Glengary Whiskey Tour Auckland 2025

A spirited night of smoky drams, local favourites, and community vibes at the Glengarry Whisky Tour 2025 in Auckland.  Crisp winter air, over 100 whiskies, and a community that knows how to sip and savour. A night to remember at #GlengarryWhiskyTour2025

Auckland put on its best winter coat for the Glengarry Whisky Tour 2025 and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Wet, frigid air outside made that first whiff of smoky whisky inside even more inviting. The event, held at Glengarry’s Victoria Park branch at the end of June, was a spirited gathering that brought whisky lovers from all walks together. From peat-heads to curious newbies, this was a celebration of flavour, community, and craftsmanship.

We arrived a bit early (smart move) and managed to grab a spot near the cheese and cured meat spread—essential fuel for the night ahead. And just like that, the place filled up fast. What hit me first wasn’t the crowd, though—it was the smell: open bottles, hints of salt, smoke, vanilla, oak, fruit, and spice. Every table was lined with whiskies, over 100 from both global giants and local stars. It wasn’t just a tasting—it was a full-on whisky festival.

The Crowd and the Atmosphere

The crowd was a vibrant mix. Some were clearly seasoned collectors checking bottles off their lists. Others were bartenders doing “research” or first-timers being gently initiated into the whisky world. No matter where people were on their whisky journey, everyone respected the flow: sip, chat, hydrate, repeat. It felt like a true community—one bonded by a love of the dram.

Unlike past years, this event felt slightly more low-key, but that worked in its favour. Less hustle meant more space to savour the pours, talk to distillers, and discover new favourites. And yes, the pours were generous!

My Standout Drams of the Night

We sampled plenty, but a few expressions really stood out:

Ardbeg 13-Year-Old Anthology – Classic Islay smoke but with more finesse. Oily mouthfeel, notes of smoked apricots, eucalyptus, treacle, and aniseed. Peaty, but elegant.

Glenmorangie A Tale of Tokyo – Spicy, herbal, and layered with toffee, incense, and a chewy oak finish. Mizunara, Bourbon, and Sherry casks made this complex and satisfying.

Starward Single Barrel – Australian whisky doing things right. Rich red fruits, caramel, spice—every barrel brings its own story, and this one was a beauty.

Waiheke Whisky DYAD (Chardonnay Finish) – Local and proud. Smooth, buttery, with lemon, miso, and salty, savoury undertones. Like New Zealand in a glass.

Thomson Manuka Wood Smoke – A truly Kiwi expression. Earthy smoke from manuka wood, cinnamon, clove, and honey with toasted nuts and oak rounding it out.

Teeling Single Grain – Berry-driven, silky, and short but sweet. The red wine cask influence really made it shine.

Fettercairn 16-Year-Old – Tropical and indulgent. Grilled pineapple, honey, Turkish delight, with a finish of dark chocolate, citrus, and poached pear.

Each whisky told its own story—some bold and brash, others subtle and complex. That’s what makes this event such a treat for the senses.

That Barrel Table Moment

Beyond the bottles, one moment stuck with me: the big old port barrel-turned-table in the centre of the room. Covered in cheese, bread, meats, and veggies, it was the unofficial hub of the evening. I later learned it belonged to the late Tony Jakicevich, and his son, part of the Glengarry team, had repurposed it for the tour. Sharing food and stories around that table brought a beautiful sense of legacy and community.

Final Thoughts

This was Glengarry’s 8th Whisky Tour, and though it felt a bit less lively than the last one I attended, the overall experience was still top-notch. The whisky selection was solid, the pours generous, and the crowd genuinely engaged. There’s something special about sipping world-class drams on a winter’s night, surrounded by people who appreciate the craft.

Walking back into the cold, arms linked with friends, our heads buzzing with tasting notes and ideas for our next bottle hunt, we all agreed: same time next year? Absolutely.

Glengarry Victoria Park – Whisky Tour 2025
Address: 118 Wellesley Street West, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Phone: +64 9 308 8346
Website: https://www.glengarrywines.co.nz/