Hackstons Knightsbridge, the luxury whisky and fine wine specialist, is the place to visit this festive season for sophisticated presents, treats and curated tasting events.

Since opening just over a year ago, Hackstons has become a gathering place for collectors, connoisseurs, and tastemakers.

Now, with a calendar of events that merges rarity, artistry and indulgence it couldn’t be a better time to visit the store.

The events programme unfolds as a series of high-concept experiences. From Japan’s most iconic blends Hibiki.

To Johnnie Walker Blue Label where Diageo Brand Advocate Ethan Youel shares exceptional knowledge of the brand in the Rare & Exceptional series.

The event explores rare and ghost expressions from silent distilleries, including Glenury Royal, Port Dundas, Brora, Cambus, and Port Ellen.

As the season deepens, the narrative shifts into fireside comfort with explorations of sherry and port that trace centuries of Iberian winemaking heritage. 

And in one of the most innovative events of the calendar, Fettercairn stages a multi-sensory journey where guests are blindfolded, immersed in curated soundscapes and even invited to paint their own tasting notes in watercolour, before leaving with a personalised collectible as a lasting memento.

In addition to the event Extending beyond the store itself, Hackstons has partnered with The Aubrey at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park for an exclusive corkage collaboration. 

Till November 14th, guests may bring their Hackstons purchases into one of Knightsbridge’s Japanese dining gems, enjoying their bottles in a setting as refined as the spirits themselves.

This autumn’s programme truly demonstrates the breadth of what Hackstons stands for, from pouring rare whiskies valued at £15,000 to pairing Grand Cru with fries.

The events challenge expectations while also making fine and rare spirits accessible, exciting and memorable as per the store’s mission.

Foodepedia was invited to one of these curated events, whiskey tasting to be exact.

It’s far more than tasting, our evening commences with a welcome sparkling of Nyetimber.

A crisp and light Classic Cuvee Brut, which is a surprise to me as normally I find English wines kind of offbeat.

With glasses in hand we follow a tour around the store to learn about the beautiful bottles, there is just about everything here, from rare ports, to wines, whisky of course and even some tequilas and vodkas.

Suntory Brandy Christmas 1991 in a beutiful porcelain rocking horse bottle catches my eye. Along Belvedere 10 in a light up bottle, inspired by the vodka making process used in 1910 when the distillery was first established.

Once seated it’s time for the much anticipated tasting. We kick start with some smell testing to get our noise senses going, where we guess notes that will be present when we move onto whisky sampling.

We smelled biscuit, chocolate and even a prune – an aroma noone at the table guessed. For the spirits we have 5 to try tonight.

Hibiki Harmony, The English Sherry Cast, a 51 year old Kingsbury Invergordon 1973, 25 year old The Glenturret and a unique 25 year old Islay Single Malt Bowmore.

As the saying goes: “in matters of taste, there is no disputing.” For me the winning flavour is the blended Hibiki Harmony. I always prefer Japanese whisky, they are just finer and more delicate than their Scottish bold cousins.

but on this occasion, the smokiness of Islay Bowmore also really appeals to me. It has prominent hazelnut and toffee notes that are bound together with a smoke of peat nicely.

As told by our knowledgeable mentor the distillery has a fascinating method of using the local peat in the making process that gives it just a tad bit of peat smoke. The rest of the table are not convinced but for me this is a winner.

Hackstons as mentioned is a great destination for gifts of the most rarer bottles, treats and tastings. And the best part is the staff, who will despite the formal suit wear are incredibly friendly and won’t judge on your personal drink preferences or knowledge.

Hackstons’ events are fully ticketed with prices starting at £75. For the full programme or to secure a place, visit here.

Hackstons, 30 St Mary Axe, London EC3A 8BF