Riga Whisky & Friends festival

That's a Wrap, 2025!

Catch the highlights and behind-the-scenes moments on our social channels.

The second edition of Riga Whisky & Friends was a true success thanks to all of you. Until next year, dear friends!

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 150 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.

→ 2025 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.

→ Food

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

Māris Jansons from "Kest"

Specially paired dishes and oysters

Flavours crafted to match the finest whiskies

"MeatMe"

Some of the world’s finest steaks

Fire-grilled perfection, bold and juicy

Great opportunity not only to discover the world of whisky but also to enjoy outstanding food, relax, meet people, and soak up the early autumn atmosphere.

→ 2025 Opening Dinner

“Celtic Peata: Journey through Scotch and Irish”.

Benjamiņu Nams (The Benjamin House), Riga

Festival’s opening dinner - we’ll dive into Ron Welsh’s stories, paired with exclusive whiskies and refined dishes by chef Māris Jansons and the “Kest” team.

With more than 30 years of experience and as the former Master Blender at Beam Suntory, Ron has created over 140 new whiskies for prestigious brands such as Laphroaig, Bowmore, and Auchentoshan.

Who's behind Riga Whisky & Friends?

The new whiskey 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.