200+ spirits ready to sip: everything you need to know about The Canberra Spirits Festival

Posted on 25 October, 2024

Need another reason to be excited for the silly season? At the end of November, a massive Spirits Festival is taking over the University of Canberra.

Running across two days from Friday 29 to Saturday 30 November, The Canberra Spirits Festival will be filling the UC Refectory with over 40 popular spirit distillers, making it a must-attend event for anyone who loves exploring the flavour profiles and aromas of premium spirits (or who just loves a good drink).

Hosted by Gin Events, thanks to The Australian Gin Distillers Association Inc, the event is all about giving people the opportunity to try some amazing local and international tipples to find something you enjoy while learning about the best way to appreciate the spirit.

And with plenty of unique drops on offer (like the Black Geisha Coffee Liqueur, which sounds like the luxurious pick-me-up you need), you’ll be sure to find the tipple for you.

The perfect way to farewell spring and kick off summer, here’s everything you need – and want – to know about The Canberra Spirits Festival.

What is it?

In a sentence? Two days dedicated to Australian and imported spirits. But for those who appreciate a well-crafted drink, it’s so much more.

Held at the University of Canberra, The Canberra Spirits Festival is offering attendees the opportunity to tickle their tastebuds with the best of the best from 40 distillers – which means there will be over 200 spirits on show.

From whisky to bourbon, gin, tequila, and rum, in your three-hour tasting session, you’ll treat your tastebuds to a curated variety of spirits, as well as some delicious food. And that’s just the beginning.  For those interested in learning more about their favourite spirit, private classes from the International Spirits Academy are also available. Read on to find out more…

When is it happening?

Taking place on Friday 29 and Saturday 30 November, you can book yourself into one of three sessions to make the most of the event.

On Friday 29 November, from 5.30 pm until 8.30 pm night owls can spend the evening tasting their way through the distillers or on Saturday 30 November, 12 pm – 3 pm and 4 pm – 7 pm sessions are available for those who want a fun way to fill the day.

How much does it cost to attend?

On sale now, there’s a variety of ticket options depending on your budget and what you’d like to get out of the festival.

For the basic three-hour tasting, tickets are $70 but for extra keen beans, there’s a JUMP the Q opportunity for express entry for your chosen session priced at $110.

Know that you want to go but can’t lock in a day or time? Choose the PREMIUM ANY SESSION ticket – for $110 the tickets are valid for the session of your choice over the festival dates (including sold-out sessions). But with only 50 tickets available, you’ll need to be quick to get your hands on one.

Interested in attending the previously mentioned masterclass? Priced at $110 per ticket (which includes the three-hour tasting session), there’s some serious bang for your buck if you’d like to book one of these.

And for anyone planning on attending with a friend, you can’t miss the TWO TICKET BUNDLE. Available for the Friday session only, at $110 (that’s $55 per person), you’ll each save $15. We’ll raise a glass to that.

Just a little note: you can try as many of the samples from the distillers as you’d like (it’s all included in your ticket price) but it is recommended that you pace yourself a little. It’s up to you how you spend the day!

What’s happening?

Along with the chance to try everything from Prohibition Liqueur’s Christmas Gin (just in time for December) to Callington Mill Distillery’s range of award-winning Tasmanian Whisky, The Canberra Spirits Festival also offers the unique opportunity to meet the makers as you sip and savour their wares. Talking you through everything you want to know – from the best pairings to the history behind the brand – it’s a rare insight into the industry.

Looking for even more? On Friday 29 November, whisky lovers can book into a private class from the International Spirits Academy to learn about the spirit from Zac Stanely of Alba Whisky. You’ll delve into the world of whisky (including secrets behind its production and unique flavour profiles) taste a curated selection of samples paired with some delicious food and find your perfect dram.

Prefer vodka or gin? On Saturday 30 November join Head Distiller Brendon Mitchell for the Shaken and Stirred masterclass as he guides you through a martini tasting. Answering the age-old question ‘shaken or stirred?’, you’ll discover the story behind White Light Vodka and Triple G Gin as you learn a thing or two about crafting the perfect martini. From elevating the classic recipe to pushing the boundaries of creativity with a ‘from scratch’ Lychee Martini using White Light Vodka, Triple G Gin, and White Light 47%, this masterclass is for both the novice and the connoisseur.

And for those looking to treat their tastebuds to the tropics, you can’t go past the Caribbean Rum masterclass on Saturday 30 November. Mauro Ribeiro will guide you through the fascinating world of Caribbean rum, from sun-drenched sugarcane fields to the secrets of barrel-aging. You’ll learn how to identify distinct flavour profiles, discover the secrets of crafting delicious rum cocktails, and uncover the diverse styles and origins of the spirit.

Cheers to that!

Oh, and one more thing to look out for: Hugo Vodka will be giving out a caviar bump and branded calico bag with every purchase. Run, don’t walk.

Will there be food?

But of course. The food court will be serving a wide range of delicious hot and cold food throughout all of the sessions.

From toasties to salads, Hot Box Mains (including Butter Chicken on Friday and Thai Green Chicken Curry on Saturday), classic burgers, fish and chips, nachos, pizzas, and sweet treats (hello donuts and eclairs), trust us when we say that there’s something for every kind of craving. And yes, there will even be gluten-free options, so no one will miss out.

What else do I need to know?

Along with your tasting session, as part of your ticket you’ll also receive a free branded tasting glass and tote bag. Water, tonic, and soda will be available during every tasting session (so you can mix your sample or have it neat), and everything you taste on the day will also be available to purchase!

Other ‘need-to-knows’? All attendees need to be 18 years or older (we don’t think we need to explain why) and card is preferred for purchases at the event.

All in all? The Canberra Spirits Festival promises a fun, unique, and social experience for those looking for something a little different to do this silly season. See you there?

Images supplied.