As the world-renowned tasting event for whisky, Whisky Live Beirut’s second edition drew to a close on October 21, 2017 after celebrating a successful three days at Le Yacht Club – Beirut, Zaitunay Bay. Hosting more than 50 top whisky brands, the show attracted a crowd of more than 3,000 enthusiasts eager to sample top-quality international whiskies in the company of over 20 brand ambassadors and experts.
A new and exciting concept for the Lebanese market and the region as a whole, the second edition was inaugurated on October 19, 2017 in the presence of H.E. Minister of Tourism Avedis Guidanian, British Ambassador to Lebanon H.E. Hugo Shorter, presidents of associations and syndicates, trade representatives, international experts and the media.
Organized by Hospitality Services, visitors to Whisky Live Beirut were invited to join a vast selection of masterclasses to taste their favorite brands and learn more about premium bottles.
Avid collectors were able to sample rare bottles in the VIP Room and Collectors’ Room during exclusive tasting sessions led by Rob Allanson, editor of Whisky magazine and Jean-Marc Bellier from La Maison du Whisky Anjou, Paris.
Occupying two floors of the high-end Le Yacht Club – Beirut, the exhibition’s lower level provided guests with an area to socialize, and to purchase whiskies and other spirits from The Malt Gallery’s on-site boutique.
On the outdoor terrace, a selection of pop-up bars provided visitors with the chance to try innovative whisky cocktails while they enjoyed music from bands and DJs. A restaurant area, managed by Nicholas Audi, was serving up a menu created especially for the event.
Serving as a reference for the whisky industry, Lebanon is the 18th country in the world to host Whisky Live after countries such as Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, France, India, Japan, Singapore and the U.K.
Joumana Dammous-Salame, managing director of Hospitality Services, said: “We are thrilled by the outcome of this year’s event, which drew in a larger number of exhibitors, consumers and experts. Whisky Live Beirut is a unique concept in Lebanon, and the region as a whole, and we are already working on our 2018 edition. We have great faith in the country which is why we have continued to work for the past 25 years on events such as this one to highlight the strength of our hospitality and foodservice industries.”