Drinking in a whisky wonderland

London whisky enthusiasts should mark 8 and 9 March in their diaries. This is when "Whisky Live" will be held at the Royal Horticultural Halls in Westminster, providing extensive tasting and talking opportunities with great distillers and blenders like Iain Henderson of Laphroaig, Jim McEwan of Bruichladdich and Richard Paterson of Whyte and Mackay.

It's not all Scotch: there'll be a bundle of bourbons, too, including the sleepy Van Winkles; and the Tyrconnell from Ireland.

The organisers are offering to give away 10 free tickets (worth £25 each) to Evening Standard readers: apply in writing to Brigid James, Whisky Live, St Faiths' House, Mountergate, Norwich NR1 1PY by 31 January. The first 10 out of the hat will be sent their ticket by return.

To book tickets visit www.whiskylive.com