2026: Highlights - Trade fair profile

  • Around 230 exhibitors
  • THE VILLAGE
  • 3,000 different whiskies
  • PUEBLO DEL RON trade fair rum
  • 300 different rums
  • Brands from 45 countries
  • PANAMERICA
  • THE VILLAGE glass with the year 2026 printed on it
  • around 40 Master Classes
  • Highland Circle Nuremberg
  • 15 Basic Seminars
  • Gastronomy Seminars
  • Ambassadors
  • Haggis
  • Whiskey-cured ham
  • Live bands
  • Villiger Cigar Lounge
  • THE MARKET

THE VILLAGE: The whiskey hotspot of Europe

Every visitor receives their own personal nosing glass with THE VILLAGE design, complete with a matching glass holder lanyard, a 0.5-liter bottle of water, and a jute bag right at the entrance. Equipped like this, they're perfectly ready to embark on a whisky discovery tour.

Over 3,000 different whiskies and more than 300 different rums are available. The focus in 2026 is on PANAMERICA, the route of roads and trails from Alaska through Central America to Tierra del Fuego (South America). Off the beaten track, a rich whisky and, above all, rum culture awaits.

Renowned importers and distilleries, as well as bottlers and suppliers of related products, will be presenting their wares at the fair. They offer the perfect whisky and rum for every taste and budget, including many rare finds for connoisseurs, enthusiasts, and collectors.

In addition to whiskies from classic whisky-producing countries like Scotland, Ireland, and the USA, the selection also includes whiskies from German distilleries as well as whiskies from Australia, Denmark, Finland, France, India, Iceland, Japan, the Netherlands, Austria, Sweden, Switzerland, and Spain.

Exhibitor Directory - Learn more here

R(h)um trade fair Nuremberg PUEBLO DEL RON

The Nuremberg Rum Fair, PUEBLO DEL RON, is once again partnering with THE VILLAGE, proving that rum is far more than just the base for Cuba Libres. Exhibitors at the Nuremberg Rum Fair will bring over 300 different high-quality rums, along with the joie de vivre of the Caribbean, to the fair. Experts, producers, and importers will be on hand to guide visitors through the wide selection and offer tips for finding your new favorite drink.

And PUEBLO DEL RON is celebrating a premiere in 2026: an exclusive PUEBLO DEL RON Rum Limited Edition! The year's theme, "PANAMERICA," provides the perfect special focus – with rum traditions deeply rooted in the history and culture of the American continent.

Not all rums are created equal: expert production and the use of the finest ingredients influence the spirit's taste and appearance. The result is a great diversity of rums. Furthermore, unlike whiskey, rum offers a wide range of combination possibilities with other ingredients, resulting in numerous rum cocktails. Choosing the right base spirit plays a crucial role.

"Master Classes" - Basic Seminars - Gastro Specialist Seminar

Drink Whisk(e)y like an Expert!

Ambassadors, Masters and Keepers of the Quaich, experts, retailers, restaurateurs, bartenders, and passionate fans of the golden water flock to THE VILLAGE in Nuremberg every year, Germany's unofficial whisky capital. Thanks in no small part to the Master Classes and Basic Seminars, featuring current bottlings and rare finds, you can explore the world of whisky for yourself. New this year: specialized seminars for restaurateurs on the Sunday of the fair.

THE VILLAGE Master Classes

Experience intense flavor sensations and in-depth expertise at our approximately 40 Master Classes. These exclusive tastings are designed for connoisseurs and enthusiasts and are led by renowned experts, distillers, and importers.

Tickets are only available in advance from THE VILLAGE ticket shop.

The Master Classes offer a wide range of styles, aromas, and themes. The focus is on select distilleries and exceptional whiskies and rums from diverse regions.

Look forward to Master Classes on topics including:

  • Springbank: 5 Generations. 1 Family. 3 Malts
  • Glen Scotia – The Deconstruction of Victoriana
  • Masters of Oloroso Sherry Cask
  • Whiskyfaessla & Friends

THE VILLAGE Basic Seminars

Anyone looking for guidance amidst the multitude of whiskies on offer can embark on a journey of discovery with the Nuremberg Whisky Club.The Most Venerable Order of the Highland Circle (Germany's oldest whisky club).

In its basic seminars on whisky and whiskey, you will learn and experience fundamental knowledge about the spirit, such as its production, how this special spirit should be properly enjoyed, the differences between whiskeys and whiskies, and the origins of the most famous whiskies. The Highland Circle also invites you on atmospheric and enjoyable short trips that take you through whisky-loving Scotland, whisky-loving Ireland, or the world of peaty whiskies.

ATTENTION:

Tickets for the Basic Seminars (€19 per person / €25 PRE-Opening) can only be purchased during the trade fair directly in Hall 12, at the Highland Circle stand, right next to the Cottage.

New: Whiskey/Rum presentations for restaurateurs & bartenders

For the first time, Sunday will feature a specialized program of presentations for restaurateurs, hoteliers, and bartenders. Top-tier experts will provide insights into creating a well-balanced bar concept with a selection of whiskies and rums that will delight even the most discerning connoisseurs. Industry experts will share their knowledge and offer fresh perspectives, from classic cocktails to the latest whisky trends and rum innovations. Space is limited – secure your ticket now in our online shop.

Annual theme 2026: PANAMERIKA

In 2026, we're putting a fascinating region in the spotlight: PANAMERIKA. From North and Central to South America – including the Caribbean – an impressive variety of whisky styles and rum creations awaits you, each more diverse than the last.

Together with our partners and exhibitors, we'll present the breadth of the American continent at THE VILLAGE 2026 – independent of current political events, but with all the more passion for the craft.

The climatic differences – from the icy winds of Canada to the tropical conditions of South America – shape the maturation process and create exceptional aromas. American whisky thus offers an exciting alternative to classic European varieties and impresses worldwide with its flavor diversity.

Some interesting facts:

The main difference between Scotch and American whiskey (often called "whiskey") lies in the base ingredients (barley for Scotch, corn for bourbon), the barrel aging (new barrels for bourbon vs. used barrels for Scotch), and the flavor, which varies greatly due to these factors and regional diversity. Another distinction is spelling, with "whisky" being used for Scotch and "whiskey" often used for American or Irish whiskey.

The THE VILLAGE Glass

There are many glasses for whisky and whiskey, but only one THE VILLAGE glass! Since THE VILLAGE's inception over ten years ago, the tasting glass has played a vital role. In 2025, the Nuremberg Whisky Fair presented the new, exclusive THE VILLAGE glass for the first time. The new THE VILLAGE glass possesses all the advantages of a high-quality whisky glass: a stable yet unobtrusive base and a shape that keeps the aromas contained before the nose can access them. Feedback on the new glass with its distinctive shape was overwhelmingly positive; both exhibitors and visitors rated the new tasting glass highly.

The classic shape, without elaborate design elements, ensures a stylish appearance. This shape has already established itself as a nosing glass in the whisky world. The slight tilt of the glass is a new and intentional feature, as it facilitates swirling the whisky. By tilting the glass, the light is reflected and refracted more effectively within the glass and thus in the whisky, creating vibrant colors. The glass's overall shape is pleasing to the touch, featuring a slanted rim. This allows the upper edge to extend slightly over the nose when nosing, thus concentrating the aromas. The glass's shape is therefore unique and perfectly suited for the Nuremberg whisky fair THE VILLAGE.

The exclusive THE VILLAGE glass, featuring the year "PANAMERICA 2026" engraving, will only be available on the pre-opening evening.

THE VILLAGE Trade fair bottlings 2026

In addition to the exclusive THE VILLAGE trade fair bottling, there is also a special PUEBLO DEL RON bottling for the first time. 
Both bottlings are closely related: the trade fair whisky was stored for six months in the trade fair rum cask and vice versa.
As a result, both special bottlings have an intense aromatic connection and an exciting finish.
A must-have for your collection! 

THE VILLAGE Trade fair whiskey

  • THE VILLAGE Trade Fair-Whiskey: bottled by THE SINGLE CASK
    • Heaven Hill // 16 Year old American Bourbon Whiskey
    • finished in Ten Cane Rum barrel
    • 65 % Vol.  700 ML
    • THE VILLAGE Edition 2026 // € 159 (gross)

PUEBLO DEL RON Trade fair-R(h)um

  • NEW: PUEBLO DEL RON Trade fair-R(h)um: bottled by THE SINGLE CASK
    • Trinidad Tobago Rum (Lost Distillery) // 9 Year old Trinidad & Tobago Single Cask Rum
    • finished in a Heaven Hill Whiskey barrel
    • 52,5 % Vol.  700 ML
    • THE VILLAGE Edition 2026 // brutto € 99

Over The Single Cask

The Single Cask bottles unique spirits cask by cask, emphasizing individuality and pursuing an innovative approach to the flavor of its whiskies. The Taste Masters meet regularly to explore the character of each whisky they bottle, bringing it to life through descriptive tasting notes. They give each cask a name that reflects its personality.

They also assign each whisky one of five moods, encouraging you to explore their bottlings through specific moments. Each cask is bottled at cask strength, preserving the whisky's natural color without chill filtration. A great whisky to be opened, shared, and enjoyed.


Over Single Casks

Scotch whisky matures in a variety of oak casks, each with its own distinct personality. From classic hogsheads to the highly acclaimed sherry butts, every whisky cask tells a story. With so many different cask types, however, choosing a single cask whisky can be confusing.

The Single Cask expert guide provides the answers you need. Here you'll learn what a single cask whisky is, which casks are used to mature whisky, and you'll also find a brief overview of the different types of Scotch whisky.

Exhibitor search 2026

Enjoyment & entertainment in THE VILLAGE Pub and Garden

  • On the pre-opening evening, Friday, February 6, 2026, starting at 5 p.m., the folk group O'Malley will perform exclusively, playing Irish, Scottish, and American folk music.
    And on Saturday, February 15, the folk group will perform again starting at 4 p.m.
  • Ben Stone will entertain you with rock and blues classics from the 60s and 70s on Saturday and Sunday, starting at noon each day.
  • During the trade fair, you can discover rugby at the stand of the TSV 1846 Nürnberg rugby players in the foyer (in front of Hall 12), or try your hand at darts at the Finnigan's Harp darts club stand.

Take action

During the trade fair, you can discover rugby for yourself at the stand of the TSV 1846 Nürnberg rugby players in the foyer (in front of Hall 12) or throw a few darts at the stand of the Finnigan's Harp darts club.

Food meeting point at THE VILLAGE Pub and Market

Anyone looking to build a solid foundation for an extensive whisky tasting, or simply feeling peckish, will certainly appreciate the expanded culinary offerings.

In addition to plenty of haggis made according to the original Scottish recipe, produced in Germany in classic, vegetarian, or vegan versions, there's whisky-infused ham, whisky sausages, beef burgers with bacon and cheese, pork neck steaks with whisky onions, Irish stew, currywurst with fries, and Scottish stews. Also returning is Artur's Gourmet, featuring whisky cheese, caramelized rum cheese, whisky-marinated bacon, and whisky-infused reindeer salami from Norway.

Sweets with & without whisky

Lovers of sweet treats will also find something to their liking: for example, they will find many types of fudge, the popular soft caramel confectionery, (whiskey) macarons or delicious scones with clotted cream and jam, as well as sweet and savory pastries, also in vegetarian versions or special whiskey truffle pralines.

Beverage

Irish beer specialties like the pale Kilkenny, a red ale, or Guinness, the dark stout with the iconic harp logo, are available at the long bar in THE VILLAGE Pub or at the Irish Pop-Up in THE VILLAGE Garden.

The special theme of THE VILLAGE 2026 is Pan-American Culture. 

To celebrate, "Gradl's Whisper Bar" awaits you with a bar featuring Whiskey Sours and a special selection of whiskey and rum from Pan-American Culture.

VILLIGER Cigar Lounge

Following the motto "bigger is better," the heated VILLIGER Cigar Lounge, located outdoors next to Hall 12, invites you to enjoy spirits and cigars together in a comfortable atmosphere. Discover the perfect cigar from a wide selection of imports from Latin American countries and share your passion for tobacco with VILLIGER.

THE VILLAGE Market - Lifestyle around whisk(e)y

Here you'll find handmade items such as:

  • Handcrafted knives from the Steigerwald knife workshop
  • Clothing and accessories made from Irish wool, blankets and sheepskins, as well as Guinness merchandise are offered by Keltic Oasis
  • Stylish, high-quality, and sustainable wooden boards and coasters, each one unique and decorated with laser engraving, from Werkstattheldin
  • Glassblower Olaf Tappert not only demonstrates glassblowing live but also sells his handcrafted, unusual nosing glasses, which can be personalized with an engraving upon request.
  • Handcrafted writing instruments, jewelry, and accessories made from the wood of used whiskey barrels are offered by Manufaktur Schwalm
  • Handcrafted designer furniture made from old wine barrels can be found at the Whiskyfässer.com stand.
  • Casklusive's jewelry and home accessories are made from the wood of used wine and whiskey barrels

La Bodega

Under the name "LA BODEGA," THE VILLAGE offers a small selection of sherry and port wines. These play a crucial role in the cask aging of whisky, and so port and sherry producers are once again complementing THE VILLAGE's portfolio this year.

House of Kilts

Anyone fascinated by the quintessential Scottish garment, the kilt, and desiring a bespoke, one-of-a-kind piece, will find exactly what they're looking for at House of Kilts, formerly Duncan MacDonald's "Music'n Kilts." Their motto remains "high-quality and authentic Highland dress and accessories." Whether for a private or highly formal occasion, men can find everything they need here, from day-dress, tweed, Argyll, Prince Charlie, or full dress. The stylish man will also find the perfect accessories, from vests and shirts to belts and buckles, sporrans, Sgian Dubhs, footwear, Harris Tweed bags, and much more.

Travel offers

Anyone wishing to explore Scotland and Ireland with a German-speaking tour guide, or to book a special whisky tour including visits to renowned whisky distilleries, should stop by the information booth of the tour operator REISEKULTOUREN. The British Isles are the regional focus of this specialist whisky tour operator.

Hall detailed plan 2026

The detailed hall plan for THE VILLAGE/ PUEBLO del RON with a list of exhibitors and brands from 2026.

Data, figures + facts

Title, location

THE VILLAGE Whisk(e)y trade fair & PUEBLO DEL RON R(h)um trade fair 

  • Messe Nürnberg
  • Hall 12

Appointment - Opening Hours

  • Saturday, February 20, 2027
  • Sunday, February 21, 2027
    11:00 AM - 6:00 PM (last admission at 5:00 PM)

PRE-Opening

  • Friday, February 19, 2027
    5:00 PM - 10:00 PM (last entry at 9:00 PM)

Entry to the Nuremberg Whiskey Fair THE VILLAGE and the Nuremberg Rum Fair PUEBLO DEL RON is only permitted for those aged 18 and over. This rule applies without exception.

Cycle

Annually since 2013;
2021: Not held due to Corona

2026: Number of different whiskies

  • Over 3,000 different whiskies from 50 countries
  • Focus in 2026: Panamerica with its whisky and rum culture
    - with 88 brands from Panamerica

2026: Number of different Rums

  • Over 40 exhibitors at PUEBLO DEL RON
  • presented more than 300 different rums.

Number of exhibitors (since 2018 including the R(h)um exhibitors)

2026: 230 exhibitors from 16 countries (importers and distilleries as well as suppliers of related products)

2025: 210 exhibitors
2024: 210 exhibitors
2023: 150 exhibitors
2022: 100 exhibitors
2021: Cancelled due to COVID-19
2020: 116 exhibitors
2019: 113 exhibitors
2018: 93 exhibitors
2017: 80 exhibitors
2016: 80 exhibitors
2015: 70 exhibitors
2014: 60 exhibitors
2013: 40 exhibitors

Number of visitors

2026: approximately 14,000 visitors  (excluding concurrent trade fairs)

2025: 13,000 visitors  (excluding concurrent trade fairs)
2024: 12,000 visitors (concurrent with akustika)
2023: 14,800 visitors (concurrent with the Leisure Fair and Music Fair Nuremberg)
2022: 9,500 visitors (excluding concurrent trade fairs)
2021: cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic
2020: 19,600 visitors (concurrent with the Leisure Fair)
2019: 18,100 visitors (concurrent with the Leisure Fair)
2018: 16,900 visitors (concurrent with the Leisure Fair)
2017: 16,500 visitors (concurrent with the Leisure Fair)
2016: 15,500 visitors (concurrent with the Leisure Fair)
2015: 15,200 visitors (concurrent with the Leisure Fair)
2014: 16,000 visitors (parallel to the Leisure Fair)
2013: 15,000 visitors (parallel to the Leisure Fair)

Exhibition space

2026: 8,000 m²

2025: 4,500 m²
2024: 4,500 m²
2023: 4,500 m²
2022: 4,200 m²
2021: Not held due to Corona
2020: 4,500 m²
2019: 4,200 m²
2018: 3,500 m² Whiskey Fair + 600 m² Rum Fair
2017/ 2016/ 2015: 3,000 m²
2014: 2,800 m²
2013: 2,000 m²