The renowned Whisky & Fine Spirit Show is celebrating its 10th anniversary at the Corinthia Hotel in Budapest on November 6 and 7, 2021.
As always, this two-day event will feature prominent international participants, showcasing exhibitors from Ireland, Japan, Scotland, Taiwan, Germany, France, the USA, and beyond.
The Whisky & Fine Spirit Show offers a fantastic opportunity to sample and learn about a diverse range of drinks and spirits, making it one of Budapest’s most anticipated annual events. It’s an occasion you won’t want to miss.
We had the pleasure of speaking with Kati Szatmári, one of the event organizers, to gain more insight into this year’s celebration.
Photo: Whiskynet
What has contributed to the success of this event over the years?
Kati: There are several factors at play.
Firstly, the Whisky & Fine Spirit Show was established to fill a gap in the market. In Hungary, known for its excellent wines and pálinka, there are numerous pálinka and wine festivals, but other types of spirits were often overlooked. While traveling the world, we noticed the popularity of similar events in various countries, which inspired us to bring this concept to Hungary.
Secondly, the event continually evolves, striving to surpass its previous editions. For instance, in our inaugural year, we had just under 400 attendees—many of whom I recognized personally. By the last show in 2019, we welcomed nearly 3,000 visitors. In 2010, there were only 13 exhibitors; this year, we have expanded to 72 stands.
Content-wise, the show is more than just a tasting event; it serves as an educational platform where attendees can learn about various spirits, production techniques, and the latest industry trends. This year, we are excited to host 48 Brand Ambassadors who will introduce their products authentically.
Lastly, the event has evolved into a significant gathering for both the industry and social circles. Some attendees even share that they look forward to the annual Whisky Show more than their own birthdays!
Are there specific whiskeys or spirits you are particularly excited about this year?
Kati: This year, we will have nearly 300 different spirits available for tasting, so it’s tricky to single out a few. However, I want to emphasize our Irish selection. Ireland is the Guest of Honour at the Show this year, which includes special Irish-themed activities and a focus on brands like Teeling, Waterford, Drumshanbo, Fercullen, and more.
In addition to the Irish section, there will be various new releases and limited editions from Scottish distilleries. I highly recommend visiting the WhiskyNet stand, as it boasts the largest selection at the event.
We also have an impressive range of world-class rum brands (such as Diplomatico, Plantation, Clement, and Hampden), trendy gins (including Isle of Harris, Bobby’s, Citadelle, and Mare), and intriguing French spirits like Armagnac Castarede and Calvados Drouin.
Ten years ago, did you think you would still be organizing this event today?
Kati: When we embark on a new venture, we typically have a vision that guides our planning and goal-setting.
However, in the early stages, we focused more on managing the present than contemplating the future. The event demands significant effort and attention alongside our daily responsibilities, making the months leading up to and following the show particularly challenging. We worked to complete the necessary tasks and enjoyed the journey along the way. Before we knew it, ten years had passed.
