Packed line-up for 2022’s much-anticipated Leeds Whisky Fest

A vibrant selection of global and homegrown brands is set to take over Leeds Corn Exchange this April at Leeds Whisky Fest. The brand new festival says its inaugural hello off the back of the very successful Leeds Rum Fest brought to you by Rolling Social Events. 

Bringing an impressive line-up of whiskies from all over the world, the event will welcome guests for an afternoon or evening of tasting, learning and entertainment.

On Saturday 9th April, one of Leeds’ most iconic buildings will be full of ambassadors, makers and creators from renowned distilleries – brands include Woodford Reserve, Starward, Nikka, Slane, Port Askaig, Single Malts of Scotland, Highland Nectar and Elements of Islay, to name just a few.

Tickets will not only get you access to the festival, where there will be over 100 different whiskies on show, they also cover all your samples, talks, masterclasses and tastings – not to mention an exclusive Leeds Whisky Fest branded tasting glass and guide. A fully stocked bar will be available for anyone keen to opt for a local craft beer, as well as an excellent range of highball cocktails.

There will be several masterclasses taking place on the day including The Flavour of Bourbon from our sponsors Woodford Reserve. There are over 200 detectable flavours in their Bourbon. A variety of food samples will be tasted in this session. By comparing the flavour notes of the samples with the Woodford Reserve flavour wheel, the subtle flavour cues in Woodford Reserve can be experienced. Slane will also be educating people on the Resurgence of Irish Whiskey and showcasing their efforts towards sustainability and their unique blending process. Further masterclasses will be announced very soon.

Making sure foodies are not left out of the fun, outlets such as Leeds’ very own Chinese eatery Mans Market and Ooey Gooey will be serving up meals and snacks throughout the day. Mans Market, based a stone’s throw away from Leeds City Centre, offers a unique dining experience through a combination of theatre and authentic Chinese cuisine. Ooey Gooey will also be whipping up bourbon brownies in collaboration with Woodford Reserve exclusively for the festival.

Live music will come in the form of Leeds’ own mysterious Hot-Foot Hall. Rumour has it that on a family trip to the zoo as a child, young Hot-Foot Hall became separated from his family. Finding himself in the tapir enclosure, Hot-Foot was raised by a friendly family of Brazilian tapirs. As well as foraging for roots and tubers, the young man learned a primitive and high energy style of hoof stomping, loud hollering, down home and low down blues – attendees are in for a treat!

After a day of discovery and being re-acquainted with familiar names, Leeds Whisky Fest attendees will also be able to buy and take home their favourites with the help of Latitude Wine & Spirit Merchant who will be operating a bottle shop on the day. 

Lee Jones, Rolling Social Events says: “It feels amazing to be able to plan our 2022 line up of events and we’re always wanted to put on a whisky festival, so we’re dead excited to add Leeds Whisky Festival into the calendar.”

The events are always designed around drinking better quality, and we’re very lucky to be working with some incredible brands throughout the course of the year, including many sustainable and environmentally friendly distilleries.”

Julie Hamilton, Global Whisky Ambassador, Elixir Distillers says: “We are delighted to be headlining the Leeds Whisky Festival with our brands this year (Port Askaig, Singles Malts of Scotland, Highland Nectar and Elements of Islay) and being involved from the inaugural event! 

We’re looking forward to sharing a dram or two with some familiar faces as well as some new festival inductees! It is set to be a cracking day. See you all there.” 

Punters can choose to head down to either the afternoon session (12-4pm) or the evening session (5-9pm) of Leeds Whisky Fest, with tickets available for £40 at eventbrite.co.uk.