Rocky Mountaineer Station

Whisky Global is Vancouver’s premier whisky-tasting event. It takes place in late January at the Paradox Hotel in downtown Vancouver.

The event happens on January 23rd and 24th in 2026.

Continue reading to learn about Whisky Global. See Vancouver’s January Calendar of Events for information about other events happening this month.

This article contains the following information about Whisky Global:

Vancouver’s Whisky Global Whisky-Tasting Event at the Paradox Hotel

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 features live music and a catered dinner. It’s a fancy affair and a whisky-lover’s dream!

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

When and Where

Whisky Global usually takes place in late winter. It returns in 2026 on January 23rd and 24th.

The event used to happen at the Rocky Mountaineer Train Station in East Vancouver. Now Whisky Global takes place at the Paradox Hotel (formerly the Trump International Hotel), located at 1161 West Georgia Street.

General admission runs from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. VIP guests are invited to enter early at 6:00 pm for an exclusive tasting hour.

Rocky Mountaineer Station at Whisky Global Vancouver — Rocky Mountaineer Station

Whisky Global Ticket Prices

General admission to Whiskey Global costs $135 during presale and $150 at the regular price for both days.

VIP tickets cost $180 during presale and $210 at the regular price. They always sell out. 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 dinner and sampling whiskies available from around the world. Typically, there are representatives from major premium whisky brands, culinary artisans serving specialty treats, and an on-site liquor store offering whisky for purchase.

There is also usually live music. Details for the 2026 entertainment lineup are still to be confirmed. Distilleries participating in the 2026 event include Mainland Whiskey, Indri, Johnnie Walker, Glenfiddich, Bushmills, and many more.

About Whisky Global

The Whisky Global event is organized by the same team that created the Hopscotch Festival. For many years, Hopscotch was one of Vancouver’s signature tasting events, attracting thousands of guests. The festival has now wrapped up its final chapter, but its legacy continues through a new event organized by the same team.

Taking over Hopscotch’s late-autumn spot is “Spirited,” a new tasting festival at the Rocky Mountaineer Station. It focuses on high-end spirits and festive food pairings.

Whisky Global is more high-end than Hopscotch was, with an elegant Grand Tasting Hall at the Paradox Hotel. Guests dress in cocktail attire, enjoy a catered dinner and sample a curated selection of Scotch, bourbon, and whiskies. There are no beers, ciders or non-whisky spirits, so the entire experience is tailored to whisky lovers alone.

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

Tips & Advice

The following suggestions will 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.

TIP #2: Whisky Global is an excellent event for sampling different kinds of high-end brands. When a bottle can cost more than $100, 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 whisky knowledge, 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.