Beirut's biggest spirits gathering is back. Whisky Live Beirut runs 7–9 October 2026 at AVA Venue in Achrafieh, and the eighth edition is the largest yet: more than 60 producers, distributors and suppliers spread across over 2,000 square meters, organized by Hospitality Services.
Whisky is still the core of the show — single malts, Scotch, Irish whiskey, bourbon and blends, with producers on hand to talk origins and production. But the tastings now stretch further: every exhibitor will also pour one white spirit of their choice, so gin, tequila and other premium bottles join the line-up.
Collectors get their own zone. The Gold Circle, a dedicated premium area, returns with new releases, limited editions and independent brands that are tough to track down elsewhere. If you want to go deeper than sampling, a programme of masterclasses led by distillers and industry experts runs across the three evenings — useful whether you're learning to taste from scratch or digging into a specific style.
Two new additions shake up the format. The Coffee in Good Spirits Championship makes its debut, pitting bartenders against each other in drinks that combine coffee and spirits. And food steps up with Dine For A Cause: three exclusive dinners hosted by chefs Youssef Akiki, Hussein Hadid and Sarah-Joe Geara, with all proceeds going to the Lebanese Red Cross. Pop-up food stations around the venue will keep visitors fed between pours.
The Star Bar also returns, with local and international bartenders building cocktails from premium spirits — a good entry point if cocktails, not neat drams, are how you usually enjoy spirits. For a local angle, the Spirit of Lebanon space, created with Lebanon Traveler, spotlights arak: artisanal producers alongside Lebanese makers working in copper, ceramic and glass, celebrating the traditions behind the country's signature anise spirit. Before leaving, the Lifestyle Boutique offers bottles, accessories and collector items to take home.
For travellers, this is a neat excuse to plan an autumn break in Beirut. Three evening sessions mean you can pair the event with the city's restaurants, bars and historic neighbourhoods, and the Red Cross dinners add a genuinely worthwhile night out. Tickets and programme updates are available via the Whisky Live Beirut website.
