The Midlands Whisky Festival returned to Birmingham this September, bringing more than 400 whiskies to the city centre. For one weekend, New Street was only a short walk away from an event that showcased everything from household names to new distillers.
I attended on the Saturday. It was my first time at the festival, though I had previewed what to expect in an earlier article. The reality went beyond my expectations.
This was not only about tasting whiskies. It was about meeting people, hearing their stories, and discovering the ethos behind the drams. The festival proved that whisky is best enjoyed as a shared experience.
The Midlands Whisky Festival Atmosphere
The first thing that struck me was the atmosphere. The festival took place over several floors, yet it never felt overwhelming. Every corner had a new stand to explore, a whisky to try, or a conversation waiting to happen.
I went on my own, but I was never short of someone to talk to. Exhibitors were eager to share their knowledge, and fellow attendees were just as open. It felt convivial, almost like a gathering of friends rather than a formal tasting event.
I was also pleased to see plenty of women in attendance. Whisky can sometimes feel male-dominated, so this balance was encouraging. It reflected a shift in the industry, one that mirrors my own journey with the OurWhisky Foundation.
The Whiskies
The breadth of whiskies on offer was astonishing. Within a single afternoon, I sampled drams from Bruichladdich, Tomatin, Pappy Van Winkle, Leiper’s Fork, Filey Bay, The Story Of…, 1792, Torabhaig, New Riff, Lochlea, Bardstown Bourbon Company, Bunnahabhain, F.E.W., Glenallachie, Never Say Die, Paul John, and Mossburn.
Scotland was well represented, but there were also strong showings from the U.S., India, and England. It was a reminder that whisky is now a truly global spirit.
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The brand ambassadors were a real highlight. They were approachable and deeply knowledgeable. I was especially pleased to see Libby Barmby from The Glasgow Distillery and Sarah Wood from Bruichladdich, both of whom are fellow mentees on the OurWhisky Foundation Atonia programme. Both were just as lovely in person as they are over Zoom, and their knowledge and passion for their respective brands were infectious.
If you are looking for recommendations from these distilleries, my favourite Glasgow expression was the 1770 Ruby Port Cask Finish. From Bruichladdich, I fell in love with the Bere Barley 2013.
Festivals like this give you the chance to try bottles you may never buy for yourself. Some are out of reach, others are simply hard to find. The joy is in exploring widely and finding those unexpected favourites.
Dream Drams and Highlights
One of the clever features of the festival was the Dream Dram token system. Each ticket came with tokens that could be exchanged for rare and old whiskies. It gave everyone the chance to experience bottles that are usually locked away or priced well beyond most people’s budgets.
My Dream Dram was the Van Winkle 12 Year Old, a whiskey I had wanted to try for years. The Van Winkle 12 opened with honeyed caramel and dried fruit on the nose. The palate was silky, showing vanilla, toffee, and a touch of orange zest. The finish of oak and baking spice lingered.
Another standout moment was tasting the Glenallachie 12 Year Old. Earlier this year, it was named World’s Best Single Malt at the 2025 World Whiskies Awards. It was easy to see why. Balanced and approachable, yet full of character, the whisky showed everything Glenallachie does well. The 46% ABV felt like the perfect strength.
My favourite whisky of the day was Filey Bay Orange Wine Barrique from The Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery. Vibrant, citrus-led, and utterly delicious, it was a revelation. I will definitely be seeking a bottle out.
Conversations and Learning
Whisky festivals are about more than what is in the glass. They are also about the people you meet and the ideas you take away. For me, one of the highlights was meeting Dave Broom. As one of the most respected writers in whisky, he has been an inspiration to many, myself included. He was generous with his time and just as engaging in person as he is on the page.
Later, Broom took part in a talk with Daniel Priseman, bourbon specialist and co-founder of The Story Of…, alongside a representative from Sazerac. The discussion focused on bourbon’s place in the UK market.
Too often, bourbon is written off in the UK as something secondary to scotch. What came through in the discussion was a real desire to change that perception. Bourbon, they argued, has its own traditions, depth, and character, and it deserves to be enjoyed for what it is rather than compared unfavourably to whisky from Scotland.
The audience was enthusiastic and asked thoughtful questions. It felt like there was a growing appetite in the UK to take bourbon more seriously. The opening of Buffalo Trace’s Covent Garden space last year shows that this ambition is already being backed up with action.
Beyond the Drams
The festival experience went well beyond the whisky. Local food producers set up stalls offering cheese, chutneys, and charcuterie. On the outdoor terrace, you could order steak burgers or a vegetarian option. I chose the goat’s cheese and paneer burger, which was delicious.
Retail was covered, too. Nickolls & Perks, who organise the festival, ran a pop-up shop with a wide range of bottles. Each ticket included a £10 voucher when spending over £40, which was a nice incentive.
Combined with the Dream Dram system, these extras turned the day into a full cultural experience rather than a simple tasting event.
The Bigger Picture
Photo: Randeep, @thedevilscut
Holding the festival in Birmingham felt significant. Many whisky events take place in London or Scotland, leaving a gap in the middle of the country. The Midlands Whisky Festival fills that gap. Its location, just five minutes from New Street Station, makes it accessible to a huge audience.
For me, this was personal. I grew up not far from Birmingham and now work in Manchester. It can sometimes feel isolating when most whisky events are hundreds of miles away. This festival brought that sense of community much closer to home.
What stood out most was how the event brought people together. Whisky enthusiasts, casual drinkers, and complete newcomers all mixed easily. Everyone had the same goal: to learn more and to find their next favourite dram.
That is the true value of festivals like this. They show that whisky is not only a bottle on a shelf. It is the people who make it, the conversations it sparks, and the connections it builds.
Final Thoughts on The Midlands Whisky Festival
The Midlands Whisky Festival was well organised, excellent value, and full of both big names and hidden gems. The atmosphere was warm and inclusive, the drams were outstanding, and the extras made it feel like a full day out rather than just a tasting.
I will be back.
Events like this matter because they remind us why whisky thrives. It is not just about liquid in a glass. It is about discovery, connection, and community. The Midlands Whisky Festival captured that spirit perfectly.
