I often say gin is my first love, whisky is my second (Tequila and Mezcal are affairs to be indulged in).
My youthful experiences with whisky were… Limited. My dad would get the odd bottle as a gift from work – and he’d add a splash to my coffee or tea when I was unwell, or suggest a hot toddy. But those bottles we never something I’d even imagine sampling on their own – I know, I tried them.
It took a voyage of rediscovery in my 30s and now my 40s to find that there were more than the discounted bottles picked up at the supermarket and gifted to my dad. It began with Old Fashioneds and Bourbon, before I slowly began exploring everything from Rye to Single Malt, Highlands, Lowlands and Islay.
Who knew that years after that first sip of a brand that won’t be named that made me pull a face, I’d be an absolute advocate for a good dram?
And in recent years it’s been a pleasure to watch the growth of whisky in the UK, and in England in particular. There are now 50 English whisky distilleries, and now in it’s fourth year, an English Whisky Festival!
32 distilleries will be descending on Birmingham, offering the opportunity for visitors to sample the creativity to be found in casks across England. As ever that blend of creativity and science is coming alive, and we’re seeing experimentation with everything from yeast strains being used in the initial fermentation, to the type of still being used, through to the variation in ageing processes – including size and types of casks being used. As someone who adores the exploration of flavour, I couldn’t be more excited to attend in November.
And you can go too! Not only can you enter the competition they are hosting to win two tickets, but I also have a handy little discount link for you!
To enter the competition, follow this link and fill in your details. The winners will be contacted directly!
And if you’re unlucky – or would rather not leave it to chance, you can purchase your tickets at a discounted rate here!
As for me, I’ve snaffled my own tickets, and am reliably informed that the National Express drops you all but outside the door. Handy!