The grandeur of Glasgow bathed in the most glorious sunshine was the backdrop for this year’s Whisky Live event.

The world’s premier whisky tasting show, held in George Square, was packed enthusiasts eager to sample the latest and greatest offerings from a wealth of distillers and whisky companies.

More than 2,700 visitors got the chance to taste the finest drams on the market, including a sample of the entrants from Whisky Magazine’s ‘Independent Bottler’s Challenge’

Several companies released new expressions at the show, giving the malt lover an opportunity to try the latest bottlings before they hit the shelves.

These included Glenfiddich’s Toasted Oak Reserve, Old Pulteney’s 15 year old and Benromach Tokaji wood.

These new releases were put through their paces by Whisky star and renowned author, Dave Broom and French Whisky Magazine editor Martine Nouet in a series of live tastings. The stage was turned into a cocktail bar as top international barmen from LA Bartenders created some refreshing and sophisticated whisky cocktails using the innovative AnCnoc and Dewar’s shaken-up into delicious tipples. The increasing growth in blended whisky cocktails was reflected with the crowd’s appreciation of the mixologists’ art.

The spectacular live coopering displays from Glenfiddich were not to be missed as the strong cooper men handled the hammering of the huge, beast like barrels with such admirable precision.

The producer’s magnificent two tonne still dominated one end of the marquee, and the Glenfiddich team was on hand to answer questions about this copper monster.

This year’s tutored tastings had plenty to challenge the enthusiast and entice the new comer in to exploring the whisky world further. The first day of classes offered a look at the history behind Old Pulteney, what goes into making Highland Park 18 year old the ‘best spirit in the world’, and the chance to sample some of the rare vintage expressions from Glen Grant. Saturday’s classes kicked off following Dave Broom with a walk through the woods, looking at the effect of different oaks on whisky.

There was also the opportunity to catch the flamboyant and passionate Richard Paterson talk about some of the rarest whiskies from Whyte and Mackay, followed by the equally effervescent Ronnie Cox enthusing about the delights of The Glenrothes range and its wood policy.

To finish off the masterclasses Graham Eunson, distillery manager at Glenmorangie, helped people create their own perfect dram with a selection of special cask drawn samples

For the first time Isle of Arran Brewery were at the show to hand out samples of its cracking beers, another great Scottish export and a wonderful accompaniment to a dram. Another addition to the show was Cherizena coffee, whose wonderful aromas wafted through the event.

A great selection of food was also on offer to stave off the hunger pangs, including locally caught seafood, well hung and tender Aberdeen Angus burgers and a selection of the best Scottish porridge.

Preparations are already underway for next year’s event, which promises to raise the bar yet again and bring the greatest celebration of whisky in the world back to Scotland.

Coming Soon

Photographs of the show