Peaty? Smoky? Or a vanilla fragrance, perhaps. A swirl of the glass under your nose leaves a hint of what mysterious, unnamed whisky you hold. Holding the whisky to the sky, you track the little trails left exposed on the empty glass. These ‘legs’ offer more clues. How fast they run and how thick they are – you watch with intent. Then, you lift the glass to your lips for your first of many whisky tastings. This is what you can expect each year at London’s beloved Whisky Show.

The Whisky Exchange presents the prestigious Whisky Show, an exclusive three-day event celebrating all aspects of whisky. A unique blend of a virtual and in-person event schedule, the show offers the luxury whisky event that the UK was lacking. Attracting both esteemed international visitors and UK residents, a passion for whisky and quality whisky tastings unites the show’s attendees. Indulgent, educational, and unparalleled, the tasting experiences at The Whisky Show are not to be missed. The Whisky Show is the perfect weekend to embark on an intoxicating exploration of the world’s finest bottles.

And at The Whisky Show, you will sample your drinks with the most qualified company. The Whisky Exchange brings avid whiskey enthusiasts, sommeliers, and world-renowned suppliers together for a single weekend for a fifth-year running. The Whisky Show 2021 is set for a unique yet iconic venue. Old Billingsgate Market, London, which once held the title for the world’s largest fish market. Now, the Thames-side building provides the perfect event space – fitting a new title as The Whisky Show’s largest venue to date.

Much like the expansive venue choice, minimalism will not be on the tasting menu on the first to third of October. Instead, ticket holders can expect exclusive access to over 650 of the world’s highest quality whiskies – with the option to purchase packages in advance and stall samples on the day. Those with their eyes on the most exclusive whiskies can also experience the thrill of a complimentary Dream Dram token. Inclusive in all general tickets, Dream Dram tokens are redeemable at exhibitor stands. The Whisky Show’s Dream Drams speak for themselves in their retail price, costing a steep minimum RRP of £500.

Additional Dream Dram tokens are purchasable for £10 throughout the show but beware; their capped number means they are gone for good when they sell out. There are also set rates for each bottle, starting at one token for whiskies retailing at £500 to £999. Whiskies that retail between £1000 and £1999 cost visitors two tokens, and whiskies that retail at £2000 to £2999 cost three tokens. The Dream Dram system entitles ticket-holders to an exclusive opportunity to access outstanding whisky tastings for a fraction of their full retail price.

Though attendees will have far too many distractions to exchange Dream Dram tokens all weekend, with an extensive list of attractions and events scheduled. Industry experts perform on-site at Billingsgate all weekend, offering speaking performances, masterclasses, and book signings. However, the show also boasts connections with some of the world’s finest supplier companies.

Confirmed partners for 2021 include Paxton & Whitfield, a London-established cheesemonger that has run for over 200-years. First originating in the Aldwych market in 1742, the business was masterminded by Stephen Cullum. Then, Stephen’s son, Sam Cullum, later took on two new partners, from whom the company keeps its namesake. The company’s history is full of notable successes, including their appointment as official cheesemonger to HM Queen Victoria in 1850. Paxton & Whitfield’s relationship with the royal family has advanced in lucrative continuation since then. In October, ticket-holders can expect delicious cheese platters – complete with chutneys, crackers, and the highest quality cheese.

Be mindful not to fill up on cheese boards and food pairings, though, as weekend attendees can enjoy a two-course meal inclusive of their ticket price. Choose to savour options such as delicious ‘seared sea bass’. The bass is served lavishly garnished with ‘roasted fennel, lemon and capers’ before a generous drizzling of ‘whiskey butter sauce’. Dessert comes with a whiskey element too, in the form of a raspberry fool with ‘whiskey and toasted oats’ and ‘caramelised white chocolate’. Available at guest convenience between midday and 5 pm, what better way to combine quality dining and whisky splendour.

With limited tickets on offer due to COVID-19 capping capacity, those wishing to attend should act quickly. Tickets are purchasable online directly through The Whisky Show’s website, alongside various add-on ticket packages. In addition, attendees can opt for exciting extra luxuries such as the Talisker Port Ruighe or Nikka Coffey Malt Whisky Show Package – ranging from £130 to £260 per package. The Whisky Show is the perfect opportunity to splurge on world-class spirits and sampling experiences, with specialist guidance and top-tier service throughout. An exclusive annual success, The Whisky Show is a firm event for the calendar.