For the 2024 Whisky Show, a new approach to the Mainstage sessions was introduced. Rather than be in the midst of the chaos and cacophony of the show floor, a room was set aside and one had to book a seat in advance. It was exactly like a masterclass – except it was included in the standard ticket price. 

I signed us up for Sunday’s Festival Picks with Dawn Davies and Billy Abbott from The Whisky Exchange with Dave Broom. 

As Dave was double booked, his festival pick was where our tales began. 

Boann Irish Pot Still Madeira Cask 47%

• Nose – Light, fruity, young and fresh, the sour mash shifted into a lovely honeydew melon then cantaloupe
• Palate – Oily with spice, creamy oats, and candyfloss, with the madeira cask bringing a sweet fruit and nuts element
• Finish – Lingers and lingers

Talk turned to slightly ribald comments about the bottle being “ribbed” for ones pleasure… Then to discussions of nanotechnology, reverse chill condensation, increased copper contact, inverse temperature, blend of malted and unmalted barley, single pot still and more…. 

Glenglassaugh Sandend 50.5% GBP 54

Billy shared how he was highly impressed by a Chichibu, however as it had sold out, turned his attention back to Scotland – selecting a new expression from Gleglassaugh.

I’ve had a mixed experience with Glenglassaugh – the early days were a bit bumpy however they have indeed improved significantly. Still a far cry from the original which is something to experience if you have a chance!

Again another ripped bottle! 

• Nose – Off to a promising start! Fruity – think orchard fruits, delicate and sweet, chased with honey, opens up more over time… revealing grapefruit, with sea salt
• Palate – Spice and nice with substance, salted caramel, quite mineral, a bit rough even, then mellows out and becomes more accessible
• Finish – Companionable spice

Billy remarked how this is an affordable dram he pronounced also has high “drinkability.” And how he sees a clear continued space in the industry for more traditional-styled whisky like this one.  

Here’s what they have to say:

Glenglassaugh Sandend is inspired by the crescent beach of Sandend Bay where the distillery resides. Enriched in bourbon, sherry and manzanilla casks, over time the lush flavour of Glenglassaugh Sandend brightens into waves of tropical sweetness, infused with a crack of sea salt.

Kanosuke Hioki Pot Still 51% ~GBP 94

We closed with Dawn’s pick from Japan. Kanosuke have two distilleries – Hioki is the one responsible for Mellowed Kozuru shochu. 

• Nose – Sour cherries, cranberries, bright, beautiful, sweet polish
• Palate – Very oak forward, varnish, very distinctive and different

Dawn shared that what makes this whisky so singular is that it is actually produced in a Sochu pot still – hence it is a bit of an un-whisky like whisky. She described the result as being a cross between Irish and American though Japanese! 

The selection of whiskies was intended to be both available and more accessible. Everyone can pick as their favourite an outrageously rare dram. Finding one that stands out which is affordable takes a different approach.

I’m a big fan of this new format. We can really enjoy the “Mainstage” aka masterclass and will certainly be checking out which ones we can catch in 2025!

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