Whiskies,
cocktails,
experts,
chefs,
and more!

The annual and gourmet beloved whisky culture festival “Riga Whisky & Friends” will return on 12 September, culminating for the third year in the historic Rīgas cirks.

The event, created by the “Riga Wine & Champagne” team in collaboration with Lauris Grass from “Mākonis” and “Dzērienu Meistarklases,” will bring together and offer the chance to explore: top-quality whiskies, cocktails, world-class experts, chefs, and a wide audience of enthusiasts from across the Baltics.

A detailed programme of Riga Whisky & Friends Parade masterclasses, as well as information about the 11 September dinner and afterparty will be announced shortly.

About the Festival

"Riga Whisky & Friends", first held in September 2024, is designed as a top-tier showcase of whisky and other fine spirits, giving visitors the opportunity to explore and learn about drink culture in a special atmosphere.

Across the Riga Circus arena, balcony, courtyard, and the historic "Horse Stable," guests will discover leading whisky and spirits brands presenting nearly 200 world-renowned whiskies. Alongside the tastings, visitors can enjoy masterclasses, exquisite cocktails crafted by top bartenders, a cigar lounge, live music, and other inseparable companions of whisky culture.

→ Food

Gastronomic delights provided by Latvia’s top chefs and restaurants!

It will be a wonderful opportunity not only to discover the diverse world of whisky but also to enjoy outstanding food, relax, meet people, and embrace the early-autumn atmosphere.

→ Last year's masterclasses

Road to an exceptional taste experience: Diplomático Single Vintage Rum

Eduards Trofimčuks

Liviko Brand Ambassador for Latvia

An exclusive invitation to discover one of the world’s most prestigious rums. This masterclass will unveil a refined journey of taste, where craftsmanship, rich aromas, and a unique heritage come together to make Diplomático Single Vintage Rum a true legend.

Irish treasures:
Single Malt and Single Pot Still

James Kilgannon

Walsh Whiskey Global Brand Manager

Discover the heart of Walsh Whiskey through two of Ireland’s most beloved labels - Writers’ Tears and The Irishman. Both celebrate Ireland’s unique whiskey heritage by blending elegant single malts with rich single pot stills, creating complex yet approachable styles that embody the spirit of Irish storytelling.

Tērvete:
the first Latvian malt whisky

Lauris Grass

Whisky and other spirits enthusiast

A journey into the origins of Latvia’s first malt whisky: how a legendary brewing tradition laid the foundation for an exceptional spirit. But this is not the end — rather, only the beginning. For the true beauty of great whisky lies in the secrets of cask maturation. During the masterclass, we will explore the many challenges that had to be overcome for the very first authentic Latvian malt whisky to see the light of day.

Celtic Peata:
Journey through Scotch and Irish

Ron Welsh

World-class whisky guru

A journey through the peatlands of Ireland and Scotland, shaped over centuries to create the legendary smoky aromas of whisky. We will savor world-renowned Islay greats, crafted over decades under the guidance of our masterclass host, Ron Welsh. He is the man behind the flavor profiles of such iconic superstars as Laphroaig, Bowmore, Auchentoshan, Ardmore, and many more.

There's no smoke
without Ardbeg

Oskars Varenbergs

Moët Hennessy Brand Ambassador for Latvia

Oskars will guide guests through the smoky world of Ardbeg. Explore Islay’s peatlands, discover how peat shapes Ardbeg’s character, and dive into the distillation process and the science of smoke. Along the way, taste four iconic expressions — Ardbeg 10YO, Wee Beastie, Uigeadail, and an exclusive preview of the brand-new Ardbeg The Bethir’s Tale 15YO, arriving in Latvia for the first time.

America in a Glass:
The Michter’s Story

Kenneth Charles

Michter’s Brand Ambassador

Michter’s stands as one of the defining names in American whiskey, with roots reaching back to the 18th century. This masterclass explores the brand’s heritage and craftsmanship through four expressions that showcase its style: the smooth richness of Kentucky Straight Bourbon, the bold spice of Rye, the approachable elegance of American Whiskey, and the historic character of Sour Mash. A journey into tradition and flavor that embodies the essence of American whiskey.

Who's behind
Riga Whisky & Friends?

The whisky festival is a brainchild of Riga Wine & Champagne, the grandest champagne and wine festival in the Baltics, collaborating with Lauris Grass, one of the most renowned whisky & drinks experts in Latvia.

Whiskies,cocktails,experts,chefs,and more!