April 7, 2005 (New York, NY) - Whisky Live, sponsored by Whisky Magazine, made its New York City debut today. The premier Scotch tasting event was held at Tavern on the Green (Central Park at West 67th Street) one of New York City’s most celebrated venues. A perfect location for this type of event, as it allowed event organizers to transform a spirit tasting event into a journey to Scotland.

The event featured the world’s premier Scotch distillers presenting latest and best products for eager guests. Patrons were treated to a total of 20 stands, exhibiting world renowned brands including:

Chivas Regal, Dewar’s , The Glenlivet , Glenfiddich , Highland Park
The Macallan , The Glenrothes , The Dalmore Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky , The Classic Malts Selection, Bowmore , Talisker/Johnnie Walker , Compass Box Whisky , Drambuie , The Duncan Taylor Collection , Glenmorangie , Springbank

Distillers also provided a glimpse into the rituals and innovations surrounding their brands through customized experiences, including:

Dewar’s, hosting a comparative tasting, pitting a selection of single malts against the Dewar's range of blended whiskies. This experience also featured a Nat Sherman cigar roller.
The Glenfiddich created a live coopering display, complete with two coopers working in tandem to build barrels from start to finish.
Glenmorangie showcased Clan An Drumma a traditional Picti band direct from Glasgow.

Talisker/Johnnie Walker invited guests to relax with scotch experts in the Diageo Masters’ Fireside Lounge.

Additionally, brands conducted masterclasses, classroom style tastings, which provided a unique and in-depth insight into the beloved spirit. Each masterclass was instructed by a renowned Scotch authority. Masterclasses included:

The Macallan with Bob Dalgarno, Whisky Maker
The Dalmore with Simon Brooking
Balvenie with Ian Miller, Distillary Manager
Taste of the Isles Masterclass (Talisker/Johnnie Walker) with Spike McClure, Master of Scotch

Throughout the night guests were entertained in true Scottish fashion with music from popular rock bands, Peatbog Faeries and Shooglenifty; a haggis eating contest and a “nose-off,” testing contestant’s knowledge regarding their favorite brands. As part of this highly entertaining evening, guests were able to witness, as well as taste the culinary artistry of leading Scottish chef, Joe Queen, selected and flown in by VisitScotland. Visitors also selected from the very best in Scottish art from Ian Gray and visited their ancestry at ancestralscotland.com.

Masterclasses

• The Macallan
The Unique and Varied Macallan Range. Recently ranked “the best malt in the world” by Whisky Magazine, join Bob Dalgorno from The Macallan for this unique and varied masterclass. Bob will take you through The Macallan range of Fine Oak, Cask Strength and some specialties form the Fine & Rare collection. You will be spell bound by the flavorsome delights The Macallan range can offer.

• The Dalmore
The Dalmore Rare & Treasured Finds. Join Simon Brooking who will give you the opportunity to taste this fantastic range from The Dalmore including the 12 year old, 21 year old, Cigar Malt, 28 year Stillmans and the Gonzalez Byass.

• The Balvenie
The Masterclass will include Balvenie 10, 12, 15, 21, 25 and 30 year old Malts. As Manager of the Distillery I have an intimate understanding of the processes used to create this fantastic whisky and members of the audience are invited to make the whole experience as interactive as they like.The Masterclass will provide an insight into a whisky that is one of the worlds best kept secrets, the class will be educational and enjoyable. Ian Millar, Distillery Manager

• Taste of the Isles
A Taste of the Isles will take you on a journey through the Isles of Scotland, led by Master of Scotch, Spike McClure. You’ll start with the basics about Scotch whisky and in particular, island malts. Once you have this knowledge you are ready for an exciting tour of Caol Ila, Lagavulin and Talisker.

Coming Soon