Whisky & Friends Festival 2025

The “Riga Whisky & Friends 2025” festival will culminate on September 13 at the Riga Circus with an unprecedented parade of cocktails, whisky, and leading chefs

The annual and gourmet-favorite whisky culture festival “Riga Whisky & Friends” will return on September 13, culminating in the historic Riga Circus building. This event, organized by the “Riga Wine & Champagne” team in collaboration with Lauri Grasu from “Mākoņa” and “Drink Masterclasses”, will bring together and offer the opportunity to explore more than 150 of the best whiskies, cocktails, world-class experts, chefs, and a broad audience of visitors and gourmets from across the Baltics.

“Riga Whisky & Friends”, first held in September 2024, is designed as a top-tier parade of whisky and other strong drinks, offering visitors the chance to acquaint themselves with and explore drink culture in a special atmosphere. In the main arena, balcony, courtyard, and “Horse Stables” of the circus, leading whisky (and not only) brands will offer almost 150 different, world-recognized whiskies to explore and taste at their stands. Visitors to the event will also enjoy a cocktail bar featuring the best bartenders, a cigar lounge, good music, and other integral companions of whisky culture. 

The gastronomic delight will be provided by Latvia's best chefs and restaurants, including Māris Jansons from “Kest” with specially selected dishes and oysters, “Bao Bun” with burgers, “MeatMe” with the world’s best steaks. It will be a great opportunity not only to discover the world of whisky but also to enjoy exquisite dishes, relax, meet new people, and capture the early autumn atmosphere.

A special event within the festival will be the visit of world-class whisky guru Ron Welsh. With over 30 years of experience and as the former Master Blender of “Beam Suntory”, Ron has created more than 140 new whiskies for prestigious brands like Laphroaig, Bowmore, and Auchentoshan. Festival visitors will have an exclusive opportunity to meet the expert and learn with Ron in his masterclasses on September 13 at the Riga Circus, as well as hear his stories during the festival opening dinner on September 12, when Māris Jansons and Kest will pair food with Ron’s stories and whiskies at the Benjamiņu House cocktail bar. 

When?
Friday, September 12
18.00 Dinner “The Magic of Whisky” with Ron Welsh at the Benjamiņu House cocktail bar
Saturday, September 13
16.00 – 23.00 Riga Whisky & Friends parade, masterclasses, and chefs at the Riga Circus
22.00 – 02.00 Riga Whisky & Friends afterparty at the Benjamiņu House