Whisky lovers will be able to savour seven award-winning whisky samples paired with hors d'oeuvres and learn about the role alcohol played in the life of Fort George soldiers in the 19th century at the annual whisky tasting event.
Taking place at the historic Navy Hall on Friday, Feb. 21, the event will start at 7 p.m. It is hosted by the Friends of Fort George in partnership with Parks Canada and Forty Creek Distilleries.
Tickets cost $45 per person and include food and seven different Forty Creek whisky samples.
“During the early 1800s, soldiers rations included rum, and for the officers of that time, the Officers’ dinner would have included wine to be served with dinner. There were strict rules around the Officers’ dinner and fines for not following those rules were paid in bottles of wine,” said Amanda Gamble, executive director for the Friends of Fort George.
“For us, the whisky tasting event brings this aspect of early 19th venture to life. It allows people to try different whiskys in a social atmosphere (like the officers’ dinners) while taking place in Navy Hall, where the dinners were held. Alcohol continued to play an important role within the army throughout the first and Second World War.”
Chris Thompson, Forty Creek North American brand ambassador, will host the evening.
“Chris Thompson is great at presenting this history of the different whiskies and we have some great food lined up for the event as well. Navy Hall is the perfect place to host this event- we will have the fire on, creating a cozy atmosphere,” Gamble said in an email response.
The money raised will help to hire students for the summer at Fort George and Brock’s Monument.
“In 2019, the Friends of Fort George hired 14 students. We are hoping to continue supporting Niagara’s youth with meaningful summer employment, and events like this allow us to raise much-needed funds to cover wages,” Tony Chisholm, president of the Friends of Fort George, said in a statement.
Tickets can be purchased by calling 905-468-6621 or emailing admin@friendsoffortgeorge.ca.
With files from Brittany Carter.
