Whisky Tasting Fundraiser

Our signature annual Whisky Tasting Fundraiser returns to the Diefenbunker again this year on Saturday, November 16, 2024. Descend into history and join us 75 feet underground for an evening of tasteful pairings: themed whisky samples and light fare to cleanse the palate.

Savour unique flavours and a slice of the past, while contributing to our preservation of Canada’s most significant Cold War artifact and an important platform to share lessons from a critical period of recent world history.

Creative whisky selections, inspired by the decades of the Cold War, are thoughtfully prepared by the local Savvy Company and will be introduced by their sommelier. Delectable paired dishes are provided by The Swan at Carp. Experience the immersive historic spaces of the Diefenbunker while perusing a silent auction featuring items from local businesses and while taking pictures in a retro photo booth.

Tickets
Individual: $150.00
> Four whisky and food pairings
> Access to full cash bar
> $90 tax receipt

Designated driver: $90.00
> Four food plates
> Two drink tickets for non-alcoholic beverages
> Access to non-alcoholic beverages at the cash bar
> $45 tax receipt

Full table: $1,080.00
> Seating for 8
> Four whisky and food pairings per person
> Access to full cash bar
> $630 tax receipt
*A limited number of full tables are available.

Event Details
6:30 p.m. Doors open and guests can explore the museum.
6:45 p.m. Seating begins in the historic Cafeteria space, and the cash bar opens.
7:00 p.m. Formal event begins, with sommelier-led whisky and food pairings being served.
9:00 p.m. Serving ends. Silent auction remains open.
9:30 p.m. Event ends.

Tickets must be purchased in advance.

>> RESERVE YOUR TICKETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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What cause am I supporting?

A portion of your ticket for this fundraising event is a donation to the Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum. Ticket purchasers will be issued a tax receipt after the event for this donation — $90 for individual tickets, $45 for designated driver tickets, and $630 for full table tickets.

As a one-of-a-kind museum, national historic site, and independent charitable organization, the Diefenbunker is a remarkable immersive history destination, telling stories of national and international importance. The four-storey underground facility operated as the country’s central communications headquarters during the Cold War, ready at any moment in case of a nuclear attack. It is now Canada’s most significant surviving Cold War artifact, offering an important platform to spark meaningful conversations in response to our changing world.

With your help, we can preserve this important window into the past and continue to share lessons for present and future generations to strive to build a more peaceful future. Your support through our signature fundraising event will contribute to our preservation and conservation efforts, along with our ability to offer high-quality exhibitions and educational programs to visitors year-round.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Whisky selections

Whisky selections are inspired by the decades of the Cold War. Guests will be served 0.5 oz of each whisky. Tasting order and selections are subject to change.

> Bowmore Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Scotland, best-selling whisky of the 1960s (bold, smokey)
> Tamdhu Speyside Single Malt, Scotland, had its heyday in 1970 (dried fruit, ripe red apple)
> Jefferson’s Bourbon, United States, founded in 1997 (medium-bodied, sweet)
> Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt Scotch Whisky, Scotland, first blended in 2003 (vanilla, marmalade, crème brulée aromas)

Food pairings include dishes with pulled pork, grilled salmon, roasted potatoes, a chocolate dessert, and other tasty bites.

Silent auction

Alongside unique prizes from the Diefenbunker including a museum membership and private tour of the Machine Room, we are pleased to feature incredible offers from local businesses in the event’s silent auction. Thank you to:

> Brookstreet Hotel
> Ottawa REDBLACKS
> Escape Manor
> The Merry Dairy
> Maverick’s Donut Company
> House of TARG
> Black Squirrel Books & Espresso
> Equator Coffee Roasters
> Mayfair Theatre
> Lost Baggage Musical Theatre
> Algonquin Commons Theatre
> Carleton Musical Theatre Society

Take home a piece of history

As a featured item in the event’s silent auction, we are offering you an exclusive opportunity to have your very own piece of Cold War history: a vintage Eames-style chair.

Seen throughout the Diefenbunker, these iconic chairs were originally designed by Americans Charles and Ray Eames in the 1950s as a staple piece of furniture that was practical yet fashionable, sturdy yet light, and that could be mass-produced. Since the original fibreglass design, the Eames brothers have produced several different models and styles of chairs that can still be found in homes and offices around the world.

While the chairs in the silent auction are not artifacts of the bunker, they do represent an aspect of North American culture during Cold War era and give us a glimpse into what life was like at the time. By taking home one of these stylish pieces from the Diefenbunker’s storage, you are supporting our ability to continue stewarding the expansion of our collections and our preservation efforts.

 

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THANK YOU TO OUR EVENT SUPPORTERS

RADIUM LEVEL SPONSORS

 

SOMMELIER AND WHISKY SELECTIONS

 

FOOD CURATION

NEPTUNIUM LEVEL SPONSORS

 

 

 

 

Interested in sponsoring this event? See the opportunities here.