Last night we visited the Munich Whisky Festival. That is, we paid a hefty 15-euro entry fee for the privilege of hanging out in a hot, crowded exhibition space with a whole lot of whisky salesmen. There was a line to get in, the coat check was full, and at times the room was so loud you could hardly have a conversation with the person next to you. But somehow it managed to be fun, anyway. Must have had something to do with the whisky.
Naturally Scotland was well-represented, as was Ireland and the US (the flatscreens showing a constantly-running Jack Daniels commercial reminded me that I still haven’t blogged about our trip to that distillery way back in November). Even Germany had a booth or two, and we learned a bit about Bavaria’s oldest whisky distillery, which is just now turning 25. Other forms of alcohol, such as tequila and rum, were also represented, though they didn’t get any of our attention.
While a couple exhibitors were offering free tastes, mostly visitors were charged per glass (prices ranging from 3 to 20+ euros) to sample the goods. Although I’m still a philistine when it comes to whisky, I did find a couple new ones to like. I already knew I was a fan of Talisker; there was also a delicious Rosebank something something and another yummy something from Laphroaig (so, you know, if you’re ever coming over to our house and wondering what you should bring along…).
We are now the proud owners of this bottle, which wasn’t exactly cheap, but we’ll pretend it’s an investment or something. Mmmmm, so smoky. Now I guess we need to get some proper whisky glasses…
The Munich Whisky Festival is on once a year for a weekend. It runs through tomorrow, so you still have a chance to make it if you hurry.
Visiting such a festival would surely be dangerous for us (not to mention our wallets!) since we both love whiskies. We usually have the Glenmorangie, Talisker and/or Laphroaig at home, too.
I recommend, if you can find them, whiskey glasses that have little glass caps to hold in the aroma. Mrs. TBF picked some up for my at Heathrow, and they’re always a big hit with the friends.
CS – remind me to invite myself over to your house someday. 🙂
TBF – those sound spiffy. I’ll keep my eye out for some…
Mmmmmmmm. I wish Frankfurt had a whiskey festival. Although fifteen euros is rather hefty to not even get a free sample of every whiskey there…
This sounds like a great event. If you hear about the same for wine, please let us know. We’ll be there buying the first bottle.