Here are some of our favourites. Maybe we’ll see you there?
1.Whisky Live
Whisky Live events take place all over Australia. If you love whisky (or if you know someone who is just getting started and you’d like to buy them a great gift), attending a gathering like this is a great way to get to know a wide range of whiskies and other fine spirits. You’ll find your tribe in a welcoming environment full of other ladies and gents who share your passion for good whisky.
With plenty of samples and knowledgeable experts on hand, a Whisky Live event is a good place for a beginner to get a feel for what’s out there. Chat with representatives from distilleries, sit in on a masterclass (a short session that dives deeper into a whisky-related subject), and enjoy delicious gourmet eats. You’ll receive a detailed tasting guide and your own quality spirits glass to keep after the event.
2. The Whisky Show
Whisky Live events have plenty of whiskeys to try, but also include other fine spirits. The Whisky Show is all about whisky - and only whisky. The largest show of its kind in Australia you’ll find more than 50 brands and over 200 types of whiskies to sample. This is the place to come and discover new brands, ask questions, attend masterclasses and purchase whiskies at special show prices. Meet international brand ambassadors, sample their wares and ask all the questions you might have about your favourite whiskies. Your entry fee covers the cost of all the samples.
3. Sydney Whisky Fair at the Oak Barrel
This popular whisky event takes place each year on the last weekend of August and there’s a good reason why Australian whisky-lovers mark this on their calendar well in advance.
Some of Australia’s finest distilleries choose this event as the one to attend each year. If you are on the hunt for some truly unusual and unique whiskies, you’ll find one-of-a-kind single cask releases that are only available for sale at this event. Whisky Fair Week leading up to the big event held on the weekend may include single cask tastings, talks by whisky experts, and the Australian Whisky Distillers Dinner.
4. Oak Barrel Tastings
If you can’t wait for one of the annual whisky events to roll around, the Oak Barrel offers a regular series of tastings including some single cask special events you won’t want to miss. Check out their website to see what’s on the horizon. If, occasionally, you enjoy a beverage other than whisky (yes, we know it happens), the Oak Barrel also offers beer, wine, cider, and other spirits events.
5. The Scotch Malt Whisky Society of Australia (SMWS)
The SMWS organizes regular events that delve deeply into different aspects of whiskies and whisky production. Whether you are interested in learning more about the intricacies of peat or want to indulge all your senses when you take part in a fabulous gourmet dinner and whisky tasting at a fine restaurant, you’ll find an event here to tickle your fancy. Some of these sell out very fast, so if you spot something on the website that looks enticing don’t wait too long to get your tickets!
6. Distillery Tastings and Special Events
Many distilleries offer regular tastings and special events, so if you have a favourite, sign up for a newsletter so you don’t miss out on what’s happening. Bakery Hill, for example, offers a master class series which delves deep into some of the unique flavours of single malt whiskies over a series of evening sessions. The distillery also pairs up with places like Uitgang Bar for special events like an evening of Baker boys stories, whisky samples, delicious food, and a pot of Exit Brewing’s Pale Ale when you arrive. We picked Bakery Hill as an example, but in fact, most distilleries are wonderful about sharing their expertise and offering tours for anyone interested in learning more about what they do.
Southern Whisky Trails offers a variety of tours and tastings featuring whiskies from some of Victoria’s finest craft distilleries. Check out their website to see what they have planned or, if you are considering hosting a unique gathering or event for your office or a group of friends, these guys can help you organize cocktail-making classes, a bottle-your-own whisky experience, or a fine meal combined with a Masterclass with one of Australia’s whisky experts.
Find Your People!
Whisky is about a lot more than drinking. There’s an art to appreciating the nuances of this complex and fascinating beverage and a huge network of like-minded people around the world who share your interest. Attending an event like one of these is a fabulous way to deepen your knowledge and to connect with others who are just as intrigued with whisky as you are.
Between events, enjoy the carefully curated samples of whisky that we provide with your monthly Whisky Loot subscription.
We’d love to hear about your whisky event experiences. Have you been to a whisky event? What did you enjoy most? Do you have one you think our readers would like to know about? Post your thoughts in the comments below.