Whisky enthusiasts are set to gather in London this November as The World Whisky Experience, hosted by the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC), opens its doors at Christ Church Spitalfields. The two-day event will showcase more than 200 whiskies from around the world, selected from the IWSC’s highest-ranked drams.
While Scotch and Irish distilleries are strongly represented, this year promises a significant rise in producers from further afield.
According to IWSC entry data, whisky submissions from non-traditional regions have risen 25 per cent since 2023, with a 57 per cent increase in Gold medals awarded to producers outside Scotland and Ireland. Brands such as Signal Hill (Canada), Arlett’s Whisky Francais (France) , Dingle Distillery (Ireland), and Dawu (Taiwan) are among those drawing global attention for their technical precision and distinctive regional character.
Christelle Guibert, CEO of the World Whisky Experience, describes the event as “a celebration of how diverse and exciting whisky has become.”
According to IWSC entry data, whisky submissions from non-traditional regions have risen 25 per cent since 2023…
Why whisky fans should attend
Across two days, attendees will be able to taste rare bottlings, limited runs and international whiskies that are rarely available together in one place. Bespoke masterclasses and tasting sessions will run alongside the main event, led by well-known figures in whisky commentary and production.
Highlights include daily Scotch whisky presentations hosted by whisky presenter and IWSC judge Kristiane Westray, and themed talks from Master of Wine Dawn Davies on the resurgence of Irish whiskey and the growth of world whisky culture.
Distillery-led sessions from Fettercairn, Paul John Whisky, Benromach and blending house Woven will provide insight into production practices and flavour development.
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society will also host archival tastings, giving attendees the rare opportunity to sample long-discontinued cask editions usually reserved for members.
Among the brands confirmed for the floor:
Paul John Whisky (India) – showcasing its distinctive Indian single malts, including the IWSC Bronze-winning Paul John Nirvana.
Nomad Whisky – produced in Scotland and finished in Jerez, Spain, offering a cross-border approach to maturation.
Forest Distillery (Cheshire, England) – bringing small-batch English whisky distilled with a focus on natural character and sustainability.
Arbikie (Scotland) – demonstrating a grain-to-glass production ethos with all ingredients sourced from its own estate.
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Laphroaig has released Strong Characters Chapter Two, a limited-edition 35 Year Old single malt celebrating Dugald Johnston, the son of co-founder Donald Johnston. The release follows the inaugural 33 Year Old bottling, which honoured Donald, and continues a series recognising those who have shaped the Islay distillery’s history. Dugald inherited Laphroaig during a difficult period…
London’s Shogun Sakes is putting English sake on the drinks map with a Peckham-brewed Junmai that could make an intriguing Christmas gift for spirits enthusiasts. Traditionally associated with Japan, the rice-based drink is now finding a foothold in the UK, with independent producer Shogun Sakes brewing its Pure English Sake in small batches in Peckham.…
Whisky enthusiasts are set to gather in London this November as The World Whisky Experience, hosted by the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC), opens its doors at Christ Church Spitalfields. The two-day event will showcase more than 200 whiskies from around the world, selected from the IWSC’s highest-ranked drams.
While Scotch and Irish distilleries are strongly represented, this year promises a significant rise in producers from further afield.
According to IWSC entry data, whisky submissions from non-traditional regions have risen 25 per cent since 2023, with a 57 per cent increase in Gold medals awarded to producers outside Scotland and Ireland. Brands such as Signal Hill (Canada), Arlett’s Whisky Francais (France) , Dingle Distillery (Ireland), and Dawu (Taiwan) are among those drawing global attention for their technical precision and distinctive regional character.
Christelle Guibert, CEO of the World Whisky Experience, describes the event as “a celebration of how diverse and exciting whisky has become.”
Why whisky fans should attend
Across two days, attendees will be able to taste rare bottlings, limited runs and international whiskies that are rarely available together in one place. Bespoke masterclasses and tasting sessions will run alongside the main event, led by well-known figures in whisky commentary and production.
Highlights include daily Scotch whisky presentations hosted by whisky presenter and IWSC judge Kristiane Westray, and themed talks from Master of Wine Dawn Davies on the resurgence of Irish whiskey and the growth of world whisky culture.
Distillery-led sessions from Fettercairn, Paul John Whisky, Benromach and blending house Woven will provide insight into production practices and flavour development.
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society will also host archival tastings, giving attendees the rare opportunity to sample long-discontinued cask editions usually reserved for members.
Among the brands confirmed for the floor:
The World Whisky Experience runs Friday 14 to Saturday 15 November, at Christ Church, Spitalfields, Commercial St, London E1 6LY.
Tickets start from £40, with additional masterclass sessions available from £10. Book here.
Main points at a glance: The World Whisky Experience, London 2025
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Prawn lovers, we have found your festive dining plans in the capital. ISSO Prawn Crazy, the new Sri Lankan restaurant in Canary Wharf, is serving three Christmas menus packed with seafood, curries and traditional island flavours. Book a festive meal and you could also win a holiday to Sri Lanka for two in 2027. Available…
Laphroaig Strong Characters Chapter Two is a 35 Year Old single malt tribute to its historic distillery owner
Laphroaig has released Strong Characters Chapter Two, a limited-edition 35 Year Old single malt celebrating Dugald Johnston, the son of co-founder Donald Johnston. The release follows the inaugural 33 Year Old bottling, which honoured Donald, and continues a series recognising those who have shaped the Islay distillery’s history. Dugald inherited Laphroaig during a difficult period…
This Peckham-brewed Pure English Sake is a different kind of festive pour
London’s Shogun Sakes is putting English sake on the drinks map with a Peckham-brewed Junmai that could make an intriguing Christmas gift for spirits enthusiasts. Traditionally associated with Japan, the rice-based drink is now finding a foothold in the UK, with independent producer Shogun Sakes brewing its Pure English Sake in small batches in Peckham.…
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