There are more whisky festivals than ever these days, so how do you know which ones to attend? The third annual English Whisky Festival is coming to Birmingham’s trendy Digbeth district this November, showcasing the ever-evolving landscape of this category, and allowing whisky fans to sample some of the best whisky that England has to offer.
As the founder of the English Whisky Festival and the Exploring English Whisky Club, I believe that there are many good reasons to attend this annual event and celebrate the growing world of English whisky. So, here are seven reasons why you should attend the English Whisky Festival.
The Full English
The odd English distillery may crop up at your local, national, or even global whisky show these days, but this is the only event featuring 100% English Whisky distilleries. Whilst we are ardent lovers of scotch at the English Whisky Festival, we are also firm advocates of trying new things.
The English Whisky Festival focuses solely on whisky produced in England, and showcases the variety of styles that have been crafted in this fledgling category.
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From Abingdon to Witchmark, via Henstone and Penrock – they’re all here under one roof, for one day only. Miss it and miss out.
English Whisky Innovation
A greatly overused term, it’s hard to find genuine innovation in whisky – but not here. English distilleries are top of the game when it comes to experimenting with unusual mash bills (Fielden), yeasts (West Midlands), still type (Spirit of Birmingham) and even distillation cut points (White Peak “Alter Ego”).
If you appreciate the cutting edge, English whisky has it in spades. Retribution Distillery, for example, is producing a world-first “English Peat” whisky with spade-fulls of peat from the Somerset levels. My mind is well and truly blown.
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An English Whisky Road Trip In A Glass
Unlike Speyside in Scotland or Midleton in Ireland, there are no one-stop destinations for whisky in England. In fact, there are distilleries all over the place, in almost every county and each corner of England.
So, coming to this event is akin to making 30 separate trips around the country. Consider this you doing your bit to cut down on your carbon footprint whilst enjoying all the English whisky distilleries’ offerings in one place (Thank you for being such a good global citizen!).
Chat With The Whisky Makers
Another amazing thing about the distilleries and brands at the English Whisky Festival? You’re likely to be talking directly to the founder, owner, or distiller themselves.
Whilst some brands do have ambassadors who’ll rep their products, they’re still part of tiny teams (often doing multiple roles and having a hand in making or bottling what they’re pouring you). These are real people with unique stories and you’ll hear them firsthand at this unique experience of an event.
Bottomless Drams*
(*almost)
Every single dram on offer is included in the ticket price for the English Whisky Festival – no hidden costs or “dream dram” tokens at this show.
From new make spirit (unaged whisky) to the oldest English whisky available, it’s all here for you to enjoy. You may not be able to sip everything on offer as that could be unwise, but fear not, because you’ll be able to exit through the gift shop.
Exit Through The Gift Shop
Digital Distiller is this year’s retail partner, offering physical and digital shopping for all your English whisky needs. Love a dram you’ve tried? Buy a bottle. Missed out trying something (because you’re drinking responsibly!) – grab a bottle to take home- a physical reminder of a fun day out with friends.
An Experience with Friends
Bring yours, make new ones, and earn your right to call yourself a member of the English Whisky family. You’ll make life-long memories – and don’t worry if you had a few too many to remember – that’s what phone cameras are for!
Attend The English Whisky Festival
So, there you have it. 7 reasons to head to England’s second city this November and bask in the glory of award-winning, hand-crafted English spirits. We’ll raise a glass to that and see you there!
The English Whisky Festival will take place on Saturday, November 23rd at The Bond, Fazeley Street, Birmingham, B5 5SE. The event begins at 12 noon. Tickets cost £46 per person, or you can join Exploring English Whisky and receive an exclusive discount. Buy your tickets here.
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