Quench your thirst for whisky at two Island parties
If you are a fan of whisky, you are in luck, with two celebrations this weekend that will satisfy your thirst, in Nanaimo and Victoria.
Join members of the Crimson Coast Dance Society for an evening of sophistication with a splash of humour at the Wee Tipple Party, Saturday at the Grand Hotel in Nanaimo.
This is the 16th year of the event, which has become Nanaimo’s premier whisky festival as well as the society’s most important fundraiser of the year.
It will be an opportunity to sample a range of whiskies, from blends to single malt scotches. Pair tastings of the amber nectar with hors d’oeuvres by celebrated culinary artist Ian Ter Veer, Grand Cru Restaurant chef.
This year the event features a prohibition theme. Pinstripes and pearls are not required, but encouraged. Expect to jive to prohibition-style dance magic by renowned burlesque artist Rosie Bitts.
Along with a live auction, people can attend a whisky masterclass conducted by Conner Massey from Macaloney Brewers and Distillers.
Tickets are $115. The event runs 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday at the Grand Hotel, 4898 Rutherford Rd., Nanaimo. For more information, call 250-716-3230 or go to crimsoncoastdance.org.
Step up to the bar to celebrate Victoria’s first Irish Whiskey Hooley, Sunday at the Yates Street Taphouse and Grill.
A Hooley is defined as an Irish party, usually with music. The event is hosted by the Greater Victoria Festival Society and the Yates Street Taphouse and Grill.
Partygoers get a souvenir tasting glass for the 40 Irish whiskies on hand, a Whiskey Passport to take notes and a Whiskey Diploma after graduating from Irish Whiskey School.
Enjoy live music by Knackers Yard, Cookeilidh Celtic Music and a performance by magician Jordan Blaikie and The King of Magic. Light snacks served.
There will be prizes for best Leprechaun costume.
Tickets are $55 per seating (advance sales only — no tickets at door). The first seating runs 2 to 4 p.m., the second 4:40 to 6:30 p.m. Sunday at the Yates Street Taphouse and Grill, 759 Yates St. For more information, go to Facebook.