The 16th year of the annual Whisky Show, presented by The Whisky Exchange, approaches – a time of year that has many an enthusiast salivating in anticipation. And this year, Mangrove’s world whisky portfolio will be representing the wow-factor of worldwide producers and their wonderful flavours. The UK distributor of fine independent spirits will have no less than 14 brands showcasing their ranges, with three taking to the stage as part of the festival’s programme of events and a few very special launches.
Mangrove brands showcasing at the event will be Denmark’s Stauning, Israel’s Milk & Honey, England’s East London Liquor Company and The English, India’s Indri, Japan’s Yamazakura and Akashi, Ireland’s Glendalough, Australia’s MORRIS, New Zealand’s Pōkeno, Canada’s BEARFACE, Mexico’s Abasolo, and America’s Uncle Nearest and New York Distilling Co.
The global whisky category grew by 8% from 2021 to 2022 and is expected to increase by 4% CAGR between now and 2027 – and the boom in world whisky production (production of whiskies outside the traditional regions of Scotland, Ireland, and North America) has played a large part in that success.
In hotter climates, maturation takes place at a faster rate, meaning that depth, complexity, and smoothness can be achieved in a much shorter amount of time. Producers in every continent are innovating with their liquids; respecting tradition but going beyond the rules and regulations that Scotch and Irish varieties have to meet. But beyond these differentiating factors, it’s the stories behind the spirits that set the bottles apart.
Winner of this year’s World’s Best Single Malt for its Sherry Cask Matured Single Malt, The English Distillery will be joining a masterclass, hosted by the wonderful Billy Abbott, on England’s farming heritage and the impact this has on the country’s renaissance of whisky making. And who better to speak on the topic, than the distillery who became England’s first in 100 years and is now expressing world class bottles. The family run business is rooted in Norfolk, their family’s history rooted in agriculture and the farming of grain – meaning they’ve brought hundreds of years of expertise and the finest local ingredients to their spirits. The processes are traditional, but they’re innovating with sustainable production and a range of incredible flavours. Catch the Masterclass at 5.30pm on Friday 6th September.
Travelling far from his distillery’s home in New Zealand, will be Pokeno’s Founder Matt Johns, who will take to the main stage at 5.30pm on Saturday 7th September. A special feature segment on the region, Matt will undoubtedly pull from his experience creating a spirit that is uniquely representative of the land in which it’s produced. Pokeno uses local ingredients, water, and even wood, to create a liquid that truly captures the ‘spirit of New Zealand’. The Triple Distilled SKU won a gold award and Best in Category at The World Whiskies Awards, with SKUs across the range racking up bronze and silver medals across the board. This exploration of regional distilling will be a fascinating session for anyone who considers themselves an intrepid explorer of world spirits.
The final brand taking part in the festival’s events, is Uncle Nearest, who’s Founder and CEO, Fawn Weaver will be taking part in no less than two Masterclasses. Fawn, who is also a serial entrepreneur, investor, business leader and commentator, will be on the main stage at 2.30pm on Saturday 7th September joining the, ‘We are whisky” session which explores the people (and diversity) behind whisky. She’ll then join the second masterclass, at which herself and the panel will sample a single barrel from the Uncle Nearest Distillery – the seventh most visited distillery in the world.
A spirit with a story unlike any other, Uncle Nearest was distilled to honour the man behind Tennessee’s perhaps most famous exported whisky. The man in question, is Nathan ‘Nearest’ Green, who was master distiller of (and brains behind) the state’s most beloved spirit. The story is one so fascinating, that Weaver herself wrote the semi-biographical book entitled Love & Whisky, which instantly became a New York Times bestseller. It follows the life and work of Nearest Green and his bond with one Jack Daniels who sought to protect Nearest’s legacy – and she’ll be signing copies from 1pm – 2pm on Saturday 7th September.
Stef Holt, Mangrove Global’s Curator of World Whisky said:
With the Whisky Show being in its 16th year, some might think they’ve been here, done that – but with the way this category has transformed in recent years, they’d be absolutely wrong.
World whisky has changed the face of the category, and our portfolio will be out in force across the weekend showcasing their expertise, innovation, and wonderful liquids. The range in our portfolio means there really is a whisky out there for everyone; and because of that I’d argue that this show isn’t just for category enthusiasts and the on-trade – it’s for every spirit lover who’s keen to discover something new.
The Whisky Show takes place at 1 Old Billingsgate Walk in London, from Friday 6th September – Sunday 8th September. Talks, masterclasses, exhibitions, and samples a plenty will be on offer. Tickets are now sold out but for more information visit whiskyshow.com/London.