Whisky is definitely a bullish market in France as Paris Whisky Live could testify. The venue, the distinguished Palais Brongniart, former Paris stock exchange, had never dealt with so many liquid assets.

More than 50 exhibitors including 44 distilleries entertained 2,300 visitors for two days. Edradour distillery even delayed its come back into production after its silent season to be there. Andrew Symington and Iain Henderson appeared in overalls! Tasting all new releases would have been an impossible challenge. More than 200 whiskies were displayed at the stands.

Finishes prove to be trendy and successful. Among them, the puzzling Bruichladdich Flirtation finished in a mourvèdre cask, an Arran Port Finish, an Edradour Tokaij finish, Penderyn, the young Welsh single malt finished in madeira casks.

French whisky was there too. Eddu, a buckwheat single malt from Distillerie des Menhirs, atttracted a number of tasters. So did the unusual peated Benriach 1975 bottled by Signatory Vintage Co.

Visitors could even taste exotic spirits. Savanna distillery from La Réunion, had an interesting range of white and dark rums.

The usual suspects were there but they had youngsters with them. Julian Van Winkle came with his son, Jim McEwan had his daughter working with him, George Grant Junior represented Glenfarclas… the rising generation is up and running.

The present-day one is keeping well too. Jimmy Russell from Wild Turkey was in great shape, proud to celebrate his 50th year in the industry.

Awide range of masterclasses proved to be a great success.

Nikka proposed a vertical tasting of single malts Yoichi and Sendai. Auchentoshan launched its precious 1962 vintage. Alan Winchester from Aberlour, Calum Egan from Bushmills, Jim McEwan from Bruichladdich, Bill Lumsden from Glenmorangie and other great speakers
shared their knowledge and passion with the audience.

An entertaining class paired whisky and chocolate. Hosted by Whisky Magazine contributor Martine Nouet and chocolatemaker Michel Richart, it featured a rich display of combinations – Talisker with a cardamom flavoured chocolate was a hit.

All together, a superb vintage for the first edition of Whisky Live in Paris. Looking forward to next year’s.

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