Nuremberg – Over 230 exhibitors from 16 countries will be presenting a wide selection of spirits, offering whisk(e)ys and rums from 45 countries. Scotland, the most famous whisk(e)y nation, will be represented by 85 brands. However, this year's focus is on Pan America, with 88 brands of American whisk(e)ys and rums to discover. Visitors to THE VILLAGE include not only curious onlookers, connoisseurs and enthusiasts, but also restaurateurs, retailers and hoteliers, who take advantage of the opportunity to discover new products for their drinks menus and establish direct contact with manufacturers. Both master distillers from various European distilleries and major importers come to Nuremberg for the whisky fair to present their products.
Basic Seminars and Master Classes
Experts are on hand to provide guidance on the wide variety of whisk(e)ys available. In basic seminars, Germany's oldest whisky club, ‘The Most Venerable Order of the Highland Circle’, provides information on the basics of whisky tasting or, for example, on trade fair innovations and rarities from independent bottlers. Other topics covered in the basic seminars include ‘Sherry whisky variations’, ‘Everything except Scotland: an overview of whiskies from other countries’, ‘Whisky and rum – opposites or complementary spirits?’ and ‘Peat and smoke’.
The master classes give visitors the opportunity to take a journey through the many nuances of whisky and around the world, away from the hustle and bustle of the trade fair. Experts, importers and ambassadors present whisk(e)ys and their origins. The selection includes whisk(e)ys from Scotland, the USA, Ireland, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Venezuela, Great Britain (England) and the Caribbean. One highlight on Saturday is Michael Gradl's master class ‘whiskyfaessla & friends’. Its motto is ‘My fondest memories’ and it recounts 40 years of whisky passion. Loyal companions, friends and experts will be there with special whiskies and emotional stories. Places for the master classes are limited; tickets are available in the online ticket shop.
New: Whisk(e)y lectures for restaurant owners and bartenders
For the first time, THE VILLAGE whisk(e)y fair will feature a special programme of expert talks for restaurateurs, hoteliers and bartenders on Sunday. Top-class experts will be on hand in the pub to provide information on a balanced bar concept with a range of whisk(e)ys and rums that will delight connoisseurs. Industry experts will share their knowledge and open up new perspectives, from cocktail classics to whisk(e)y trends and rum innovations. Tickets for the ‘Pub Specialist Lectures’ are available in the online ticket shop.
Exclusive trade fair bottlings
In 2026, in addition to the exclusive THE VILLAGE trade fair bottling, there will also be a special PUEBLO DEL RON bottling for the first time. THE VILLAGE trade fair whisk(e)y and PUEBLO DEL RON trade fair r(h)um will only be available for purchase on site, and the bottles are very limited. Both special bottlings are closely related: the trade fair whisk(e)y was stored for six months in the trade fair r(h)um cask and vice versa. As a result, both special bottlings have an intense aromatic connection and an exciting finish.
THE VILLAGE 2026 trade fair-Whisk(e)y is a 16-year-old Heaven Hill American Bourbon Whiskey, bottled by THE SINGLE CASK and finished in Ten Cane Rum casks. The Heaven Hill Distillery in Kentucky is considered one of the largest independent distilleries in the USA and is renowned for its excellent whisk(e)ys.
The PUEBLO DEL RON 2026 trade fair rum is a single cask, cask strength rum agricole with a territorial character. It is unfiltered and contains no added colouring or sugar. The rum comes from Ten Cane, a lost distillery in Trinidad, and has been matured for six months in a Heaven Hill bourbon cask. This makes the exclusive PUEBLO DEL RON Messe-R(h)um a rarity that has the potential to delight both discerning rum drinkers and whisky drinkers alike.
Welcome to THE VILLAGE: The Whisk(e)y Fair Experience
The front part of Hall 12 is filled to the brim with a wide range of whisk(e)y and r(h)um. For the first time, the rear area of Hall 12 is open, housing both the catering facilities and the event area. Designed in the style of a small British village with a pub in the centre and relaxed live music, THE VILLAGE offers the perfect atmosphere for discovering new products, rarities and specialities. The diverse range of food on offer, including haggis, burgers with whisky BBQ sauces, whisky-baked ham and more, as well as exclusive beers, round off your mini-break at THE VILLAGE. For cocktail lovers, “Gradl's Flüsterkneipe” serves classics such as Old Fashioned and Whisky Sour. Accessories, fashion, lifestyle items and handmade products ensure you have the right style for your next tasting. The Villiger cigar lounge can be found in the outdoor area. If you are planning your next whisky trip, you can find out more from specialist travel organisers on site.
Mike's Aftershowparty: Mike Werner from Mike's Whiskyhandel is celebrating his debut at THE VILLAGE whisky fair and invites guests to an after-show party at his stand on Saturday. In an exclusive setting, guests can expect the finest whisky, Mike's lemonade, music, drinks, a buffet and two special bottlings from Milam & Greene. Separate tickets for Mike's after-show party are available from THE VILLAGE online shop. Mike's Whiskyhandel specialises in American whiskies. Mike Werner has close contacts with many companies and distilleries in the USA.
R(h)um trade fair Nuremberg PUEBLO DEL RON
At the R(h)um Fair Nuremberg PUEBLO DEL RON, 40 exhibitors offer more than 300 rums from all over the world, with a focus on Pan America. Visitors have the opportunity to meet the experts behind the brands and taste different rums. The experts, producers and importers will be on hand to guide visitors through the wide range on offer and provide tips for finding their new favourite drink. Not all rums are the same: expert production and the use of the best ingredients influence the taste and appearance of the spirit. The result is a wide variety of rums. In addition, the possibilities for combining rum with other ingredients are endless, resulting in countless rum cocktails. Choosing the right base spirit plays an important role here.
From Field to Bottle – Special: Beer
Whisk(e)y and beer are closely related because both are made from similar basic ingredients – grain, water and yeast. The whisk(e)y production process basically begins in the same way as beer brewing, with the fermentation of malted grain. However, this fermented “beer” is not hopped, but distilled. Many of the flavours in whisky, such as malty or caramel notes, come from this beer-like starting product. Historically, whisk(e)y and beer were often produced in the same breweries, especially in regions such as Scotland and Ireland. Some German breweries are also becoming active in this area. Various breweries, many of which also produce whisky themselves, are presenting themselves for the first time at THE VILLAGE, thus complementing the range of products on offer at the trade fair.
LA BODEGA
Under the name ‘LA BODEGA’, THE VILLAGE offers a small selection of sherries and port wines. These play an important role in the barrel ageing of whis(e)ky, and so port and sherry suppliers are once again complementing THE VILLAGE's portfolio this year.
Admission to THE VILLAGE whis(e)ky fair is restricted to persons aged 18 and over.