The American Whiskey Show celebrated its fourth year in Sydney on 19 August 2023, welcoming more than 900 whiskey lovers to the Overseas Passenger Terminal in The Rocks.

Founder of The Whisky Show David Ligoff said he was proud that the off-shoot event had become so successful. 

“The American Whiskey Show is Australia’s largest festival celebrating Bourbon, Rye, American Single Malts and Canadian Whiskeys,” he said.

For those unfamiliar with the event, the entry ticket includes a whiskey tasting glass to keep and access to sample over 100 different whiskeys from all over the United States and Canada.

What makes the experience so memorable is being surrounded by people who love their whiskey and having the opportunity to connect with the people behind the brands and learn more about their expertly crafted spirits.

It’s also an opportunity to try brands and whiskeys never-before-seen in Australia, alongside favourites such as Jack Daniel’s, Westward, WhistlePig, Wild Turkey and Woodford Reserve.

Our favourite spirits from the event were George Remus Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Sortilège, a unique blend of Canadian whisky and maple syrup that we can’t wait to drizzle over waffles and ice cream.

The atmospheric event also featured a pop-up bar area with Old Fashioned cocktails on offer – we sipped Reservoir Rye in our delicious drinks.

There was also a live band playing a Southern soundtrack and the Smokin Hot & Saucy Texan BBQ food truck served up superb brisket and slaw burgers.

It was great to catch up with David Ligoff and co-founder of The Whisky List Oliver Maruda to discuss Australia’s passion for whiskey.

“Australia is the third largest export market for US whiskey, an impressive feat due to our small population. We really love our bourbon here,” Maruda said.

“There is a real growing demand for premium and craft bourbons and rye whiskeys today, and this festival presents the best opportunity for fans of American spirits to sample from dozens of new distilleries and brands that are now available in Australia.”

The Whiskey Show will hold its final event for 2023 at Stamford Plaza, Brisbane on 2 September. It will feature more than 60 different whiskies from all over the world including Scotland, United States and Australia. Learn more here

Amber Lane joins The Whisky List