Whisky Live London 2009 (27-28 Feb)

[Pippa Tomson]

HI again everyone

I've just added a Glenmorangie and an Ardbeg masterclass to the website.

Pippa

[les taylor]

HI again everyone

I've just added a Glenmorangie and an Ardbeg masterclass to the website.

Pippa

Hi Pippa thanks for that. Can you please check your PM's.

[irishwhiskeychaser]

Rob problem solved. Late night shopping on a friday. See you on the saturday.

Off to make the phone call now starting 'honey, you know...'

There's also early morning shopping too

And then let her loose on her own and then both of you can be bad for a while

[RufusA]

Looking at the list of exhibitors, it's looking more healthy now, well on a declining par with previous couple of years (after the rot had set in).

However can Pippa or whoever clarify a few of the names:

You have Chivas Bros and Longmorn listed. Will they have two separate stands, or is this a little double counting!
Glenmorangie but no Ardbeg. Or is the Glenmo stand going to include Ardbeg?
Diageo (masterclasses) - are they only doing a masterclass - so no classic malts stand?
Will Bowmore and Yamazaki have separate stands (as implied by your list), or will it be a scrum to get to them like last year.

No Mackmyra - just when it was starting to taste interesting !
No Gordon & MacPhail
No Berry Bros
No Whyte and Mackay - no JURA (and no Richard Paterson with his generous measures of evil peaty stuff), no Dalmore
etc.

Or are there lots of exhibitors waiting in the wings dithering over whether they can afford the exhibition fees, and work with the latest evolution of the imposed "tokens" condition.

Whisky Live Belgium looks much better:

http://www.whisky-live.be/exposantsen.html

Highland Park, Bruichladdich, Dalmore, Berry Bors, Arran, Laphroaig etc.

Rufus.

[irishwhiskeychaser]

Well I have finally bitten the bullet .... a quick hop over the Irish sea and I will be attending this year.

Hope to see Les and maybe a few more of ye there

[Paul A Jellis]

See you there IWC.

[Pippa Tomson]

Looking at the list of exhibitors, it's looking more healthy now, well on a declining par with previous couple of years (after the rot had set in).

However can Pippa or whoever clarify a few of the names:

You have Chivas Bros and Longmorn listed. Will they have two separate stands, or is this a little double counting!
Glenmorangie but no Ardbeg. Or is the Glenmo stand going to include Ardbeg?
Diageo (masterclasses) - are they only doing a masterclass - so no classic malts stand?
Will Bowmore and Yamazaki have separate stands (as implied by your list), or will it be a scrum to get to them like last year.

No Mackmyra - just when it was starting to taste interesting !
No Gordon & MacPhail
No Berry Bros
No Whyte and Mackay - no JURA (and no Richard Paterson with his generous measures of evil peaty stuff), no Dalmore
etc.

Or are there lots of exhibitors waiting in the wings dithering over whether they can afford the exhibition fees, and work with the latest evolution of the imposed "tokens" condition.

Whisky Live Belgium looks much better:

http://www.whisky-live.be/exposantsen.html

Highland Park, Bruichladdich, Dalmore, Berry Bors, Arran, Laphroaig etc.

Rufus.

Hi Rufus

Here's a list of all the exhibitors:

Ben Nevis Distillery
Suntory - own stand
Bowmore - own stand
Cooley Distillery
Glenlivet
Aberlour
Scapa
Longmorn
Douglas Laing
Duncan Taylor
Fuller, Smith and Turner
Glencairn Crystal
Glenkeir Whiskies
Homecoming Scotland
Springbank
Lasting Impression Company
Heaven Hill
Nikka
Mackmyra
Compass Box
Inver House
Glenmorangie
Ardbeg
Old Rip van Winkle
Pure Spirit Drinks
QP Magazine
Salt Whisky Bar
SandBar AP
The BenRiach Distillery

Diageo are only holding two masterclasses

We've always had vouchers at the show as its a way of promoting responsible drinking and this is something that won't be going away.

Hope to see you there
Pippa

[malthead]

Forgive my ignorance but who are Fuller, Smith and Turner or am I missing the obvious here?

[les taylor]

Sometimes a beer goes down nicely with a dram.



http://www.fullers.co.uk/rte.asp?id=207

[irishwhiskeychaser]

Yes a beer to water all that Whisky down sounds good


I just hope we don't have to use our WL glass

[RufusA]

Pippa,

Thanks for the comprehensive exhibition list.

It's quite sad to see a number of familiar names won't be there - perhaps a sign of the economic downturn! Still looks like enough to be interesting for a day though.

Vouchers are an annual bone of contention which you haven't "always had". Some of us recall the early WLs where the measures were free flowing and generous and people still drank responsibly (on the whole). IMHO vouchers don't stop people with deep pockets drinking irresponsibly, but I understand you need to give licensors the impression that you have steps in place. It won't be long before all the exhibitors have to wear "DRINK AWARE" badges!

Finally are there any plans to make it easier for forum members to identify each other. A secret handshake, a pink carnation or a IWBRNT sticker. I know every year Matt mentions it as an idea, but usually on day 2 of the WL!

Rufus.

[les taylor]

Rufus, red Carnations as usual.

[bamber]

I'm confused: If vouchers are to promote responsible drinking, why do older drams cost more vouchers ?

Do they contain more alcohol ?

Thanks in advance,

Perplexed of Bristol.

[arkle]

Just booked the tickets for Sat,look forward to seeing you all there.
Arkle

[ikendal]

Excellent point bamber and one that has never been answered (I asked it last year) but I promised myself not to go on a vouchers ramble.
cask strength 2 vouchers 43% 1 voucher - that fits with the policy of snesible drinking not based on the age/expense of the whisky.

I also am concerned about the location and turned down friday night becuase of the format. I have got tickets and I will enjoy it even if I have to buy more vouchers.

Overall looking forward to it.

[Steve Rush]

Well I have to say that despite Whisky Live London declining in "umph" of the last couple of years in my opinion, I still hope that I will be able to make this years event.

Whether I can make it or not is another story as I may need to be out of the UK that weekend for work.

If I do manage to make it as I have done for the last five years I hope to put more forum names to faces, as is always a pleasure to meet people on these boards.

[whiskynig]

Hey Matt,
When will you know the prices for the masterclasses?
And will you be doing a discounted price for attending multiple classes?
Be great if you could let me know asap.
Regards.
Nigel.

[RufusA]

Nigel,

I know I'm not Matt / Pippa but in answer to your questions:

1) The prices of Masterclasses have been known from before they were available to book - £13 each:

https://secure.paragraphpublishing.net/ ... ondon-2009

2) Based on previous years, there is no discount for booking multiple masterclasses, but IMHO you will usually get more than the value of the masterclass in whiskies alone. Particularly if you sit on a table where the person next to you failed to show I still have nightmares about the Glenlivet slops bucket where glass upon glass of untasted '64 were poured!

If you know Matt my sight, sometimes it's worth seeking him out during WL and asking about under subscribed classes -

HTH - Rufus.

[bamber]

I still have nightmares about the Glenlivet slops bucket where glass upon glass of untasted '64 were poured!

You've just stained my brain with a car crash like image.

I would have drunk it. I'd have had no choice.

[RufusA]

I would have drunk it. I'd have had no choice.

I tried, but there were just too many to save.....and they kept coming.... and coming..... *sobs*

Note to self: make sure I always carry a portable slops "bucket" with a screw cap in case this situation reoccurs!

Rufus..

[whiskynig]

RufusA.
Thanks for the heads up. Am off to plan it all now.
See you there?
Cheers.

[bamber]

I would have drunk it. I'd have had no choice.

I tried, but there were just too many to save.....and they kept coming.... and coming..... *sobs*

Note to self: make sure I always carry a portable slops "bucket" with a screw cap in case this situation reoccurs!

Rufus..

It's a nice idea that - could make up some crazy vatting of hyperexpensive booze

[LagaDrinker]

Perhaps we should all bring some empty sample bottles then.

[les taylor]

Perhaps we should all bring some empty sample bottles then.

And a little funnel. Trouble is I think we might get spotted.

[ikendal]

I did this last year. and ended up with some very interesting whisky. but you do get funny looks emptying the last of your glass into your pocket! I did it because I did not want to use the spitoons! But now it has been discussed on the board I am sure they will introduce vouchers for hip flasks! Sorry that's not fair. but is it allowed?

[RufusA]

There may be all sorts of licensing issues with selling alcohol for consumption off the premises in an open vessel.

Then again if they were "selling" the whisky for consumption on the premises they would probably have problems with "The Weights and Measures (Intoxicating Liquor) Order 1988" where 15ml isn't listed as one of the allowable measures:

"unless pre-packed in a securely closed container, intoxicating liquor of any of the following descriptions, that is to say, gin, rum, vodka and whisky, shall be sold by retail for consumption on the premises at which it is sold only....1/4 gill, 1/5 gill and 1/6 gill...25ml or 35ml"

They could argue that the alcohol isn't being sold, they are just tasting samples, but the voucher system and the difference in price between drivers and drinkers would probably count as an "indirect charge" and negate that.

So if we turn a blind eye to the fact we are being sold short measures, I am sure WL organisers can turn a blind eye to recycling of whisky destined for the spitoon!

Rufus.

[LagaDrinker]

Interesting theory

[Pippa Tomson]

Forgive my ignorance but who are Fuller, Smith and Turner or am I missing the obvious here?

They are a beer company

[Striped Weasel]

I have been going to Whisky live for 4 years now and think that in previous years it has been a fantastic event. Its a shame that we no longer have the Friday night slot as we have had previously. I used to organise for a group of 10+ people to go to it. This year nobody is willing to part with £55 on a new format which we are not familiar with. Seems a shame to me as the entry price would seem to limit the people who are going to go as real enthusiasts or those from the corporate world. (Perhaps thats what the organisers want). I always thought it was a good way of introducing new people to Single Malt Whisky.

In any consequence we'll be having a whisky tasting but just not at Whisky live which is a shame.

[RufusA]

I have been going to Whisky live for 4 years now

I've gone to nearly all but missed the first (lack of publicity) and 2004 (pending birth of no2 child)!

Its a shame that we no longer have the Friday night slot as we have had previously.

Having talked up WL for a couple of years, around Christmas time, I had similarly provisionally organised a party from work to attend the WL on the Friday evening. Only 8 in the party but a few whisky novices who were interested to learn more, and a couple of connoisseurs wanting to expand their tastes.

Sadly when the dates were announced, the change of venue and the lack of a cheap evening slot killed the idea dead.

In the past it has also always been reasuring to know that regardless of how many masterclasses you attend you are only a few minutes away from a train home! The thought of having to negotiate the tube system plagued with weekend engineering works whilst one and a bit sheets to the wind (drinking responsibly), doesn't fill me with enthusiasm!

I'll still be going on Saturday, and bringing a friend though, wouldn't miss it for the world, despite my grumbles!

Rufus.

[RufusA]

For anyone travelling to WL on Saturday and planning to use the tube, there are a few line closures that may affect your journey:

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/livetravelnew ... x?offset=9
(URL may need changing after today):

Closures:
District - Barking to Upminster
District & Circle - Embankment to Whitechapel (District line), no Circle line
Jubilee - Green Park to Stratford

I strongly recommend using the TFL journey planner, rather than relying solely on Pippa's "getting there" email if travelling on the Saturday, Friday should be unaffected.

http://journeyplanner.tfl.gov.uk

HTH - Rufus.

[les taylor]

Rufus what is the best tube station to go to?

And is it far to walk to the venue from the tube?

The last venue was alright. Your comments would be appreciated.

[RufusA]

Rufus what is the best tube station to go to?

I don't know this venue. However Putney Bridge tube would definitely be the nearest / best.

Looking at a map, it looks a 5ish min walk from Putney Bridge tube station. Left out of the tube, left again and then down Ranelagh Gardens. The main gate is at the end on Ranelagh gardens, then it's a bit of a walk across the grounds to the main building!

Assuming this link works:

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=d&sourc ... ney+Bridge)&daddr=51.466173,-0.200801&hl=en&geocode=CbebYRNn69DqFX5WEQMdr8_8_w%3B&mra=mi&mrsp=1&sz=16&sll=51.467256,-0.205715&sspn=0.006349,0.019226&ie=UTF8&ll=51.46747,-0.204813&spn=0.00667,0.019226&t=h&z=16

Putney Bridge tube is on the left of the (north of the river), and Hurlingham Club is in the main building you can see in the big area of green labeled Hurlingham Park.

If traveling from St Panc. then there are a variety of routes you can choose, and the last stretch of the district line to Putney Bridge should be largely working!

Rufus.

[les taylor]

Rufus thanks for that. It's probably further to walk in the grounds than from the tube to entrance then. If it's a nice day that will be pleasant enough. Hope to see you there.

[arkle]

Hi all,
you could always stay at Travel Inn at Putney Bridge overnight, we do it every year for W/L ,it was a bit spooky when the venue was moved to around the corner!,Some good pubs in Putney too when you get fed up with Whisky