Calling all whisky lovers, food enthusiasts, and seekers of good vibes! Join us in Guelph this Friday, October 18th, for the inaugural John Sleeman & Sons Festival of Spirits at Spring Mill Distillery—an event you won’t want to miss.
From 3 PM to 11 PM, experience a festival like no other as we celebrate the launch of John Sleeman & Sons’ highly anticipated Single Malt Whisky. By the way… admission is free!
Our Gather in Guelph Events Team will be bringing some fun of their own at the Gather in Guelph booth, where you can play a friendly round of cornhole with your friends for the chance to win some exclusive Gather in Guelph merch, and a booth complete with ample information and insider tips on how to make the most of your time in Guelph. It’s going to be a blast!
What to Expect at the Festival of Spirits:
An Unmissable Whisky Experience
At the heart of the festival is a whisky launch that’s been 14 years in the making. When John Sleeman began his distilling journey, crafting a Single Malt Whisky was his ultimate goal. Now, you’re invited to raise a glass to this historic milestone with a range of John Sleeman & Sons whiskies, each crafted with precision and passion.
Explore the whisky sampling tent, where you can try all five of John Sleeman & Sons whiskies. If you want the full whisky experience, don’t miss the Whisky Masterclass, where you’ll enjoy a guided tasting of the collection, perfectly paired with canapés and more curated by the head chef of Dybosia.
Delicious Drinks and Food
Prepare your taste buds! From Single Malt cocktails to a build-your-own gin and tonic bar, the drink menu has something for everyone. There’s also a boozy snow cone station, plus a selection of craft beer and cider.
Hungry? The festival’s food vendors will be serving up some of the best culinary delights in Guelph, including BBQ-loaded taters, creamy mac and cheese, fresh oysters, and decadent cookies.
Entertainment and Activities
It’s not just about whisky—this festival is packed with entertainment for all ages. Enjoy live music, distillery tours, and fun activities like caricature drawings! Compete with your friends in a friendly round of cornhole at our Gather in Guelph booth to win awesome prizes! Whether you’re coming with family, friends, a significant other, or on one’s, there’s something for everyone.
Make it a Weekend:
Start your weekend in Guelph off with the Festival of Spirits, and enjoy the fun all weekend long. Rest your head at the Delta Guelph Hotel and Conference Centre or Western Hotel and Executive Suites, and enjoy a Farm Fun Weekend in Guelph by heading to Strom’s Farm, Cox Creek Cellars, and Brae Ridge Alpacas, or check out these awesome fall colour vantage points by visiting the stunning sites from our Fall Colours Blog. Alternatively, enjoy the World After Dark Show after the Festival of Spirits at the River Run Centre, and check out our Culinary Weekends in Guelph Guide for the tastiest weekend visit recs. See you here!
