The Dram Initiative

Upcoming Events

 

The line-ups just keep getting better and better for Calgary’s newest and fastest growing whisky club.  Many thanks to those attending and showing keen interest.  But additionally…enormous thanks to those presenters and sponsors bringing their A-game time and again.  We appreciate your efforts, and look forward to years of good times together.

We are now at the point of having events lined up well into 2014.  I’ll keep it a little under wraps for now, just in case we opt to shift things up (as we often do in order to accommodate guest speakers), but I will take this opportunity to share a few words on some upcoming club events.

To any local faithful readers who are not yet a part of the ranks…there are few remaining spots in the club membership, but they are fast filling.  When we are full, it will be a waitlist scenario.  Trust me…membership has perks.

Back to the point…

I’m pleased to announce a few more of the industry’s giants coming out to share their knowledge, experiences and personality…

 

August 20th, 2013 – SMWS with Rob and Kelly Carpenter

Whisky is more than a drink.  It’s a journey, an experience and a catalyst for making memories and stories.  The SMWS is a perfect vehicle for this more cerebral way of embracing the dram.  I have no idea what SMWS Canada co-founders, Rob and Kelly plan to present this eve, but I guarantee you’re set to meet two very passionate and knowledgeable folks, and sip some great whiskies along the way that they will have handpicked especially for this event.

Thanks to Rob and Kelly for their efforts here  in the city, and for coming out to share this eve.

 

September 23rd, 2013 – Jura with Willie Tait

Sponsored by Authentic Wines & Spirits

The Dram Initiative will be welcoming Jura’s Willie Tait for an evening of candid chat and some great whiskies.  At one point Willie was the Jura Distillery Manager and, I believe, Master Distiller, but now holds the positions of Master Distiller and Brand Ambassador.  Either way…an engaging and charismatic individual who earns rave reviews for his events.

Willie has a wealth of experience to his credit, including work at Bruichladdich, Tullibardine, Fettercairn, Tamnavulin, Whyte & Mackay, on and on.  I will promise…this is an evening NOT to be missed.

The whisky line-up for this event will be cemented in the coming days, but as always, will include some brilliant drams. 

Many thanks to J Wheelock and his team at Authentic Wines & Spirits for their help in making this a reality when it didn’t seem it could be.   

 

November 5th, 2013 – Triple Header…Michael Urquhart, Anthony Wills and James Robertson

Sponsored by Gold Medal Marketing

Here’s the granddaddy of all events.  We have managed to secure three incredible guest speakers and a helluva whisky line-up.  This evening will be a more open event, not strictly limited to club members (though they will have first chance at the limited seats).  Half of all event dues will be donated to the Calgary Food Bank, and on behalf of The Dram Initiative Iwould ask that you please being what you can in non-perishable food items.  Time to give back a little.

I won’t get into biographical details here on the following three individuals, in favour of saving it all for this event, but as you know, they are all industry giants, and any opportunity to hear them speak should be embraced. 

The evening is set to shape up as follows:

Guest Speaker 1:  Michael Urquhart, Joint Managing Director on behalf of Gordon & MacPhail, Independent Bottler and Benromach Distillery. 

Whiskies:

1.  Gordon & MacPhail Tamdhu 40 Year Old 1971 – 2011 43% ABV

2.  Gordon & MacPhail Dallas Dhu  33 Year Old 1979 – 2012 43% ABV

3.  Benromach 9 Year Old 2004 – 2013 60.4% ABV KWM Cask First Fill Bourbon Barrel Cask # 246

4.  Benromach 42 Year Old 1969 – 2011 42.6% ABV Refill Sherry Hogshead from Casks # 2006 & 2008

 

Guest Speaker 2:  James Robertson, International Sales Manager, Tullibardine Distillery 

Whiskies:

5.  Tullibardine Sovereign NAS 43% ABV Matured 1st Fill Bourbon Casks

6.  Tullibardine 40 Year Old Single Cask 1965 – 2005 48.3% ABV Hogshead Cask # 949

 

Guest Speaker 3:  Anthony Wills, Founder and Managing Director, Kilchoman Distillery 

Whiskies:

7.   Kilchoman Inaugural Release 2005 – 2009 46 %   ABV 3 years 1st fill bourbon and 5 months in Oloroso

8.   Kilchoman Loch Gorm 5 Years Old 46% ABV Sherry Cask (Butts/ Hogshead) Matured

Special thanks to Andy Dunn (whom you will hopefully all meet on this special night) of Gold Medal Marketing for his support of the DI for this event.  Andy stepped up huge for us on this one and we are incredibly grateful.  Thanks, Andy. 

 

December 4th, 2013 – Year End Wrap Up / Christmas Party

Early details are coming together now, but this will most likely be some sort of heels party and potluck deal.  Spouses and significant others are not only welcomed, but encouraged, as are all of our special guest speakers from throughout the course of the year (and their others as well).  A portion of proceeds will again be directed to charity, though there are also early talks of having the club embrace the Adopt-A-Family deal as well.  Club members will receive additional details closer to the event itself, but please save the date.

Much more to come, friends.

Slainte Mhath! 

– ATW