The Show went well. More than well. Actually, we overachieved our goals. We believed that it will be welcomed by the whisky fans in Hungary. But it was more than welcomed: it was loved and appreciated. Everyone tried to convince us to do it every year instead of every second year. We really consider to repeat the Whisky Show already in 2011.

Let’s see some statistics. There were 400 visitors, out of which 239 attended the Masterclass seminars. There were 2,100 whisky coupons cashed, which means that around 5 drams were tasted per visitor. People were much more keen on tasting limited editions, super-premium whiskies, independent bottlings, new releases and specialties, than go for the standard whiskies. They were also keen on having information and explanations. The exhibitors were quite impressed by the information need of the Hungarian whisky fans. Glenfarclas 30 years old was voted to be the best whisky of the Show, while Pernod Ricard the best exhibitor.

I started to work in the whisky business in 1999. The idea of running a Whisky Club and organizing a Whisky Show already came into my mind in 2000. But it took several years just to establish the Club and meet to perfect partners to do the Show. The Hungarian whisky community improved a lot in the past ten years. The Whisky Club is running for more than 5 years now, and the first ever Whisky Show was organized last Saturday. Big steps for us. Now, we are on the whisky map. A clear sign for the whisky industry: for both the whisky producers and the whisky media. And believe me: I have many ideas how to build the community further. So, more to come. Just sit and watch. Slainté!