global in 2023 costs $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 2023 the live entertainment is with Olin Brix, a one man band who covers songs from multiple genres.

Distilleries participating in the 2023 event include Shelter Point, Michter’s, Angel’s Envy Bourbon, Stauning Whisky, Johnnie Walker, WhistlePig, The Wiseman, Glenfiddich, Kyrö Distillery Company, Pacific Wine & Spirits, and many more.

For the full list of featured distilleries click The Whiskies Vancouver 2023.

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 whiskey, 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 and Advice

The following are some suggestions to help you make the most out 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 the Hopscotch Festival.