English Whisky Festival 2025 Celebrate the Spirit of England

Saturday 22nd November 2025 12:00pm – 6:00pm The Bond, 180–182 Fazeley Street, Birmingham B5 5SE

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Raise your glass to the fourth annual English Whisky Festival; the UK’s biggest celebration of 100% English whisky. This is your chance to meet the makers, taste incredible drams, and discover the stories behind England’s most exciting distilleries, all under one roof in Birmingham. Grab your souvenir tasting glass and sip your way through an unforgettable day of whisky, food, and friendly conversation.
Agenda
Exhibitors
Masterclasses
Downloads
FAQs
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Why Attend the English Whisky Festival

The English Whisky Festival brings together the largest line-up of English distilleries anywhere in the world. From household names to independent newcomers, it’s the only event where you can sample, compare, and chat directly with the people shaping the future of English whisky. Expect a day full of:

  • Unlimited samples from every exhibitor (responsible tasting encouraged!)
  • Insightful masterclasses hosted by leading distillers and experts
  • A buzzing street food court and live coopering demonstrations
  • A friendly, relaxed atmosphere celebrating the craft and creativity of English whisky
Whether you’re a passionate collector or new to the scene, you’ll leave with new favourites; and new friends.
why_english_whisky_festival

Exhibitors

Meet the people behind the whiskies you love. Confirmed distilleries and brands for 2025 include:
Cooper King
Abingdon
The Lakes
The Cheshire
WMD
White Peak Distillery
Ludlow Distillery
Mercia Distilery
Retribution
Elsham
Ellers Farm
The English Distillery
Circumstance
Henstone
East London Liquor
Cotswolds
Copper Rivet
Bimber
Ad Gerfin
Forest

Full brand list

Abingdon Distillery | Adnams Distillery | Bankhall Distillery | Bimber Distillery | Circumstance Distillery | Cooper King Distillery | Copper Rivet Distillery | Cotswolds Distillery | East London Liquor Co | Eller’s Farm Distillery | Elsham Wold Distillery | English Whisky Company | Fannys Distillery | Forest Distillery | Grasmere Distillery | Henstone Distillery | London Distillery Company | Ludlow Distillery | Mercia Whisky | Nickolls & Perks | Old Bakery Distillery | Pendle Witch Distillery | Retribution Distilling Co | Sacred Spirits | Smoke & Ash | Somerset Spirit | Spirit of Birmingham Distillery | The Heart Cut | The Lakes Distillery | Weetwood Distillery | West Midlands Distillery | White Peak Distillery | Whittaker’s Distillery | Witchmark Distillery

Masterclasses 2025

Delve deeper with our exclusive, limited-seat masterclasses. Each one-hour session offers an intimate exploration of English whisky craft, innovation, and flavour. Guided by the people who make it happen.

Session 1: Master of Malt – Independently English

12:30–13:30
Room 1 – Glass
Discover how independent bottlers helped shape the English whisky movement. Explore Boutique-y’s range and hear how collaborations with distillers have evolved as the category has grown.

Session 2: Whittaker’s Distillery – Yorkshire Spirit, Global Story

13:15–14:15
Room 2 – Ice
Join founder Toby Whittaker to uncover a journey that spans Scotland, America, and God’s own county. Sample their full range and hear how local water and landscape influence their whisky.

Session 3: The London Distilling Company – From Origins to Revival

14:00–15:00
Room 1 – Glass
Matt McKay takes you through the rebirth of The London Distilling Company — from its original casks to the first new releases under the revived brand.

Session 4: West Midlands Distillery – Science Meets Tradition

14:45–15:45
Room 2 – Ice
Hear how the first legal whisky makers in the West Midlands blend family heritage with scientific precision to craft something truly unique.

Session 5: Grasmere x Crisp Malts – The Flavour of Malt

15:30–16:30
Room 1 – Glass
A joint masterclass exploring how malt selection shapes whisky’s character. Taste the results of real experiments and learn how grains build depth and balance.

Session 6: The Lakes – The Art of Élevage

16:15–17:15
Room 2 – Ice
Discover The Lakes’ meticulous approach to whisky maturation, with constant sampling and re-racking to create the perfect dram.

Please note: A general admission ticket is required to attend all masterclasses. Over 18s only. No late admissions permitted.

View All Masterclasses & Book

Plan You Day

Plan your day in advance by downloading our latest guides & distillery lists.

Venue Map
Masterclass Schedule
Dram List
Canopy Brand List
Gatehouse Brand List

FAQs

Is the event strictly over 18s?
Yes — Challenge 25 applies. Please bring valid photo ID.
Is the English Whisky Festival suitable for beginners?

Absolutely. Whether you’re new to whisky or a long-time enthusiast, the event is designed to be welcoming and accessible. Exhibitors love to share knowledge — no whisky snobbery here.

Do I need to pay for drams once inside?
No, your ticket includes samples from all exhibitor stands (please enjoy responsibly). Some masterclasses and premium tastings may require an additional ticket.
What time does the event open and close?
Doors open at 12:00pm and last pour is 5:45pm, with the event closing at 6:00pm.
Can I bring my own bottle or glassware?

No outside alcohol is permitted. You’ll receive a commemorative tasting glass upon entry and it’s yours to keep!

Are food and soft drinks available?
Yes, a variety of options will be available from our street food court, including vegetarian and vegan choices. Water stations are provided in every room; please bring your own refillable bottle if you can.
Will distilleries be selling bottles on the day?
We have an on-site bottle shop run by Digital Distiller, offering many of the bottles you’ll be trying for sale on the day. Some brands will also have limited “festival exclusive” bottles they’ll be selling directly off their stands, alongside merchandise and other non-whisky items
Is photography allowed?
Yes. You’re encouraged to share your experience on social media — just tag @exploringenglishwhisky. Filming and photography will also be taking place for event promotion.
Can I leave and re-enter the venue?
Re-entry is permitted with a valid wristband, subject to capacity and organiser discretion.
What happens if the event is cancelled or postponed?

In the unlikely event of cancellation or postponement, ticket holders will be contacted to discuss options or full refunds.

Will there be non-whisky options?

In the unlikely event of cancellation or postponement, ticket holders will be contacted to discuss options or full refunds.

Gallery

Don’t miss the only all-English whisky festival in the world. Join us for an unforgettable celebration of craftsmanship, community, and the future of English whisky.