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Visitors can look forward to hundreds of bottles, cocktails, fourteen masterclasses and a special guest – Lenka Whyles Nádvorníková, the first Czech woman to be awarded the prestigious title of Keeper of the Quaich.

At first glance, the world of whisky may seem like a realm with its own set of rules. Scottish regions, whisky ages, cask types, single malt, blended whisky, peat, sherry… Anyone just starting to explore this world can easily get the impression that, without prior knowledge, they have no place at a tasting table. It is precisely this stereotype that Whisky Life! Prague has long sought to break down. The festival, now in its thirteenth year, is based on a simple idea: whisky is, above all, about discovery, and everyone can find their own path within it. At the New Town Hall, therefore, alongside experienced collectors and lovers of rare bottles, you’ll also meet visitors who may well be tasting their very first whisky. And it is precisely these people who may be surprised at just how easy it is to be drawn into the world of this drink.

One of the festival’s biggest attractions is the chance to sample whiskies under the guidance of people who know the individual brands inside out. At the stands, you’ll find not only a range of bottles, but also representatives from the producers ready to advise on your choice, explain the differences between the various styles and help visitors discover flavours that might suit them. Whisky Life! Prague is therefore not a competition to see who can recognise the most brands or name the most Scottish regions. It is, above all, an opportunity to taste, ask questions and gradually form your own opinion. And those who aren’t yet big whisky fans needn’t feel left out. The festival will also offer whisky-based cocktails, which are one of the more accessible ways to get to know the spirit.

“At Whisky Life! Prague, we want to create an atmosphere where absolutely everyone feels welcome. From those tasting their very first glass to true connoisseurs. No one needs to worry about feeling a bit lost; here, we’re all discovering things together,” says Mirka Kverková, the festival’s organiser. Diversity is one of the key principles of this year’s programme. Alongside free tastings, Whisky Life! Prague will also offer fourteen guided tastings, or masterclasses. Each one has a different character and takes visitors on a journey to a different part of the world of whisky – from specific styles and maturation methods to sensory perception.

A Czech woman who has made a name for herself at the very heart of Scotch whisky

A prominent figure at this year’s event will be Lenka Whyles Nádvorníková, whose professional career has been linked to whisky for almost three decades. She has lived in Scotland for many years and has worked for 27 years at The Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh, where she manages the visitor centre. Her experience, however, extends beyond the professional sphere. In 2016, she became the first Czech woman ever to be awarded the prestigious title of Keeper of the Quaich, which is bestowed upon individuals for their significant contribution to Scotch whisky. She is now returning to Prague as the festival’s guest of honour and has prepared two masterclasses of her own for visitors.

The first will focus on whisky matured in sherry casks – a maturation method that lends the final distillate distinctive depth and character. The second, on the other hand, will focus much more on what happens during the tasting itself. This sensory workshop will guide visitors through the various sensations and demonstrate how to engage with aroma, flavour and other sensory stimuli during a tasting. For beginners, this can serve as a useful introduction to how to taste whisky, whilst more experienced visitors will have the opportunity to view this familiar drink from a slightly different perspective. Alongside Lenka Whyles Nádvorníková, other domestic and international experts and ambassadors will also be appearing during the festival, offering their perspectives on whisky from various parts of the world.

From Scottish icons to bottles you won’t find just anywhere

However, at the very heart of Whisky Life! Prague remains the most important thing of all – whisky. This year’s selection promises an extraordinary range and will showcase just how diverse the world of this drink has become over the last decade. Alongside traditional Scottish brands, producers from Ireland, Japan, Taiwan and other parts of the world will also be showcasing their products, as will Czech distilleries. Visitors can therefore compare different approaches to production, maturation and the resulting character of whisky all in a single festival, without having to travel thousands of kilometres.

It is precisely the opportunity to get hold of bottles that do not normally appear on the Czech market that is one of the reasons why the festival also appeals to experienced whisky lovers. Alongside established icons, there will be new products, limited editions and rare bottles, offering the chance to taste something truly unusual. For connoisseurs, Whisky Life! Prague remains a place where they can discover new releases and rare finds, whilst for complete beginners, the same selection can serve as an invitation to take that first step. And that is precisely the magic of the festival: no one needs to turn up with a pre-prepared list of bottles or in-depth knowledge. All you need is curiosity and a willingness to taste.

The thirteenth edition of Whisky Life! Prague will take place on 6 and 7 November 2026 at the New Town Hall in Prague. Tickets for the festival and individual masterclasses, including tastings led by Lenka Whyles Nádvorníková, are already on sale.

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