Despite the sub zero tempera-tures currently being experienced in Finland, the second annual Uisge whisky show, held at the heart of Helsinki, was a huge success, with around 1,500 whisky lovers descending on the capital.

The two-day event saw a number of high profile brands from across the UK and America showcasing their newest releases, as well as some of the best offerings from the Nordic countries, including Sweden’s Mackmyra and Finland’s own Teerenpeli distillery, now in its ninth year of distilling.

The event also gave whisky lovers a chance to get up close and personal with several ambassadors during a series of master classes, including Glenmorangie’s Karen Fullerton, Bruichladdich’s Joanne Brown and Diageo malts ambassador Donald Colville, who showcased five whiskies from the Talisker portfolio.

The event also gave the Scandinavian Highland Park ambassador Martin Markvardsen the opportunity to unveil the distillery’s latest creation, Thor, to a rapturous reception, ahead of its official launch in Stockholm.

Whyte & Mackay adapted perfectly to the frozen surroundings, coming up with a novel way to present the Shackleton blended whisky, with an explorer-style tent and items set up outside in the grounds of the event.

Uisge event organiser and chairman of the Finnish Malt Whisky Society, Mika Jansson, was delighted with the high turnout for the event. “This year’s Uisge show really highlighted the huge enthusiasm for malt whisky in Finland and it was wonderful to see whisky fans from right across the country in attendance.”