Pandemic Leaves Whisky Festivals in Critical Condition (Episode 831: August 9, 2020)

This week saw upcoming whisky events in the U.S., England, Ireland, Canada, and Australia either postponed or cancelled outright as the number of Covid-19 cases and deaths continues to rise in many parts of the world. The list includes the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, the Whisky Show in London, and Whisky Live events in Dublin and Adelaide. The pandemic is forcing event organizers to take not only local health restrictions into account, but the bans many whisky makers have imposed on travel and participating in live events. As a result, some festivals are going virtual so whisky lovers can meet with distillers and brand ambassadors online safely, while others are trying to figure out protocols for holding in-person events safely. We’ll have details on WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, the pandemic has already cost Diageo more than $2 billion in lost profits, with significant drops in its Scotch Whisky sales, while Woodford Reserve has rescheduled its annual Kentucky Derby charity Mint Julep campaign to go along with 2020’s “fastest two minutes” in September sports.

Links: Diageo | Johnnie Walker | Möet Hennessy | Office of the U.S Trade Representative | Woodford Reserve | Maker’s Mark | Bardstown Bourbon Company | Still Austin Whiskey | Douglas Laing & Co. | Arran Whisky | Whiskey & Barrel Nite | The Whisky Show | Kentucky Bourbon Festival | Whiskey Live Dublin | Spirit of Toronto | WhiskyFest | 10th Street Distillery | Woodinville Whiskey | Michter’s | Wild Turkey | Midleton Dair Ghaelach | Glendalough