INTRODUCTION
 Scotland’s greatest whisky celebration.
Scotland’s greatest whisky tasting event of the year, Whisky Live Glasgow, comes back to Glasgow in 2009 with a new date and a new venue. Bringing all the best whiskies of the world together in one place, with expert advice, Masterclasses, live entertainment and food, Whisky Live Glasgow is an unforgettable day out.
After many requests for a more central venue we have found a location with room to house all the whiskies and all the visitors. The Thistle Hotel in Cambridge is just 2 minutes from Queen Street station, and within the heart of the bustling city
And not only do we have a new venue, but also a new date, Saturday 12th September and the whole show runs over one day rather than two with two sessions, one from 12 to 4 and the second from 5 to 9. And in 2009 Whisky Live Glasgow is the grand finale of Whisky Week, a week long celebration throughout Scotland (find out more about Whisky Week), with the Glasgow Whisky Week dinner on Friday 11th September, the eve of Whisky Live Glasgow.
To help you enjoy the enticing whisky delights on offer we have two sessions during the day, both lasting 4 hours. Your ticket entitles you to entry as well as sample vouchers, complimentary food, your tasting glass and show guide.
Whisky Live Glasgow will be held in the Grand Ballroom, Scotland’s largest ballroom, providing a luxurious and impressive venue for the greatest whisky experience of the year. The Thistle Hotel is conveniently situated in the heart of Glasgow's shopping, entertainment and business centre, and with 300 guest bedrooms makes the show even more convenient for visitors who want to stay over.
Tastings
Whisky Live gives you the unique opportunity to sample the great whiskies, whilst mingling with the producers, independent bottlers and brand ambassadors 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.
Experiences
The Whisky Experiences are the education and entertainment zones, providing extra sensory experiences. They seek to educate and entertain those that want to learn a little more about the diversity of Scotland’s greatest export.
The food and whisky combinations are the way to enjoy one leading whisky matched with cheese, chocolate or smoked meat.
Other features
Whisky Live stage: live distiller debates, entertainment, blending competitions, Scotland’s cocktail champions and much more bring the Whisky Live stage to life throughout the day.
Beer Experience: sample a selection of Scotland’s greatest beers. After all, they’re still made from malt, why not cross the flavour divide.
Coopering: a highly skilled cooper will break and make a cask throughout the show.
PLUS – you can buy your favourite whiskies direct at the show.
And why not plan a longer visit to the great whisky regions of Scotland, explore the distilleries within easy reach of Glasgow or take a longer trip to the Highlands and islands by taking part with some of the other Whisky Week events.
Online booking is now closed, but you can still purchase entrance tickets on the door on Saturday.
Masterclasses
The Whisky Live Masterclasses are a unique insight into the world of whisky and are tutored by master distillers and other leading whisky experts. Tickets will go on sale from August 11th from www.whiskylive.com priced at £13 per session.
Session 1 |
| Room 1 |
| 12.15 – 1.15 |
MC1 - Becoming A Malt Aroma Master
Approximately 95% of what we commonly label as taste is actually due to our hidden sense – the sense of smell - and the secret of becoming an expert on Scotch single malts lies in the nose. This is the powerful logic behind our whisky nosing sessions. Train your nose and you have largely conquered the world of fine malt whisky.
Dr George Dodd & Dr Isabel Dodd |
| 2pm – 3pm |
MC2 - Just Add Water!
Ardbeg – revered by whisky connoisseurs and with a passionate following in the Committee, Ardbeg is continually innovating. Rachel Barrie is at the centre of this – hear her passionate commitment live.
Rachel Barrie, Whisky Creator & Master Blender
1. Ardbeg New Make Spirit
2. Ardbeg Ten Years Old (World Whisky of the Year 2008)
3. Ardbeg Uigeadail (World Whisky of the Year 2009)
4. Ardbeg Corryvreckan
5. Ardbeg Supernova
6. Ardbeg Surprise |
| Room 2 |
|
| 12.30 – 1.30 |
MC3 - Glenmorangie – Masters of Wood
A wonderful opportunity to compare the complexities of Glenmorangie’s maturation. Annabel & Andy will lead you through the exploration of the rich influence of our unique designer barrels to the finesse of rare sherry casks. The outstanding Glenmorangie Signet will be paired with delicious bespoke chocolate and for the finale Andy will bring with him a specially selected sample from the distillery warehouse.
Annabel Meikle, Sensory Whisky Creator
Andy MacDonald, Glenmorangie Distillery Manager
1. Glenmorangie Original
2. Glenmorangie Astar
3. Glenmorangie Sonnalta PX
4. Glenmorangie Signet
5. Glenmorangie Cask sample |
| 2.15 – 3.15 |
MC4 - Beginners Guide to Japanese Whisky
Rising Sons
Japanese single malt has become the hottest property in the world of whisky in recent years, yet its origins, styles and qualities remain obscure. Join Dave Broom, editor-in-chief of Whisky Magazine Japan on a journey through this fascinating world.
Dave Broom |
Session 2 |
| Room 1 |
|
| 5.15 – 6.15 |
MC5 - TBC |
| 7pm – 8pm |
MC6 - Glenfiddich – The 21 Year Old Deconstructed
An opportunity to sample the components that combine to form Glenfiddich 21 Year Old. Using unique cask strength samples from various stages of the process, we will show you how this fabulous expression is constructed. Finish with a flourish with a chance to sample this years Distillery Vintage from 1975!
Brian Robinson – Glenfiddich Chief Guide
|
| Room 2 |
|
| 5.30 – 6.30 |
MC7 -
Yamazaki – Japanese Single Malt Whisky
In 1923, Shinjiro Torii, the founder of Suntory and the father of Japanese whisky, built Japan’s first malt distillery in the vale of Yamazaki. Today, Yamazaki is the most popular single malt whisky in Japan and is enjoyed by whisky connoisseurs the world over. Come and experience some one of the best single malt whiskies in the world.
Dr Inatomi
Yamazaki 10YO Single Malt Whisky
Yamazaki 12YO Single Malt Whisky
Yamazaki 18YO Single Malt whisky
Yamazaki Sherry Cask Limited Edition non chill filtered
Hakushu 12YO Single Malt Whisky
|
| 7.15 – 8.15 |
MC8 - Journey's Blend
Join Whisky Magazine Editor Rob Allanson and BBC Scotland's Tom Morton as they take a trip round Scotland to make the ultimate blended malt.
The session will encompass the five extreme whiskies, the final blend, the songs, stories and saddle sores of this epic motorbike trip.
Whiskies: Highland Park, Kilchoman, Bladnoch, Glen Garioch, Glenturret and Journey's Blend
Rob Allanson and Tom Morton |
Online booking is now closed, but you can still purchase entrance tickets on the door on Saturday.
Exhibitors
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
What is Whisky Live?
Whisky Live is the international celebration of whisky, bringing all the whiskies of the world together under one roof. Whisky Live prides itself on bringing together the finest whiskies, great food and a range of education and entertainment to make learning about whisky both fun and stimulating. Begun in Tokyo in 2000, Whisky Live is now run 17 cities throughout the world.
Where is Whisky Live Glasgow?
Thistle Hotel, 36 Cambridge Street, Glasgow, G2 3HN, Scotland
When is Whisky Live Glasgow?
Saturday 12th September
12 noon to 4pm Session One
5pm to 9pm Session Two
What are the entrance prices?
£22 for each session
What is included in the entrance price?
8 vouchers for sampling whisky, the Whisky Live show guide, the Whisky Live tasting glass, sandwich, live entertainment and water.
What is a voucher?
A voucher is the event’s currency to help you sample. No sample may be tasted without exchanging a number of vouchers. You receive 8 vouchers as part of your entrance ticket, and further vouchers are available for purchase during the show. You will require a minimum of 1 vouchers for each sample, depending on the age and rarity of the whisky. The principle is that unaged whiskies or whiskies under 12 years are 1 voucher, whiskies over 13 years of age are 2 vouchers and rare whiskies may be more vouchers; these amounts are at the discretion of each exhibitor.
Is food included in my ticket price?
Yes – a sandwich is available on presentation of your Food Voucher.
Are there any special requirements for the evening?
The main aim is for visitors to enjoy themselves. We want this to be in a responsible way, and we have a clear responsible drinking policy. Whisky Live implements a Responsible Drinking Policy to ensure we promote a safe and friendly environment in the interests of all visitors. Whisky samples are only poured in return for Whisky Live sample vouchers. Alcohol will not be sold or supplied to anyone under the age of 18 or anyone who is drunk.
We will also have signage clearly displayed at the entrance and throughout the show that clearly outlines our Responsible Drinking Policy and security staff will be on hand to police these rules in addition to our own Whisky Live team.
How do I get to Whisky Live Glasgow?
Road
From South M8, junction 17, 3 sets of lights, 1st left, 2nd straight over, 3rd right. From West M8, junction 17, right fork. 5 sets of lights, 1st right, 2nd right, 3rd right, 4th left, 5th right. 250 car parking spaces are available for guests and costs £5 per car per overnight stay.
Rail
Call National Rail Enquiries on 08457 484 950. Take trains to either Glasgow Central or Queen Street Station. Both stations are only a ten minute walk from Thistle Glasgow.
Air
The journey time to Thistle Glasgow from Glasgow International Airport will take 20 to 45 minutes depending on the traffic. Taxis are easy to locate at the front of the terminals, and a one way trip from the airport to the hotel will set you back around £20. The Thistle is just 45 minutes from Glasgow Prestwick International.
Online booking is now closed, but you can still purchase entrance tickets on the door on Saturday.
Please drink responsibly
|
Kilchoman Distillery
