In 2019 we were honoured to be joined by three of Japan's most renowned whisky makers: Shinji Fukuyo, Tadashi Sakuma and Ichiro Akuto, as well celebrate two decades of The Whisky Exchange. From the first Karuizawa whiskies to be launched in the UK to rare Port Ellens, to food pairings with Aberfeldy and Craigellachie, lost distilleries and secret drams – our masterclasses are some of the best in the world.
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The New Wave of Bunnahabhain
Bunnahabhain is undergoing a wide-reaching refurbishment, returning it to its former glory as a powerhouse of Islay distilling. To celebrate, senior blender Dr Kirstie McCallum will be joining us to lead a tasting of the current range, as well as a pair of brand-new, never-before-seen bottlings.
The tasting will jump from the rich and fruity Stiuireadair to the flagship 12 Year Old and legendary 40 year old, with a brief stop in the middle to examine the new releases – limited-edition 2007-vintage port- and brandy-cask-finished whiskies.
This is a great chance to try two new releases from an Islay favourite, as well as meet the blender behind it all.
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Three Japanese Masters
The past two decades have seen Japanese whisky rise from being relatively unknown to the hottest spirit on the planet. Three companies have been at the forefront of that explosion: Nikka, Suntory and Venture Whisky. We are very pleased to welcome the whisky makers behind each of the three to Whisky Show for this very special tasting.
Shinji Fukuyo has been working at Suntory for 35 years. He's led the Suntory whisky blending team since 2006 and been lead blender across the company since 2009.
Tadashi Sakuma is Nikka's chief blender and the man responsible for all of the whisky and other spirits produced by the company.
Ichiro Akuto is the founder of Chichibu, owner of Venture whisky and former manager of fabled lost distillery Hanyu.Dave Broom will be on hand to host the tasting and lend his expertise to the mix.
Details of the whiskies they will be bringing will follow soon...