Whisky Live Sydney 2017

The first of the 2017 whisky shows in Sydney took place on Friday 5 and Saturday 6 May with Whisky Live Sydney at the Intercontinental Hotel in Sydney. The show ran over 2 days with one session on Friday and two sessions on Saturday.

The first thing to notice was the sheer number of exhibitors and whiskies (as well as some rum) which meant being spoilt for choice during the 3.5 hour session.

Like previous years, food was plentiful and included a meat carvery, the water fountains were easily accessible, and everything was replenished in a timely fashion throughout the two session we attended. VIP ticket holders were treated to a private room where they could sit quietly with a dram, enjoy some rare tastings along with cheese and charcuterie platters. They were also treated to special masterclasses such as the Lagavulin Virtual Reality experience with 360 degree sights, sounds and aromas followed by a tasting of Lagavulin 8, 16 and the excellent 12 yo cask strength. The Rare and Old bar was back with enticements ranging from $18 to $98 for 15 ml half nips, including drams reserved for VIP ticket holders.

What about the whisky? A question I am often asked by fellow whisky enthusiasts assessing whether it was worthwhile to attend (short answer is most definitely yes). We’ll keep it short and sweet this time with the highlights and our top picks listed below in no particular order:

Puni Nero whisky from Italy, aged in Pinot Nero casks
Puni Nova from Italy, unpeated whisky aged in ex Marsala and peated Islay whisky casks
The Glenrothes single cask 5579, 2003 56.6% ABV,
Lagavulin 12 yo Cask Strength 54.4% 2014 release
Aultmore 12 yo 46%
Craigellachie 13 yo 46%
New World Projects 1st & 2nd Fill Apera Casks 62.3%
Woodford Reserve Rye Whiskey 45%
Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Rye 45%
Glenglassaugh Torfa Single Malt Scotch Whisky peated 50%
Paul John Single Malt Bold 46%
Strathisla Cask Strength 57.9%
The Glenlivet Single Cask 18 yo 52.8%