ScotHot25 is shaking things up with an exciting line up for Liquid Academy Live, the ultimate drinks hub at Scotland’s premier hospitality showcase, returning to the SEC Glasgow next week, February 26-27, 2025.
Organised and hosted by Scott Gemmell, Managing Director of DrinkThink, and supported by Scottish Licensed Trade Association, Liquid Academy Live is ScotHot’s cutting edge drinks hub and demo theatre. Promising a comprehensive exploration of the latest trends and innovations in the drinks industry it takes visitors on a journey to discover delicious gins, unique rums, weird and wonderful spirits, little known craft beers and new non-alcoholic alternatives as it brings the world of mixology, brewing and distilling together.
This year’s programme will kick off with the Head Bartenders Big Breakfast, a panel discussion over coffee and pastries on the hottest topics in bartending today, with an exclusive opportunity to test out new concoctions with a variety of the latest products on the market. Attendees who register before February 24th will receive a VIP Bartenders goody bag and enjoy coffee and pastries during the session.
The first day will end with the lively final to the 2025 Caledonian Bartenders Cup, sponsored by Franklin & Sons and HIT Scotland, where Scotland’s top bartenders will craft an aperitif or digestif paired with a food dish of their choice, competing to become the king or queen of the cocktail scene.
Other highlights from the programme include maker spotlights, expert roundtables, and trends reports – with sessions including;
- Let’s Talk About Rum, Baby (February 26th, 13:00 – 13:45): Discover a spectrum of rums available in the market today. Meet the makers, taste their fine spirits, and hear the stories behind their brands.
- Something Other Than Alcohol (February 27th, 10:30 – 11:15): Delve into the shift towards moderate to non-alcoholic beverages in Scotland, highlighting innovative products and evolving drinking cultures.
- Drink Industry Question Time with SLTA: What lies ahead in 2025 (February 27th, 11:30 – 12:15): Chaired by Colin Wilkinson, Managing Director of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, this session will feature industry leaders discussing current challenges and changes in both on-trade and off-trade sectors in Scotland.
- Vine of the Times (February 27th, 13:30 – 14:15): Enhance your wine and bubbles offerings with insights from a panel of wine experts, including producers, sommeliers, critics, and restaurant owners.
- Ready Steady Cocktail (February 27th, 14:30 – 15:15): Hear solutions for quick-serve cocktails for venues that may not be fully designed for a full cocktail service – from incredible RTD products, to machines that do it all for you.
- Unusual Suspects (February 27th, 15:30 – 16:15): Experience unique and unconventional spirits presented by their creators, offering insights into their development and tasting profiles.
Scott Gemmell, host of Liquid Academy Live, said, “We’re excited to bring together a diverse range of industry experts, producers, and enthusiasts to celebrate and explore the dynamic world of beverages. This year’s lineup offers something for everyone, from seasoned professionals to curious newcomers – there will be something new to try!”
Toby Wand, Managing Director of ScotHot, added: “ScotHot has always been at the forefront of showcasing Scotland’s rich hospitality landscape, and the drinks industry spans throughout each element of hospitality, tourism and retail. Liquid Academy Live exemplifies our commitment to providing a platform for innovation, education, and celebration within the drinks sector, and promises a great time for everyone in attendance!”
Liquid Academy Live is sponsored by Servaclean and hosted by DrinkThink. You can see the the full programme by visiting Liquid Academy Live here.
Celebrating its 52nd year, ScotHot offers an unmissable opportunity for visitors to meet with suppliers, network with others to share ideas and inspiration, and learn about the latest trends from across the industry with over 250 exhibitors from the food and drink, technology, catering equipment, tableware and design and more to be showcased over two days at the SEC Glasgow.
ScotHot25 is supported by major industry partners including Scotland Food & Drink, the Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA), Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA), VisitScotland, Scottish Chefs, HIT Scotland, and The Guild of Fine Food.