Whisky Focus - The Whisky Show 2009 Hailed As A Great Success

Far exceeding expectations, The Whisky Show 2009 set a new level of excellence in terms of how to present a major tasting event and has firmly succeeded in its aims to reinforce whisky as a premium and desirable product.

With hundreds of whiskies from Scotland, Japan, Ireland, Wales, USA and Europe, the 1000+ visitors were truly spoilt for choice, being able to sample many aged, rare and premium whiskies not usually presented at whisky tasting events.

The magnificent Guildhall in the City of London set the standard for the show with its beautiful and ancient architecture, stained glass windows, high ceilings and ambient light. Whisky producers and distributors filled the Great Hall with an enviable selection of whiskies, many over 30 years old, some over 50 years old and all available for sampling.

Bringing a relatively new dimension to whisky tastings, a number of Scottish food producers came down and presented their cheeses, salmon, haggis and chocolate, each paired with a specific whisky brand. Many of the visitors had never tried drinking whisky with food, and the concept was a big hit over both days of the Show.

To ensure visitors did not go hungry, a two course whisky infused meal was also available, with each dish using a whisky to compliment the flavours. While the alcohol evaporates during the cooking, the addition of the whisky enhances the food and helps to make the whisky themed evening all the more special.

With the dining area taking over one half of the crypts below the main hall, Roddy Hart and his band, played in the West Crypt, allowing the music to permeate the whole lower floor, and giving visitors and exhibitors an opportunity to rest and unwind between tastings.

Perhaps the highlight for a lucky few were the special tutored Masterclass tastings at which visitors were able to sample and compare whiskies from different decades or from distilleries that have long since been silent.

A credit to the organisers, exhibitors and customers, the event has been hailed as a tremendous success, enjoyed by visitors from across the UK and abroad. The good news is they are doing all over again next year. We will let you know the 2010 dates as soon as we get them and they will also be announced on the Whisky Show website. Following the success of this years Show the 2010 Show is anticipated to be a two day sell out event.
 

Whisky Focus