Before the doors open for the twentieth edition of Whisky Live Paris, a preliminary tour is in order. While the parade of major malt nations will take place during the three-day event, some emerging distilleries will be making their debut in France. Whiskymag.fr exclusively reveals a few of the highlights of the upcoming edition of the world’s largest spirits tasting event.
Just as the celebrations of the Paralympic Games wind down, Whisky Live Paris will open its doors. By a quirk of the calendar, both the closing ceremony of the sporting competition and what is now the world’s largest spirits fair will be held at the same venue, the Grande Halle de la Villette in the 19th arrondissement of Paris.
On your marks…
Although the list of exhibitors is not final, some highlights of the fair can already be noted. First and foremost, as the host country, France will take center stage with the presence of around twenty malt distilleries. The list of participants spans the terroirs of France, from Brittany (Eddu, Armorik, Galaad…) to Lorraine (Rozelieures), Alsace (Lehmann, Hepp) to the Trièves plateau (Domaine des Hautes Glaces), the Cognac region (Fontagard, Arlett, Heriose) to Hauts-de-France (Cormeil, Artesia), and from Corsica (P&M) to the southwest (Tchankat). The variety of French whisky is truly rooted in its regions.
It is a constant delight to explore the stands showcasing our tricolor whisky expertise.
Among other vibrant regions of this young whisky nation is Scandinavia, with Denmark (Stauning), Sweden (Mackmyra) , and for the first time as an exhibitor, Finland (Kyrö). These nations cultivate a delicate yet assertive approach to distillation, such as with a full-bodied, peated rye whisky—an unusual combination that is well worth exploring.
Japan as a challenger
As every year, the major challenge of Whisky Live Paris is to cover all the whisky-producing countries, and Japan remains one of the great malt nations. Among them, Nikka, Suntory, Chichibu are the essentials. Kanosuke, located on the southern tip of the archipelago in Kagoshima Prefecture, will make its debut and deserves attention.
Another highlight from Asia includes the unmissable Indian distilleries ’Amrut and Rampur, which, like in previous years, will also showcase some of their finest expressions.
Scotland in gold, Ireland in silver
Indomitable! The nation of Robert Burns remains the flagship of the industry. Nothing seems to overshadow the richness and diversity of the distilleries present at the fair. From the bustling Lowlands to the ever-renewing Highlands, Scottish distilleries spark curiosity and taste buds. Among the highlights of the next Whisky Live, Glendronach will make a grand comeback and unveil a brand-new identity. For the occasion, Rachel Barrie, the Master Blender, will be present.
We will once again explore the valleys of Speyside with some of Diageo’s most beautiful distilleries. 2024 will indeed be an opportunity to delve into some iconic distilleries such as Cardhu (absent for several years), Lagavulin, and Singleton, which will speak at a fair in France for the first time.
Facing them, Ireland will hold its own, offering a delightful array of distilleries like Redbreast, West Cork, and new-to-France distilleries such as Drumshanbo (first participation) and Boann Distillery. Note that the distribution platform TAG (The Avant Gardiste) of La Maison du Whisky will also showcase the spirits from Belfast’s Titanic Distillers.
The marathon of the Rhum Gallery
Sugarcane will once again take center stage, showcasing its diverse flavors. With Martinique (Neisson, Saint James, Bally, Depaz, Trois Rivière, we will also explore Guadeloupe (Longueteau, Karukera, Montebello) and Marie-Galante ((Bielle et Père Labat), which could be the underdogs among French Caribbean rums.
We will appreciate again the vast and varied molasses rums from Haiti (Barbancourt, les Clairins et Providence), Cuba (Havana Club Iconica et Eminente),and Guatemala (Zacapa).
A delectable outsider
We cannot resist mentioning the Indian Ocean rums, from Mauritius (New Grove), Reunion Island (Rivière du Mât, Savanna and the iconic Isautier). A step further east with Thailand (Chalong Bay and Phraya)… so many invitations to explore, exchange, discover, and of course taste the numerous terroirs featured in the Rhum Gallery.
The comeback of agave
It was bound to happen one day: the tasting platform opens its doors to the trendiest category that has captivated American palates, followed by our British neighbors. This is agave, with Tequila and Mezcal. Until now, relegated to the corridors of Cocktail Street, Mexican spirits had hardly found their place at the fair. We would encounter Altos and Del Maguey in previous years in cocktail mode, but never for tasting.
This will change over the three days of the fair, promising to be hot. With no less than a dozen houses, the Agave Patio will offer a unique diagonal in a carefully designed scenography. We will find both big names (Don Julio, Tequila 1800, Excelia, Codigo…) and very confidential houses (El Tequileño, Don Fulano…).
In between, a decor reminiscent of Oaxaca, the Mexican city and world capital of agave. Espadin, Tobalà, añejo or reposado… the world of agave will hold no more secrets for you. See you at the Patio.
