Finland Whisky Fest; News For Whisky Lovers – Whisky Lovers News
Finland whisky fest; News for whisky lovers
This report sent in by Angels whisky club member; Mika Jansson.
The third annual UISGE whisky festival in not so freezing Helsinki on 31st of January – 1st of February (Thu – Fri)
Held at the old students house (Vanha Ylioppilastalo). Expectations were high, with more whisky importers than ever before presented more than 230 different kinds of whiskies from all over the world. UISGE 2013 also hosted a number of whisky world’s movers and shakers as guest speakers, and during the two festival days some 20 guided tastings and presentations took place at the meeting rooms of the venue.
A total of 2,000 visitors, the biggest-ever crowd in the history of the festival, enjoyed thoroughly the event , which started on Thrusday afternoon with the Helsinki Pipes & Drums band proudly playing the bagpipes on the stage. Despite of a record-breaking success, the festival’s atmosphere was as peaceful and friendly as ever. This was duly noted by the international guest speakers, many of whom praised the overall arrangements, and the crowd’s level of enthusiasm and knowledge of whisky in general, as well as the good behaviour of all. One international guest speaker noted that ‘UISGE is right now one of the nicest whisky events in all of Europe to come to’ much to the pride of the organizers.
UISGE whisky festival is the brainchild of two local Finnish whisky enthusiasts, Mika Jansson and Ilkka Ruponen. Back in 2010 these gentlemen from the Malt Whisky Association of Finland started planning a major whisky festival in Finland, despite of local legal and other limitations (anything to with spirits above 22% vol. isn’t allowed to be advertised in the country in any way). It took much convincing and planning, but what seemed like just a dream has now become an annual event, once a year gathering all Finnish whisky hobbyists and importers together for two days each January – February.
UISGE whisky festival also arranges a whisky competition, in which a panel of judges select the best whiskies according to geographical groupings (Scottish Highlands, Lowlands etc). Finally all group winners compete for the title of ‘Best of the Best’ – Whisky of the year. The 40 member panel of judges consists of enthusiasts and bar professionals alike.
In the ‘Best of the Best’ – Whisky of the year competition, the winner was Auchentoshan’s Three Wood, with Highland Park 21yo coming in second, and Bunnahabhain 18yo placing third. From the judge’s comments it was evident that the robust, sherried flavour profile of Auchentoshan Three Wood attracted many, and made the whisky stand out from the rest.
Many thanks to Mika for the story and photographs!
