Birmingham will host one of the UK’s most exciting whisky weekends this September. The Midlands Whisky Festival returns on 13–14 September 2025 at The Studio, Cannon Street.
Organised by award-winning retailer Nickolls & Perks, the festival is known for bringing together hundreds of whiskies, passionate producers, and whisky fans from across the world. This year’s edition promises to be bigger, bolder, and filled with once-in-a-lifetime drams.
Signup now to make sure you don't miss out on the latest whiskey news and deals.
By Signing up, you accept and agree to our Terms of Services and you acknowledge our Privacy Statement. The Whiskey Wash is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Signup now to make sure you don't miss out on the latest whiskey news and deals.
By Signing up, you accept and agree to our Terms of Services and you acknowledge our Privacy Statement. The Whiskey Wash is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Why It’s Special
The Midlands Whisky Festival has built its reputation on scale and quality. Visitors can explore more than 400 whiskies from Scotland, Ireland, America, Japan, and beyond.
Your ticket also includes a Dream Dram token. This can be exchanged for a dram of rare whisky worth over £250 per bottle, giving every guest the chance to taste something truly extraordinary. Additional tokens are available to buy on the day, meaning no one has to miss out on the show’s rarest and most exciting bottles.
Dream Drams and Must-Try Whiskies
The aforementioned Dream Drams are one of the biggest draws for the festival. Every ticket includes a free token, with more available to buy during the weekend. The tiers are simple:
- £250–£499 bottles = 1 token (£10)
- £500–£999 bottles = 2 tokens (£20)
- £1,000–£1,999 bottles = 3 tokens (£30)
- £2,000–£2,999 bottles = 4 tokens (£40)
This year’s line-up is particularly exciting. Highlights include the legendary Yamazaki 30 Year Old (3 tokens), a Bowmore 1965 Full Strength (5 tokens), a Springbank 26 Year Old 1992 (2 tokens), and a Glenfarclas 1985 35 Year Old Single Cask (2 tokens). American whiskey fans can look forward to Pappy Van Winkle 20 Year Old, Eagle Rare 17 Year Old, and William Larue Weller.
Must Read Stories
The Full Midlands Whisky Festival Experience
The Midlands Whisky Festival is more than just a chance to sample hundreds of whiskies. Your ticket comes with a specially designed tasting glass, a £10 voucher for the Nickolls & Perks pop-up shop, and access to exclusive festival bottlings.
There will be a wide choice of masterclasses, each hosted by industry experts and special guests. For example, on Sunday 14 September at 1pm, acclaimed writer Dave Broom will join Nickolls & Perks spirits specialist Steven Cook to guide guests through a line-up of exceptionally old and rare whiskies. The tasting will showcase archive bottlings and newly released festival exclusives, giving attendees a chance to experience spirits that are both historic and unique.
Additionally, the festival is running a series of tasting seminars throughout the day, during which brand representatives will tell you the stories behind some of their best drams whilst you relax and sip.
There will also be expertly mixed whisky cocktails, along with a food court featuring local producers serving street food, cheese, chocolate, and coffee.
Atmosphere and Community
The festival hall promises to be alive with energy. More than 70 producers will be pouring over 300 whiskies and rums, from established distilleries to new craft names making waves around the world.
Visitors can look forward to stands from Bowmore, Laphroaig, Aberfeldy, Buffalo Trace, Yamazaki, Bushmills, Gordon & MacPhail, The Glasgow Distillery, White Peak, Bardstown Bourbon Company, and Paul John, among many others.
What makes the festival stand out is its welcoming spirit (in both senses of the word). Whether you are a seasoned collector or completely new to whisky, there is space to explore, taste, and learn at your own pace. It is a chance to share drams, discover new favourites, and connect with a passionate whisky community from brand ambassadors and connoisseurs to the everyday drinker.
Visit The Midlands Whisky Festival
The Midlands Whisky Festival takes place on Saturday, 13th September and Sunday, 14th September 2025. Doors open at 11:30 and close at 17:30, with the last pour at 17:00 each day.
The venue is The Studio, 7 Cannon Street, Birmingham, B2 5EP. Located in the heart of the city, next to New Street Station, it is easy to reach by train, tram, or bus.
