Whisky L! 2025 – A Toast to Craft and Community in Shanghai’s Summer Heat – a guest blog post by Nené hu (LinZi Whisky)
In August 2025, Shanghai played host to a spectacular three-day celebration of whisky and spirits—Whisky L! 2025.
Under the theme “Watching Over an Era”, the event welcomed tens of thousands of attendees who immersed themselves in the diverse world of fine spirits. From professional buyers and seasoned collectors to curious first-time whisky drinkers, everyone found a glass—and a moment—that belonged to them.
The guest list was nothing short of stellar. Among the most celebrated was Stephanie Macleod, the 7th generation Master Blender at Dewar’s and recipient of the 2023 International Spirits Challenge (ISC) “Master Blender of the Year” award. She was joined by Shinji Fukuyo, Chief Blender of Suntory and one of the leading figures in Japanese whisky, who delivered an insightful masterclass on his blending philosophy and creative process.
In fact, Whisky L! 2025 was filled with brand-led Masterclasses—not just tastings, but in-depth learning sessions with rare bottles and behind-the-scenes stories. One of the most exclusive experiences came from Armand de Brignac, which offered four different vintages of its iconic “Ace of Spades” Champagne for tasting—only within its private masterclass, by reservation only. A true luxury moment, rarely seen even on a global stage.
Outside of the masterclass rooms, visitors were free to explore a wide range of unique and rare spirits. From independent bottlings to limited-edition whiskies rarely available in the market, this was a place where curiosity met opportunity—“If you can imagine it, you could probably drink it.”
Despite the relentless Shanghai summer heat, the passion from the crowd was unstoppable. For three straight days, lines formed early in the morning and crowds lingered late into the evening. The enthusiasm sent a clear message to the world: even in a slower global market, China remains a vibrant and youthful frontier for whisky culture.
More and more young people in China are not just drinking whisky—they’re studying it, collecting it, sharing it, and building communities around it. This, perhaps, is what “watching over an era” truly means.
Whisky L! 2025 was more than an exhibition—it was a response to the times.
In a world of constant change, it reminded us that passion for flavour, commitment to craftsmanship, and connection between people will never go out of style.
Until next time—cheers.
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