Whisky came home to Scotland with a vengeance at the weekend when Glasgow played host to a triumphant two day celebration of the national drink.

Whisky Live Glasgow, staged by Whisky Magazine, exceeded all expectations and now looks set to become an annual fixture, joining Whisky Live events already being staged in tokyo, London, Paris, Cape Town and Johannesbourg.

The event, held in George Square, combined whisky tastings with seminars and classes for whisky aficianados. And to introduce new drinkers to the spirit of Scotland, an interactive 'novice's' tent staged demonstrations of the art of coopering and cask maintenance.

Live acts such as excellent young Glaswegian rock band Episode and whisky songsmith Robin Laing gave the whole event a party feel and regular competitions on the main stage guaranteed a lively atmosphere throughout.

Commenting on the success of the event Whiskly Magazine Editor Dominic Roskrow said that everybody involved with Whisky Live Glasgow felt immensely proud of it.

"It takes a certain degree of guts and arrogance to stage an event about whisky in Scotland," he said. "But the truth of the matter is that the country needs this sort of event and its success proves that it was the right thing to do.

"Glasgow was the perfect city to hold the event in and we were given wonderful support by the council, the local tourist authorities and the distillers themselves. We are just pleased that two great days made the whole exercise worthwhile. We intend to be back next year - bigger and better."

Whisky Live
Whisky Live gives visitors the unique opportunity to sample the greatest Scotch whiskies in the world, whilst mingling with the producers and distillers, marketers and visitor centre staff, all under one roof. In addition to learning about the world of whisky, visitors have the opportunity to sample rare and sought after whiskies and meet the stars of the industry.

Whisky Experience
The Whisky Experience is the education and entertainment zone, filled with themed areas introducing the history of whisky, food demonstration, the tasting tunnel, discovering Scotland’s whisky areas, the mobile distillery experience and much, much more. With a dram always on hand the Whisky Experience seeks to educate and entertain the novice or someone who just wants to learn a little more about Scotland’s greatest export.

Masterclasses
The Whisky Live Masterclasses offer a unique insight into the world of whisky and are tutored by master distillers and other leading whisky experts. Held within easy walking distance of George Square, tickets are on sale from 17th July priced at £11 per person.

With live music, on site retailing and food from Scotland, Whisky Live Glasgow looks to bring the world of whisky to life for visitors from throughout Scotland, the UK and rest of the world. Many will seek to extend their visit to the show by visiting the whisky regions and exploring the distilleries within easy reach of Glasgow.

Public entry to both sections is by ticket only and projected visitor numbers are in the region of 4,000 over the two days.

If you have any questions about the
Whisky Live event please 'Ask Us'

Who was there
Aberlour, Ardbeg, Arran, Auchentoshan, Ballantine’s, Balvenie, Ben Nevis, Benromach, Blackwood, Bowmore, Chivas Regal, Cutty Sark, Dewar’s, Douglas Laing Old Malt Casks, Duncan Taylor & Co., Glen Garioch, Glen Moray, Glendronach, Glenfiddich, Glengoyne, Glenmorangie, Glenrothes, Gordon & MacPhail Rare Old Malts, Hart Brothers Finest Collection, Isle of Jura, Laphroaig, Old Pulteney, Scapa, Six Isles, Springbank, Stronachie, The Dalmore, The Glenlivet, Whyte and Mackay .... and more

Your Feedback

Jennifer Macrae, Inverness (left)
Inside the marquee’s it feels like you could be anywhere, but as soon as you go outside you’re reminded that you’re actually in the centre of Glasgow. There’s a real festival feel to it. You get to try all the whiskies you wouldn’t normally try. Everyone seems to be having a really good time.

Fiona Ormiston, Inverness (middle)
I’m having a wonderful time. Because I love happy people, and I haven’t seen one unhappy person here.

Humphrey, Inverness (right)
Woooof.

Gordon Allen, Cumbernauld (left)
Great experience. And well worth the money.

Ian Macallum, Cumbernauld (middle)
I thought it was superb. More events like this should be held throughout Scotland.

David Winship, Cumbernauld (right)
It has been an adventure for the tongue. Enlightening.

Iain Jamieson, Edinburgh (left)
I thought it was fantastic. I’m here to learn more about whisky and it’s been very educational. Also really good fun entertainment-wise, there’s lots of music and lots of very knowledgeable people around to answer your questions.

Mackenzie Baird, Northampton (right)
I thought it was excellent. The thing that impressed me the most was that people here are so friendly. Any questions you had they are more than happy to answer. Really happy with it.

Jan Beek, Hollland (left)
People from Glasgow are so friendly. And it is great to see so many different brands coming together.

Robin Brilleman, Holland (right)
We are from a Dutch whisky magazine. The festival is so much fun, Whisky Live should come to Holland.

Chris McWilliams, Dunbarton (left)
It has been an excellent day. It was a great to meet people of all ages and enjoy whisky together.

Allan Keogh, Glasgow (right)
I thought it was excellent. It was a really good opportunity to try a lot of different whiskies of all different ages. A very worthwhile experience, I would say.

Dr. Jonathan McCormick, Dundee (left)
Jeanna Wright, Dundee (right)
We’ve had a superb afternoon. We’ve been round all the stands in the Whisky Live experience and we’ve seen some really innovative creations. We’ve sampled a 36 year old Jura from under the coat of the distillery manager there which was superb. We’ve tried a 21 year old Glenlivet which was exceptional, really really smooth, and we’ve been through all the Macallan fine oaks they were willing to offer us. We’ve met some nice people from the industry and really had a superb afternoon.

Senga Mclaughlin, Glasgow (left)
Brilliant time everybody’s been really helpful. They’ve told us want we know about the drinks, they’ve been advising us in every way. They’ve been really nice. Thank you.

Carolyne Murdoch, Glasgow (middle) (Radio Clyde ticket winner)
We’re having a great afternoon thanks to Radio Clyde 2. I’m not a whisky drinker but these concoctions are wonderful.

Alexander Murdoch, Glasgow (right)
I think it’s fantastic I think you should hold one every day.

Coming Soon

Photographs of the show