SCOTSIN - LONDON: Drink Whisky All Day and Survive

LONDON: Drink Whisky All Day and Survive

Written by Hutcheson Whisky Events

Wednesday, 21 November 2007

"Whisky Live" in London will soon be upon us again in the New Year. So I thought I would share what I've learned along the way...

Drink Whisky all day and survive

Whisky Live in London will be coming around again in the New Year (march time), so it got me thinking about honing my exhibition technique.

Here are a few things to think about…..

First of all I should point out that Whisky Live is where most of world’s whisky makers get together in one place and let you sample their wonderful products for very little money. There will be Scotch, Irish, Swedish, Japanese, Indian and American whiskies to savour and appreciate.

Trouble is - where do you begin?, and more to the point - how is it possible to get round the hall in one piece? This lasts for two days!!!

The first time I went I was the proverbial ‘kid in a sweet shop’, soon to become a ‘bull in a china shop’. Taking full advantage of each exhibitors generosity it seemed a shame to turn it down and there lies the lesson!.

I did get home, all the way on the train to Farnborough from London – via Basingstoke (30 miles away), by the time I woke up. It was a level 3 ‘wife not speaking event’ (that’s a full week.)

Worse than that I lost my complementary tasting glass, my toasted brie and bacon baguette and all my notes – not the way to go!, especially as I couldn’t make Day two.

Over subsequent events I learned the errors of my way and developed survival techniques to get me through, what should be a productive and enlightening experience, and that’s what I thought I would share with you in case any of you are planning a trip to Whisky Live this year.

The first point is to plan your event. Research the exhibitors and master-classes and plan your two days. For Day One, select the unusual stuff or the whiskies you’ve never had. NEVER NEVER touch Islay whiskies until the end of Day Two! – very important if you value your taste buds. Try to start with light and fruity then build up to heavy finishes.

The second point is to book early and get signed up for any Master-classes you fancy as quickly as possible. The best ones get booked up almost as soon as they’re published.

Master-classes are an essential part of the whole experience. Not only do you learn something but it gets you out the main hall for an hour or so.

My favourite master-classes are the whisky matching ones, like food with whisky, chocolate with whisky, coffees with whisky and so on….

Sometimes there are some real gems where you will get an opportunity to hear a real master take you through a vertical tasting of some fine vintages.

The third point focuses on ‘The Hall’.

Take your time and never take the full measure. Always carry a full litre of water in your handy rucksack –

A side note on rucksacks;

Always take a small rucksack for provisions, stashing stuff, keeping your hands free for more important things and later it makes a handy pillow. There is also less chance of leaving your stuff at a stand you can’t remember you visited and, most importantly, it has your name on it – very useful!.

Between each sample always take a full whisky glass of water, the more water you drink the better you will cope and the less likely you will feel bad the next day. Most important – always visit the toilet before leaving for your train - always get a taxi, never take the tube back to the station, this WILL end in tears!. A small mistake here can mean Kings Cross instead of Waterloo. Always wear a shirt with a pocket for your train ticket.

The bottom line is; enjoy the event, take your time, drink water, think moderation and be sensitive to those around you. It is over two days and you don’t have to do it all in one.

Bill Hutcheson,

Hutcheson Whisky Events

07818 001769

www.hutcheson-whisky.co.uk

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