Where Edmonton Magazine January/February 2018 | Page 45

Wine,  Beer  &  Spirits    BY M AT T HEW ST E PANI C HISTORICAL SPIRIT In November, Rig Hand Craft Distillery launched the first craft whisky in Alberta. The unique Bar M Canadian Whisky is a collaboration between Saskatchewan- based Last Mountain Distillery and features their 100% wheat whisky combined with Rig Hand’s barrel-aged, three-grain spirit. From this historic spirit, you’ll catch pleasant notes of sweet spice, caramel, and coconut husk. The first batch has a very limited release, so don’t miss your chance to own a piece of history! Rig Hand Craft Distillery, 2104-8 St., Nisku, 780-955-2414. righanddistillery.com ON THE ROCKS JANUARY 17  Perhaps Edmonton’s “neatest” festival, this annual fundraiser for the MS Society of Canada offers over 175 varieties of whiskies from around the world, including Ireland, Scotland, Canada, and the U.S. During the Edmonton Whisky Festival, distillers, master blenders, and experts pour their range of whiskies and are happy to answer any questions you have about this hard-hitting spirit. You can even enjoy some traditional haggis while you sip! Delta Edmonton South, 4404 Gateway Blvd., $90–$175; visit edmontonwhiskyfestival.ca for tickets. SAGE SOMMELIERS FEBRUARY 16 & 17  Enter a wonderland of wines at Edmonton Winefest! Your ticket offers you an all-inclusive sampling of fine wines and access to the sommeliers—and sometimes the winery owners—behind each varietal and blend. As you sample wines from over a dozen countries, you can enjoy hors d’oeuvres from local restaurants. Be sure to keep track of what you enjoy in your notebook, as you can purchase bottles to take home after the event. Shaw Conference Centre, 9797 Jasper Ave., $79– $84; visit celebratewinfest.com for tickets. JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 // where.ca 45