Drinking at The Gentleman’s Expo
George Thorogood said it best with “One bourbon, One scotch, and One beer”. The Gentleman’s Expo went and doubled that by providing the entrants 6 drink samples with the chance to buy more. These samples were used to get samples from any of the brewers, spirits or vineyards exhibiting at the Expo. It provides a chance for people to try something they may not drink on a regular basis or maybe even cannot afford, as there were some unique and higher end spirits available for sampling.
Canadian Club provided the patrons with samples of their whiskey but also showed a unique twist by setting up a leather chair and taking people’s picture in the chair. This picture was then modified digitally and generated into a membership card for the Gentleman’s club much the same as their newest spokesman. Another spirit worth mentioning was Highlands Scotch. Featuring their oak infused scotch whiskey aged 18yrs; it was a lovely single malt worth trying.
If the spirits aren’t your thing and you’re more of a beer guy then there was plenty of that too. From Budweiser Crown sampling their new flavour with roasted hops, to Stella Artois giving samples and glasses to promote a limited edition Swarovski Crystal glass there were a lot of empty kegs at the end. Hats go off the Krombacher beer however, who provided a fun atmosphere with fantastic personal service. They were down to earth people with a great product to boot.
Special mention goes to Lake of Bays brewery however who created a beer entitled “Top Shelf”. This beer is being promoted with the NHL Allumni and proceeds from each tallboy can sold will go helping those NHL players who played in the ‘70’s and ‘80’s under poor contracts that are now struggling both financially and physically.
While drinking was promoted, it wasn’t abused and those in attendance were responsible, reliable, and rewarded with promotions from the vendors. For a drinking fan, this was the place to be.
Michael Chantler
Follow Mike on Twitter @mchantler
