This weekend will see Midlands Whisky Festival return to Birmingham for the second year running, bringing some of the industry’s biggest brands to the heart of the second city. The festival will be taking place at thestudiobirmingham this Saturday 16 September; with over 20 different exhibitors and over 400 whiskies to sample, there’s something for everyone.
The whisky spectacular, which is the biggest event of its kind outside London, will give fans of a dram the opportunity to sample over 400 whiskies from across the globe, from brands including Macallan, Glenfiddich, Glenmorangie, Morrison and McKay, and Glengoyne, to name a few.
After celebrating its 10th anniversary last year by introducing a second festival in Birmingham city centre, Midlands Whisky Festival will return with some of biggest names in the business offering tasters as well as masterclasses to help brush up your whisky wisdom.
Macallan, one of Scotland’s most renowned distilleries, is headlining this year’s line-up alongside award-winning Speyside distillers, Glenfiddich. Boasting the tallest stills in Scotland, Glenmorangie will be another great addition to this year’s range of exhibitors. Set to also make waves at this year’s festival are independent Islay distillers, Morrison and McKay as well as Pernod Ricard brands Chivas and The Glenlivet.
In addition to the big names exhibiting at the show, Midlands Whisky Festival have now announced that Hennessy Brand Manager, Max Helm will be talking whisky lovers through the ‘Five Ardbegs’ in a specialist session taking place from 1pm – 1.45pm. During the session Max Helm will be taking whisky lovers on the ultimate ardventure; giving them the chance to taste all five Ardbegs: An Oah, Kildalton, Kelpie, Ardbog and Perpetuum. The ‘Five Ardbegs with Max Helm’ masterclass will complete the trio of specialist sessions happening throughout the festival.
The The UK Brand Ambassador for Glenfiddich, Stephen Rutherford, will be hosting the Deluxe Speyside Tasting at 2.15pm where he will open old and rare bottles from the Distillery Manager’s private cabinet alongside other exclusive drams, including the 21 Year Old Reserva Rum Cask, Snow Phoenix, 26 Year Old Excellence, 30 Year Old, and Exclusive Cask Sample.
On the day, whisky lovers can sit back and relax with Ian Macleod, who will be pairing a selection of their Glengoyne whisky expressions with Hunters & Frankau cigars at 2pm. Located on thestudiobirmingham’s roof terrace, this masterclass will be led by Glengoyne Ambassador Alan Wardrop, who will give you an insight into the bold, complex flavours of the whisky, whilst enjoying Cuban imported cigars and tales of the trade from Hunters & Frankau’s Patrick Williams.
There is still time to get your hands on a ticket for the Midlands Whisky Festival’s autumn show. Priced at £40, all tickets included a branded festival glass, programme with detailed information about the brands and whisky industry, and of course a chance to sample the 400 whiskies on taste (although please drink responsibly!). Ticket holders will also receive a dream dram token, which is exchangeable for a taste of one of the many premium whiskies on offer, some worth up to £1,000 per bottle.
Tickets for all three masterclasses are still available, with the Deluxe Glenfiddich Tasting with Stephen Rutherford priced at £40 per person, Cigar Pairing with Hunters & Frankau and Ian Macleod priced at £15 per person and the Five Ardbergs with Max Helm priced at £20. Please note that all tickets carry a booking fee.
To book tickets, visit www.whiskyfest.co.uk.
