Whisky Live London breaks all records. More than 2,000 people attended Whisky Live London over the weekend, making the two day show the biggest of its type ever held in the country.

Both the Friday and Saturday attendances exceeded expectations, reflecting the current general interest in whisky from across the world. And the truly international flavour of the event was reflected in the fact that among the exhibitors were representatives of whisky from Sweden, India, Japan, America and Wales as well as from Scotland.

There was also an eclectic mix of visitors to the show, too, with a high proportion from across Europe and from as far away as Australia and Canada.

Whisky Live was held in the Horticultural Halls in Victoria once more, but after selling out in the two previous years the event was moved to a bigger hall. In addition to the usual mix of tasting stalls and specialist seminars there were 'interactive' areas where visitors were able to watch demonstrations of barrel making or to try their hands at indoor golf.

Of particular success was the new 'evening only' ticket which allowed people to attend for the final three hours of Friday evening. More than 400 people took advantage of the ticket.

"The advantage of the cheaper evening ticket was that people with just a passing interest in whisky could come and see what it is all about without spending a fortune," said show organiser Rebecca Laurance. "And it meant that people working in the capital during the day could come to the show afterwards."

More than 35 exhibitors took part in the show, many of them unveiling whiskies that had never been tried before. Among them was a special 40 year old whisky from William Grant & Sons. It had been distilled and put in to casks in 1966 - the year England won the World Cup - and was brought to the show by the Scottish company as a gesture of goodwill to England as the summer World Cup approaches.

Masterclasses

Classic Malts Special Releases 05/06 Presented by Jim Beveridge and Kenny Gray.
A nosing and tasting of a selection of natural cask strength limited edition bottlings from the latest Classic Malts Special Releases from Diageo, all but two from long closed distilleries, led by Oban Distillery manager Kenny Gray and whisky

Chivas Brothers - An Inspired Tasting of The Glenlivet
No other whisky has played such an important role in inspiring single malt as The Glenlivet. Its famous, fruity taste took the character of the original illicit sma' still whisky from Glenlivet and created the style that epitomises Speyside - by far the most famous and popular of all the whisky regions in Scotland. In this tasting, all ages of The Glenlivet will be revealed from its incredibly fragrant new make to the much admired maturity of several Cellar Collection releases.

Mackmyra Swedish Whisky
Introducing the first Swedish single malt bottling ever, Angela Forsgren D'Orazio from Mackmyra will present Preludium:01 for the first time to an international audience. Discussing the aspect of whisky making in such a northerly latitude in a unique tasting with rare samples of Mackmyras cave matured whisky from Sweden.

Highland Park - Gerry Tosh, Brand Ambassador
We are delighted to offer you the opportunity to attend the Highland Park Masterclass, to learn what makes our 18 year old whisky "The best spirit in the world"*. Guests will also be able to sample other expressions from our award winning range, including the new 30 year old and our latest single cask release.
* F Paul Pacult, Spirit Journal, June 2005

Glenfiddich Vintages from 30 to 50 years old
Join Chief Brand Ambassador, Ian Miller, for this extraordinary Glenfiddich tasting. You will discover 5 single casks which have yet to be bottled (1955, 1958, 1966, 1973 and 1976) and a 30-year-old which has come straight out of a Marrying Tun!

Whyte & Mackay - Wood seduction of aged malts
Presented by Master Blender, Richard Paterson. This Masterclass will be a unique experience to evaluate the influence of different styles of casks, seduced by Madeira, Cabernet Sauvignon, Limousin Oak & Palomino Fino. An orgasmic tasting not to be missed.

Making sense of whisky
Whisky Magazine Editor Dominic Roskrow explains some of whisky's mysteries: what do independent bottlers do, where do supermarkets get their whisky from, why is Scotch different to Irish or American whiskey, what do whisky labels tell us etc? Plus a chance to sample a selection of Dominic's favourite whisky and to ask him questions.

Old Pultney - Spirited History
Demonstrating how history impacts on whisky – the history of the distillery as the heart of the community and the role that this plays in the production of single malt and how, ultimately, this impacts on the character of the spirit. Presented by Old Pulteney’s distillery manager.

Glenmorangie - the finishing touches
Create your own perfect Ten Year Old with Graham Eunson, Distillery Manager, and investigate the finishing touches.

The Japanese Experience - Yamazaki Whisky
Japanese Whisky has made a tremendous impact on the world stage, with Yamazaki leading the way. Discover the unique production process and sample 6 Yamazaki malts in different age statements, including 3 exceptionally rare single cask expressions never tasted before in the UK. Join Dr. Inatomi, former chief blender of Suntory and Colin Dunn of Morrison Bowmore Distillers for what promises to be a unique tasting!

Classic Malts Talisker Vertical Nosing & Tasting
Presented by Charlie Smith and Douglas Murray. A vertical tasting of the complete selection of currently available Talisker bottlings led by distillery manager Charlie Smith and distilling expert Douglas Murray. Beginning with Talisker new make spirit work your way through the multi-award winning Talisker 10 year old, the recently released 18 year old, the Amoroso cask-wood finished Distillers edition, the 175th Anniversary Bottling and the most recent release of Talisker 25 year old.

A Walk in the Woods
We know that oak is important in whisky ... but how does it contribute to the flavour of the final dram? Dave Broom renowned whisky writer, leads you into the woods where you'll discover what happens when different species of oak come in contact with whisky. You may be surprised!

From blender's favourite to connoisseur's delight
Ronnie Cox, The Glenrothes Ambassador and John Sutherland, The Glenrothes distillery manager, team up to tell the Glenrothes story and what they are currently developing for the increasing numbers of appreciative connoisseurs.

Whisky & Chocolate
Whisky and chocolate… a fascinating matching pair presented by another matching pair; Whisky Magazine journalist Martine Nouet and chocolate designer Michel Richart, had fun marrying four whiskies with some of the «Luxuriance» exclusive chocolates, from seven aromatic families. They also found interesting divorces!

Glenfiddich Vintages from 30 to 50 years old
Join Chief Brand Ambassador, Ian Miller, for this extraordinary Glenfiddich tasting. You will discover 5 single casks which have yet to be bottled (1955, 1958, 1966, 1973 and 1976) and a 30-year-old which has come straight out of a Marrying Tun!

Exhibitors

Photographs

• View our selection of photographs from the event here.

Where to stay.

• We would like to say a big thank you to the City Inn, Westminster for the excellent hospitality they provided exhibitors and visitors to the show.

City Inn Westminster
30 John Islip Street. London. SW1P 4DD.
+44 (0)20 7630 1000

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