Whisky Live Paris 2025 Sets Record With 15,000 Attendees
Whisky Live Paris 2025 took place from September 28-29, attracting a record-breaking 15,000 visitors and showcasing over 2,000 products. Notably, 25% of spirits across multiple categories were making their global debut. This year, the 21st edition of the exhibition saw a substantial expansion of the French Drinks Awards, increasing from two categories last year to thirteen. These now cover rum, cognac, armagnac, gin, whisky, ready-to-drink products, and vermouth, with a total of 425 products evaluated.
The newly introduced Pavillon France became a highlight of the Plateau Dégustation, bringing together 57 French producers. This dedicated space emphasized local distilling prowess, standing alongside international brands. The Plateau Dégustation welcomed participants from 128 brands and distilleries. Scottish representatives included Glen Moray, Aberlour, Ardbeg, Glenfiddich, and Johnnie Walker. Japanese whisky was led by Nikka Whisky and House of Suntory. American whiskies featured Heaven Hill and Elijah Craig, while Irish whiskey brands present were Element Irish Whiskey and Teeling.
The 1,500 square meter Rum Gallery exhibited 34 distilleries, including Neisson, Takamaka, Zacapa, and Havana Club Iconica. The Agave Patio returned for its second year, with brands such as Don Julio and Herradura offering guided tastings. Gin Lane, with its redesigned layout, featured 22 brands, including Citadelle, Hendrick’s, and Distillerie du Mont-Blanc.
Saké District expanded to 400 square meters, with 13 Japanese breweries participating. This area hosted the inaugural Saké Master 2025 competition, with the title won by Chloé Cazaux Grandpierre, founder of Oba restaurant. Global debut highlights at the show included a preview of Stade’s Rum and Gordon & MacPhail’s oldest single malt, both unveiled in the Boris Vian Amphitheatre. The VIP area offered limited edition and independent bottlings. Collector Square hosted the Karuizawa Tasting Bar, displaying 30 rare vintages from a defunct Japanese distillery.
Cocktail Street ran concurrently alongside the main exhibition, featuring nearly 50 pop-up bars. Nikka Whisky recreated Kyoto’s Bee’s Knees bar, bringing its Japanese team to Paris. The new Accords Parfaits space paired spirits with dishes from chefs Thomas Chisholm, Wilfried Romain, and Adrien Cachot.
2025-10-13
Source: https://thewhiskeywash.com/whiskey-news/whisky-live-paris-2025-draws-record-15000-visitors/