Midlands Whisky Festival set to return
Whisky connoisseurs are in for a treat later this month with the return of the Midlands Whisky Festival.
The two-day event, which is the biggest of its type outside of London, will give whisky drinkers the opportunity to sample over 300 whiskies from around the world, as well as the chance to brush up on their whisky wisdom.
The festival, which is being held in the festival’s birthplace of Stourbridge, celebrated its 10th anniversary last year and is set to be bigger than ever before.
It will be run as usual, by Nickolls and Perks of Stourbridge, one of the UK’s oldest wine and spirits merchants, which was established in 1797.
There will be over 30 exhibitors at the event as well as a range of masterclasses.
There will be an exclusive tasting with sixth generation Glenfarclas family member and industry legend, George S. Grant. The masterclass will give whiskey enthusiasts the opportunity to taste some extraordinary whiskies, including a 40 year old Glenfarclas released exclusively for the Taiwan market.
Stephen Rankin, sales director at Gordon and Macphail, will also be inviting guests to taste a selection of well-matured single malts from cult distilleries as part of their newly-released Speyside Collection.
Macallan, one of Scotland’s most renowned distilleries, will also be offering the chance to taste a range of its single malts.
Jerome Gardener, who heads up retail sales and events for Nickolls and Perks, said: “After a hugely successful year in 2016, celebrating our 10th anniversary and introducing a second festival in Birmingham, we are really excited to bring the festival back to Stourbridge – the place it all began.
“This show will boast a record number of exhibitors and we hope that visitors will be impressed by the quality and quantity of what’s on offer, as this is a testament to the relationship we have established with them over many years as independent merchants.”
As well as George S. Grant and Stephen Rankin, the festival also has a number of the industry’s other big names, including George Wills, son of founder Anthony Wills from Kilchoman and Hans Baumberger from Swedish distillery, Langatun.
The Midlands Whisky Festival takes place at Stourbridge Town Hall on Friday March 17 from 6pm to 9:30pm and Saturday March 18 from 12pm to 5pm.
