As we were there for only one day, we did a little planning to ensure we were clear on our “must” vs “should” vs “could” stalls for this year’s London’s Whisky Show 2023. It was tough to choose – over 1000s of drams from a wide range of distilleries, independent bottlers and more! 

We went on the last day – Sunday – arriving about 45 mins early, knowing the lines would be long. It was completely sold out, however, with the tight limit on tickets, it was busy but not overcrowded, with folks there to explore and enjoy.

We did not want to miss using our “Dream Dram” coupons like last year – so this was our 1st priority. Knowing that we were there on the last day meant we also had to be flexible – some of our ‘top picks’ might no longer be available. Or… as it turns out… were indeed for only 1 coupon, but only the one you buy, not what was included with the ticket.

So what did we manage to try? Dream drams:

• From Adelphi – Miltonduff 40 year 50.4% – Can I just say – wow!
• The Macbeth Collection – Linkwood 31 year 48.2%, BenRiach 31 year 53.1% – Dramatic drams!

I was also determined to pick up a Show Bottle – only if it was both somewhat affordable and worthy!

What about the stalls? On the main floor, we checked out:

• Decadent Drinks, Whisky Sponge – With a ‘breakfast dram’ of the Balblair 15 year
• GlenAllachie’s new peat range with Meickle Toir
• BenRiach 21 year and Malting Season
• Diageo with Glenkinchie and Mortlach
• Balvenie Revelation
• Hunter Laing’s Hepburn’s Choice with Auchriosk + Dailuaine, Old Malt Cask with The Glenrothes and Cragganmore
• Aberlour‘s ex Bourbon entry A’bunadh Alba and Abelour 18
• Indri Peated PX Diwali special edition
• Life of a Whisky Brand Ambassador and Canada’s Lot 40

And on the 1st Floor, we made it to the following:

• The Whisky Show Bottlings – Loch Lomond, Clynelish + Orkney
• That Boutique-y Whisky Co (TBWC) – New Core Range, “Return to Oz” and “At the Movies”
• The Whisky Exchange Exclusives
• New Lowland Distillery – Lochlea
• Another Lowland distillery – Lindores Abbey
• Independent bottler Single & Single with Glen Garioch, Highland, Linkwood, Tuillabardine
• New whisky blender – Woven with Shindig, Paradox, Homemade, Awe
• Detour into Mezcal

Plus a small respite in the Ardray lounge with a rather refreshing cocktail. And a pitstop at the Mainstage to catch some of the “Life of a Brand Ambassador” panel.

True – we skipped many worthy stalls! However, much like our approach to tasting, we preferred to spend more time listening and learning than speed-dating through everything. That said, we nonetheless managed to taste a prodigious range – some 50+ in total in just one day! Naturally, the majority of whisky samples were with a sniff, swish, and spit approach! Or with our favourite new tasting technique – just a few drops on the palate to gauge the flavours – so little that it evaporates without anything to swallow!

And if you don’t want to miss a post, why not follow Whisky Lady on:

• WordPress https://whiskylady.co/
• FaceBook Whisky Lady in India – https://www.facebook.com/WhiskyLadyIN 
• Twitter @WhiskyLadyIN