The Whisky Lounge hits London this Saturday!

Just a quick plug for this Saturday’s Whisky Lounge event in London, which is taking place at the Hilton in Tower Hill, just round the corner from London Bridge station.  Former Glenmorangie ambassador Eddie Ludlow has been organising top quality tasting events in regional hotspots like York, Newcastle and Brighton for a while now, and is bringing his great-value roadshow to the capital this Saturday (15th May) from 12-7pm – so if you’re London-based, make sure you get down there.

Hilton Tower Bridge: I think the correct word is 'Plush'

Consider what’s on offer – at £18 for a seven-hour event this is a bargain, especially when you see the exhibitors.  Usual suspects Diageo, Pernod and Morrison Bowmore will be out in force and should have plenty of good stuff open; local heroes Compass Box, Berry Bros & Milroy’s will be showing off their latest releases ( hopefully Milroy’s Phil has recovered from his encounter with Facejacker’s Brian Badonde, funny as it was for the rest of us); and indie pioneers Gordon & Macphail have taken a stand as well (which will probably be worth the price of admission alone).

The immortal Brian Badonde - do not offer this man a whisky

However, there’s also a welter of lesser-seen exhibitors with brilliant whiskies to sample.  This is a rare opportunity for London-based whisky fans to try all manner of top whiskies from the likes of David Stirk’s Creative Whisky Company, Arran, Inverhouse, Tomatin, Amrut and Four Roses – and, best of all, there’s no silly voucher system, so you can dram away to your heart’s content at no extra cost (responsibly of course).

There will also be a range of Masterclasses on the day, with Stephen Teeling showing off the Cooley range, the inimitable Colin Dunn running through some of the best of Diageo’s Distiller’s Editions (inclduing Lagavulin, Caol Ila and Talisker), and Eddie himself presenting the Ultimalt masterclass – the full line-up for this one is being revealed day-by-day on Facebook, with Caol Ila 25yo OB, Glenmorangie 1990 OB and Glenlivet 1982  BBR all confirmed so far, and Ardbeg, Brora and Macallan to come.

Chuck in a free Glencairn, an hour of live blues/reggae for the last hourof the show and a £3 discount if you email Eddie before buying your ticket: eddie[at]thewhiskylounge.com and it’s clear that this event is nigh on compulsory for whisky fans in the capital this weekend.  £15 for a seven hour whisky event?! That’s not London prices – if you haven’t already got a ticket, hurry!

A London-based whisky fan without a ticket, yesterday

Think about it.  For just over £2 an hour you can have your pick of a really superb selection of mainstream and independent drams, in plush surroundings and handy for the train home.   I’ll be there, but don’t let that put you off – make sure you are too (and for God’s sake make sure you’ve had a big meal before you get there).

Check out the facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=91964414706 or order your tickets direct from the website http://www.thewhiskylounge.com/Events.aspx?id=123 (don’t forget to email Eddie first for your discount).  The inaugural London Whisky Lounge is not to be missed.

Happy Dramming,

Tim