Whisky Live Germany 2026 in Hamburg: Dates, Exhibitors and Highlights

What Is Whisky Live Germany?

Whisky Live is an international tasting show for whisky and premium spirits. After its debut last year, with more than 2,000 visitors, over 120 brands and around 70 stands, the German edition returns to Hamburg in 2026.

According to the organisers, over 500 whiskies and premium spirits are poured free of charge. Alongside single malt, rum, Cognac and other spirits are represented.

When and Where?

Saturday 10 October 2026 is the public day, from 11am to 6pm. Sunday 11 October 2026 is the trade day, from 11am to 5pm, for retailers and industry professionals with proof of trade.

The venue is the CCH Congress Center Hamburg, Congressplatz 1, 20355 Hamburg. Last entry is two hours before closing, and pouring stops 15 minutes before the end. The easiest way to arrive is the S2 S-Bahn or a long distance train to Dammtor, or bus lines 5 or 19. Drivers can use the CCH underground car park at Tiergartenstraße 2.

Who Will Be There?

The hall plan lists more than 140 brands. From Scotland they include Ardbeg, Laphroaig, Bruichladdich with Octomore, Kilchoman, Springbank and Kilkerran, The Balvenie, Glenfiddich, Glenfarclas, The GlenAllachie, Glendronach, Benriach and Lindores Abbey.

Independent bottlers are well represented, including Gordon & MacPhail, Signatory Vintage, Cadenhead's, Douglas Laing, Berry Bros. & Rudd, Elixir Distillers with Port Askaig and Tormore, and Thompson Bros. Japan is there with Chichibu, Saburomaru, Mars, Nikka and Hibiki, Ireland with Teeling, Dingle and West Cork. Germany brings St. Kilian among others, and rum fans will find Hampden Estate, Foursquare and La Maison & Velier.

Our Highlights for Your Visit

Taste the new Ardbeg first. In the Saturday masterclass at 12:15, Ben Hawthorn and Leah Sullivan present a new Ardbeg bottling.

The Balvenie 1931 Collection. At 13:15, Markus Heinze guides you through the Five Rare Crafts in five drams, including the new 1931 Collection bottling, poured for the first time in Germany.

Five decades of Gordon & MacPhail. At 13:45, Gordon Muir and Patrick James taste one of only 50 sets of the Anniversary Collection, created for Kirsch Import's 50th anniversary.

Industry legends. Billy Walker shows five virgin oak casks from The GlenAllachie, and Andrew Symington, founder of Signatory Vintage, presents a personal selection from 40 years. Proceeds from his masterclass go to Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance.

Japan in one place. Comparing Chichibu, Saburomaru, Mars, Nikka and Hibiki in one day is rarely this easy.

Take bottles home. Selected bottlings and the show's limited special bottlings are sold directly at the stands. Paying by card is best.

Masterclasses

Masterclasses are limited to 30 places each and need a separate ticket in addition to the entry ticket. On Saturday, Serge Valentin (whiskyfun.com) and Sebastian Jäger also lead a tasting of Kirsch Import's anniversary bottlings, Nc'nean founder Annabel Thomas hosts a blending workshop, Douglas Cook presents Tormore in six drams, and Dave Cummins takes the Dingle 10 Year Old apart component by component.

On the trade day the programme includes Fred Laing on more than 75 years of Douglas Laing, the return of the Prohibition era brand Rosewood, and Hampden Estate.

Side Events in Hamburg

On the eve of the show, Friday 9 October at 6pm, Criss Studio serves a five course dinner paired with Hampden Estate Rum. Several bars offer special menus during the show days, including The Rabbithole Bar with Elixir Distillers, Bā Nomu and Slomo with Nikka, Bar Christiansen's with Takamaka, the Nick & Nora Bar and Distill Bar by Freudenhaus with Smokehead.

For the Sunday aftershow, Laureen Hayduk and Robin Lühert take over the Nikkei Nine bar at Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten.

Good to Know

The ticket includes a nosing glass with holder to take home and a show guide with hall plan. Water is free, and spittoons are available at the stands. Food is sold on site, card only at the catering stands. Outside food and glass bottles are not allowed.

Entry is 18 and over with valid ID. There is a box office on the day while capacity allows. The cloakroom costs €3.50 per coat and €5.50 per piece of luggage.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Whisky Live Germany 2026?

Saturday 10 October 2026 from 11am to 6pm (public day) and Sunday 11 October 2026 from 11am to 5pm (trade day).

Where does it take place?

At the CCH Congress Center Hamburg, Congressplatz 1, 20355 Hamburg, close to Dammtor station.

Are the tastings included in the ticket?

Yes, over 500 whiskies and premium spirits are poured free of charge. Masterclasses need an additional ticket.

Can I buy bottles at the show?

Yes, selected bottlings and the show's special bottlings are sold at the stands.

Can I still get tickets on the day?

Yes, there is a box office on the day as long as the maximum number of visitors has not been reached.