The current resurgence in whisky was reflected in London recently, when the capital staged one of Britain’s biggest ever whisky tasting event.

More than 2,000 people passed through the doors at Whisky Live at London Victoria’s Horticultural Halls to experience everything the whisky world had to offer.

The attendance figure marked an increase for the event, which is now in its eighth year.

Whisky Live has always attracted a large number of whisky connoisseurs,many from across Europe, but the Friday evening ticket encouraged the merely curious to attend the show for the first time.

A series of specialist seminars had been organised over both days to help visitors understand the many facets of whisky from across the world.

Kicking off the masterclasses on Friday was Diageo looking at the science of smoke.

Then Whisky Magazine writer Martine Nouet took attendees on a trip round the still including Cognac,Calvados and rum.

The final two classes of the day were taken by Whisky Magazine’s Distiller of the Year Inver House.

Devotees got the chance to taste the full range this award winning distiller has on offer.

Starting the Saturday sessions of indepth seminars was Glenmorangie’s Dr Bill Lumsden, who took people through the new sensual world of Glenmorangie’s whiskies.

Meanwhile Whisky Magazine Editor Rob Allanson stood in for Dave Broom and took drinkers on a journey to the Far East and the joys of Japanese whisky.

Ardbeg took to the masterclass stage in the afternoon with brand ambassador Hamish Torrie and Dr Bill leading people down the interesting path to maturity.

Diageo was then back for the penultimate class,displaying its Special Release range for this year.

Rounding off the classes Inver House was back, this time ensuring drinkers did not anCnoc it until they had tried it.

More than 35 companies from around the world, including Sweden, India, Japan and America as well as Scotland,were represented at the show.

Several independent bottlers, including Gordon & MacPhail.

Douglas Laing and Duncan Taylor, were on hand to offer drinkers something different from their favourite distillers.The companies had some impressive and rare whiskies on show as well.

The LA Bartenders wowed the crowds with their gravity defying bottle spinning displays,mixing some of the finest whisky cocktails available in the capital that weekend.

The cocktail bar reflected the current interest among fashionconscious barmen to work with whisky and bourbon.

Taking to the main stage each day,Whyte and Mackay’s master blender Richard Paterson put unsuspecting members of the crowd through their paces to create their own blend to meet his exacting standards.

Also Four Roses master distiller Jim Rutledge and Richard went head to head in the great malt debate, discussing the virtues of bourbon and Scotch, and answering questions from the assembled throng.

Food stalls, music and debate also contributed to the overall show experience.

So get ready for next year!

MASTERCLASSES

Classic Malts - Smoke!
A phenologist's guide to the science art and mystery of smoke, one of the most powerful flavours in the world of single malt whiskies, led by experts in the fields of malting and distilling With tastings of peated and unpeated Caol Ila, Lagavulin, Talisker, Port Ellen 28 year old and Brora 30 year old.

Whisky Magazine - The Kindred Spirits Gathering
Come and join whisky writer Martine Nouet for a trip round the still. Enjoy a comparative (and blind) tasting of five kindred spirits - a Single Malt, an Armagnac, a Cognac, a Calvados and a Rum. Spot the differences... and the similarities. Single Malt, an Armagnac, a Cognac, a Calvados and a Rum.

Inver House – Old Pulteney
Born in the remote and rugged north-east coast during the phenomenal ‘herring boom’ nearly 200 years ago, discover how Old Pulteney captures the essence of a unique place and it’s people.

Inver House – Balblair
Devoted to detail… it’s this very devotion to detail that sets Balblair Highland Single Malt apart. At our distillery by the shores of the Dornoch Firth, it’s in everything we do. It’s in the love that’s lavished on our exquisite design and presentation. And of course, it’s in the meticulous care that goes into our selection of award-winning vintages.

Explore the new world of Glenmorangie
Dr. Bill Lumsden will be revealing the new range of Glenmorangie whiskies in an exclusive, unique sensory tasting never seen before. The complex flavours of The Original, Lasanta, Quinta Ruban and Nectar D'Or can be truly savoured. A truly exciting showcase for Glenmorangie lovers.

Ardbeg: The Peaty Path to Maturity
A unique opportunity to discover the unorthodox world of Ardbeg and experience a tasting given by Dr Bill Lumsden, Head of Distilling & Whisky Creation at Glenmorangie and Ardbeg and the man behind the brand himself, Hamish Torrie, Global Brand Director.

Classic Malts (Diageo) - Special Releases 2007/2008
An exclusive opportunity to taste a selection of rare and old natural cask strength whiskies including the most recent 12 year old Lagavulin, a very unusual 20 year old Glenkinchie, matured for ten years in brandy casks, a powerful 25 year old Rosebank, a 25 and 30 year old Talisker, a magnificent 36 year old Glenury Royal

Whisky Magazine - Rising Sons
The whiskies of Japan have been building a cult following in recent years. Now, with more available than ever before, Dave Broom takes you on a guided tour through the country's malts. History, culture, whisky- making and the Japanese approach to flavour. All will be revealed.

Inver House – AnCnoc
Eccentric, modern, individual and that’s only the whisky Don’t anCnoc it until you try it. anCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a boutique brand delivering a niche position within the single malt category. At the anCnoc masterclass we will offer you a unique whisky experience, beginning with the traditional and concluding with the individual.

EXHIBITORS

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Karuizawa 1992 15 Years Old

Limited edition
bottling of 308 bottles.

Karuizawa 1992 - 15 Years Old. Distilled 1992 - Bottled 2007. 60.6% ABV