The 6th Live! in Tokyo was held on Sunday February 12th, 2006, again at Tokyo Big Sight, and was the biggest and best Live! yet.

Visit the main Tokyo website at www.whiskylivejapan.com

We are grateful to all of the participating companies plus Scottish Development International and the Commercial Section of the British Embassy for their help and support with this event.

There were nearly 40 booths in the Tasting Area, a full program of 23 Masterclasses, musical entertainment from Scotland's own "Three Tenors" (www.caledonmusic.com), book-signings by Michael Jackson and Dave Broom, plus much more besides.

Doors opened at 10.15am and there was a short Opening Ceremony from 10.30am. The first series of Masterclasses and the main Tasting Room open from 11am.

The final series of classes finish and the Tasting Room close at 7pm. After a showing of video highlights of the day, Caledon will sing to bring the 6th Live! in Tokyo to a close.

The full Masterclass schedule is as follows:

MC1: Glenmorangie& Ardbeg Distilleries. Dr. Bill Lumsden. "The art of whisky-making"
MC2: Talisker Distillery-#1. Charlie McKenzie-Smith. "A journey to the heart of Talisker"
MC3: Glenfiddich Distillery. Ian Miller. "What makes Glenfiddich the world's No.1 single malt"
MC4: Yoichi & Miyagikyo Distilleries. Junichi Sugimoto. "The secret of blending technology"
MC5: Springbank Distillery. Frank McHardy."Wood Expressions" Springbank from no less than 6 different wood types!
MC6: Isle of Jura Distillery. Richard Patterson. "The jewels of Jura" Including a special 1984 cask, bottled for Whisky Live!
MC7: Laphroaig Distillery. Robert Hicks."The king of smoky Islay malts"
MC8: Caol Ila Distillery.#1 Charlie McKenzie-Smith."A journey to the heart of Caol Ila"
MC9: Yamazaki Distillery. Hiroyoshi "Mike" Miyamoto."Suntory Yamazaki Distillery's tradition & innovation"
MC10: Chivas Regal. Colin Scott."Chivas Family Vertical Tasting"
MC11: Isle of Arran Distillers. Euan Mitchell & Gordon Mitchell."Arran- 10 years on" Including the global launch of the new Arran 10yo.
MC12: Scotch Malt Whisky Society. Dr. Bill Lumsden. "Secrets of the Society"
MC13: Talisker Distillery-#2. Charlie McKenzie-Smith."A journey to the heart of Talisker"
MC14: Bowmore Distillery. Ian "Percy" McPherson. "Bowmore's iconic manager describes the uniqueness of Islay's oldest distillery"
MC15: Highland Park Distillery. Tsuchiya Mamoru."Highland Park Special Tasting."
MC16: J. & A.Mitchell. Pete Currie & Frank McHardy. "Campbeltown Malts: A tour of J.&A. Mitchell's 4 single malt brands"Springbank/Longrow/Hazelburn/Kilkerran.
MC17: Duncan Taylor. Euan Shand & Alan Gordon."A Peerless tasting" Including a classic 1960s Bowmore.
MC23: Hakushu Distillery. New! Seichi Koshimizu.
MC18: Lagavulin Distillery. Charlie McKenzie-Smith. "A journey to the heart of Lagavulin"
MC19: Macallan Distillery. Ian Morrison."The 6 Pillars that support Macallan "
MC20: Fuji-Gotemba Distillery. Hideaki Kito."Kirin Whisky: Fuji Sanroku"
MC21: Springbank Distillery. Pete Currie & Frank McHardy."Longrow- a vertical tasting" Including the launch of the new Longrow 100proof.
MC22: Glenrothes Distillery. John Ramsay. "From a malt appreciated by blenders to one chosen by whisky connoisseurs"

First-timers exhibiting at the event include Benriach, the Craigellachie Hotel, Kentucky Distillers, Marshalls Whiskies, the Highlander Inn and Tomatin. There will also be chocolate and cigar companies exhibiting in the Tasting Room.

There was entertainment in the main Tasting Room during the intervals between Masterclasses, MC'ed by Scots-born DJ, Guy Perryman and his Inter-FM colleague, Keiko Onuki ( www.interfm.co.jp/n03_pro/gic.cgi ). This will include performances by Caledon- "The Scottish Tenors" (www.caledonmusic.com) , a talkshow hosted by Dave Broom and a Charity Whisky-Tasting Quiz.

Benugos ( www.benugo.co.jp ) was again be offering a variety of food (including a Scottish Special Set Menu) and coffees that can be enjoyed in the new Caf? Terrace area within the main Tasting Room.

The Whisky Magazine Shop in the foyer area will be offering current and back copies of Whisky Magazine, plus special complimentary copies of its sister publications, "Beers-of-the-World" and "Scotland". There will also be a variety of whisky-related books, goods and CDs on sale. Michael Jackson and Dave Broom will both be signing books at the WM booth during the afternoon; please check your programme for details of timings.

As in previous years, everyone will be required to purchase an Entry Ticket, which gives them full access to the Tasting Room and other communal areas for the duration of the show. All participants will also receive a Live! programme, a complimentary back-copy of Whisky Magazine (Japanese), a Glencairn Blenders' Tasting Glass for use in the Tasting Room and a gift bag to keep all of the various leaflets and goodies that will doubtless be accumulated during the day. Tickets can then also be bought for the individual Masterclasses. Day Ticket packages of Entry & Masterclass Tickets will also again be available.

If you have any questions regarding ticket availability, travel from overseas, etc., please contact David Croll on: enquiries@whiskylivejapan.com