Whisky season is upon us, so here’s our guide on where to be, how to enjoy yourself responsibly and what to wear which brands you really need to keep an eye out for when you’re there.
An Exploring English Whisky Guide To Enjoying Whisky Festivals safely
Go with friends. Not only are whisky festivals a great day out for you and your gang, you’re more likely to look out for each other and know when someone needs a sit-down, a bite to eat or… no more whisky!
Make a plan. There’s no point turning up and wandering about drinking everything under the sun. Pick your target brands, make a route (if there’s a floorplan) and try to stick to it. Of course you’ll get waylaid, but you can return to the plan at any time and get back on track, or amend it on the fly. It’s your plan after all.
Take Breaks. Grab a coffee, food, water – have a chat with your mates (or make new friends) and take regular pauses from drinking. You’ll thank yourself in the morning. Apparently Whisky Live Paris give out free Sourdough halfway through to help soak up booze, so maybe pack yourself some Hovis to scoff (other bread brands are available).
It’s OK to say NO – it’s also ok to use spittoons and pour away drams. You’re there to taste, not drink, so have a sip and if it’s not for you, for the love of whisky, just pour it away and move on!
Know when enough is enough. The coolest kids arrive late and leave early (you don’t want to be the last drunk person on the dance floor!) So when you think you’ve had enough, walk away to drink another day. And if you’re with someone else and they’ve reached their limit, be a good friend and take them home, even if you want to try more. That’s what friends are for.
Oh, did we mention water? – bring a refillable bottle and keep drinking between drams. The trip to refill your bottle counts as a break & all that water will flush your system of some of the alcohol you’re consuming. At the very least, you’ll have less of a headache the next morning if you stay hydrated.
And don’t forget: Be nice (to the exhibitors and fellow drinkers), Be sensible, and Be a mate and look after each other. Enjoy!
The Festivals
Aside from our own English Whisky Festival returning for a 4th year with over 30 English brands at The Bond in Digbeth (Birmingham) this November 22nd, there are loads of whisky events taking place this Autumn wherever you are and whatever style you enjoy:
The Whisky Show, London – 3-5th October, Old Billingsgate
The biggest whisky festival in the UK, run by The Whisky Exchange, this is the Disneyland of whisky events. Expensive? Yes. Worth it? Definitely. Brands from across the world fill this colossal venue – plus our founder Richard will be there* on the Sunday 5th so let us know if you’ll be there and he’ll come say hi! (*doing research for work purposes, obviously)
Seven Hills Whisky Festival, Sheffield – Sat 18th October, The Steamworks
In only its second year, Seven Hills offers access to over 350 whiskies from a range of Scottish and World whisky brands, including some English distilleries and bottlers.
Wales Whisky Fest, Llandudno – Sat 1st November, St. George’s Hotel
Strictly not in England, but as we’ll be there exhibiting we’ll let them off! Come and sample our latest iteration of our Ludlow Cider brandy (now in an islay quarter cask!) and meet other English, Welsh, Scottish and Irish whisky brands at another event in its second year. Well worth the trip to beautiful North Wales.
Kendal Whisky Festival, Kendal – Fri 5th / Sat 6th Dec, Kendal Town Hall
Described as the “brand ambassador’s Christmas party”, Kendal is a brilliant end to the whisky season. 3 sessions across Friday and Saturday and a stellar line-up of brands throughout three gorgeous rooms. Don’t miss the afterparty at The New Union pub, owned by one of the festival organisers!!
2026
Our sister events are back and better than ever next year – grab your tickets today (remember paid members save 20% off these events too!)
Exploring Whisky Bristol – Sat 7th Feb, Paintworks Event Space
Craft whisky distilleries and Independent bottlers provide the best of both worlds, with young, exciting whiskies alongside massive age statements (and equally massive ABVs). One day, two sessions, but only one Bristol!
Croydon Whisky Festival – Sat 14th March, Stanley Arts
Our 5th year for our first ever festival, this time we’re expanding into a second room to ensure just as many great brands, but slightly less congestion to enjoy them in. The usual epic masterclasses, street food stands and our gorgeous location at Stanley Arts make for the South of England’s best independent whisky festival going.
Wherever you go this Whisky season, have fun, stay safe and we hope to see you there!
Cheers,
Richard
