English Whisky Festival 2026
Celebrate the Spirit of England
12:00pm – 5:00pm
The Bond, 180–182 Fazeley Street, Birmingham B5 5SE
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Returning to Birmingham for 2026, this flagship event brings together the makers, innovators and pioneers behind England’s fastest growing spirits category. Meet the distillers. Taste exceptional drams. Hear the origin stories. Discover what makes English whisky one of the most exciting movements in global whisky today.
With your souvenir tasting glass in hand, explore the category drop by drop and experience a day of flavour, craft and community under one roof.
Why Attend English Whisky Festival 2026
The English Whisky Festival is the largest gathering of English distilleries anywhere in the world. From established names leading the category to ambitious new producers laying down their first casks, this is the only event where every stand represents a proudly English dram. Expect a day full of:
- Unlimited samples across more than 30 distilleries and brands
- Insightful masterclasses led by distillers, blenders and industry experts
- A vibrant street food court and artisan coffee van
- Exclusive festival releases and limited bottlings
- A welcoming, knowledgeable and refreshingly down to earth atmosphere
No whisky snobbery. Just great stories, delicious drams, and genuine producer passion
Whether you are a seasoned collector, curious newcomer or simply love discovering local craft, you will leave with new favourites and a deeper appreciation of what English whisky has become.
Exhibitors
See below for confirmed brands, with more coming son so keep checking back or follow us on Instagram for updates.
Witchmark Distillery
West Midlands Distillery
Fielden Whisky
Spirit of Birmingham
The Elsham Wold Distillery
Ludlow Distillery
Wire Works Whisky
Henstone Distillery
Copper Rivet Distillery
Sacred Spirits
Retribution Distillery
Cooper King Distillery
The English Distillery
Abingdon Distillery
London Distillery Company
Fanny’s Distillery
Cotswolds Distillery
Wight Whisky
East London Liquor Company
The Lancaster Spirits Company
From First Pour to Final Dram
Throughout the day, you can move at your own pace. Sample drams from established names and emerging producers. Pause for street food or artisan coffee. Browse the bottle shop for something special to take home. Why not step into a masterclass for a deeper exploration of cask styles, production methods or exclusive bottlings?
Whether you stay for a few focused hours or settle in for the full session, the festival offers space to discover, learn and connect. Expect plentiful pours, open conversations and a relaxed atmosphere that celebrates the craft, character and confidence of English whisky
Festival Doors Open
12:00
Main Hall
Collect your wristband and souvenir tasting glass before stepping onto the festival floor. Meet the distillers, explore the stands and begin your journey through English whisky.
Open Tasting Session
12:00–17:00
Festival Floor
Unlimited samples from all exhibiting distilleries. Move at your own pace, discover new favourites and speak directly with the makers behind the drams.
Masterclass Session 1: Cooper King Distillery
Room 1 – Glass
“No! Smoke without Peat”. Join sustainable Yorkshire distillery Cooper King as they explain their approach to smoking casks without using peated malt to generate smoky flavours in their whisky.
Masterclass Session 2: Abingdon Distillery
13:15–14:15
Room 2 – Ice
Join Jordan from Abingdon Distillery as he takes you through the journey of their first release .
Masterclass Session 3: Three Ridings
Room 1 – Glass
Join Chris Fraser, founder at Ellers Farm Distillery, as he explores the journey to their first release and how to build a new brand in the whisky scene
Masterclass Session 4: TBC
Room 2 – Ice
TBC. A deeper dive into flavour development and the future of English whisky.
Masterclass Session 5: TBC
Room 1 – Glass
TBC. Comparative tastings and behind the scenes conversation with distillery teams.
Last Pour
16:45
Festival Floor
Final drams are poured as the tasting session concludes.
Please note: A general admission ticket is required to attend all masterclasses. Over 18s only. No late admissions permitted.
Masterclasses
The English Whisky Festival masterclasses are designed for those who want to explore English whisky in greater depth. These intimate, guided sessions offer the opportunity to sit down with leading distillers, blenders and industry experts for a focused one hour experience. Each year, masterclasses explore themes such as:
- Cask influence and maturation styles
- Regional character across English distilleries
- New make spirit and flavour development
- Vertical tastings from a single producer
- Limited releases and festival exclusives
- The future of English whisky
In 2025, sessions included deep dives into production techniques, comparative tastings and behind the scenes conversations with distillery founders. Attendees sampled rare drams not available on the main festival floor and gained direct access to the people shaping the category. The 2026 masterclass programme is currently being curated as part of our fifth year celebration and will be announced soon.
Spaces are limited and previous sessions have sold out in advance. Join the mailing list to be first to hear when masterclass tickets are released.
FAQs
Is the event strictly over 18s?
Is the English Whisky Festival suitable for beginners?
Do I need to pay for drams once inside?
No. All drams from exhibiting brands are included in your ticket price.
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?
Will distilleries be selling bottles on the day?
Is photography allowed?
Can I leave and re-enter the venue?
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?
Gallery
