Set in the heart of East London, iconic venue Oval Space has partnered with The Whisky Lounge to bring whisky to the people once more, with the annual London Whisky Weekender from 11th – 12th April. From just £30, guests can discover a world of international whiskies from American bourbons through to Japanese, Irish, Scotch and more. This year sees a particular emphasis on craft distilleries, along with a programme of tastings, guest appearances from distillers, whisky cocktails, street food and music all weekend, making it the whisky event on the London calendar.
With three sessions to choose from over the weekend, guests will be able to explore Oval Space and discover the best the whisky world has to offer. In the Pickle Factory a selection of new and exciting craft distillers will be setting up camp. The likes of New York Distilling, Few Spirits and Smooth Ambler will be showcasing the latest trends in small-batch distilling with tastings and whisky cocktails, accompanied by a soundtrack curated by the Oval Space team. In a UK whisky festival first two legends of the USA craft distilling scene will be making an appearance with visits from Kent Fleishcmann of Dry Fly Distilling, known as the ‘godfather’ of the American craft distilling movement, and Phil Brandon of Rock Town Distillery.
Up on the roof terrace with views overlooking the iconic Bethnal Green gasholders will be a series of Whisky Tasting Classes. Pull & Punch, a London street-food scene favourite, will serve up amazing pulled meat creations incorporating whisky into their slow-cooked recipes and offering whisky paired samples. Another stalwart of the foodie scene, the Borough Ham & Cheese Company, will be helping soak up any excess whisky with their unique range of charcuterie and cheese and suggested pairings for the whisky brands on show.
With a dram from each of the main exhibitors included in the ticket price there will be no excuse to leave not knowing your Speyside from your Islay. In the main Oval Space area iconic legends of the whisky world such as Chivas Brothers, Talisker and Johnnie Walker will be on hand with brand ambassadors and distillers keen to share their knowledge and expertise. Along with more unusual whiskies from Japan, India and Wales, there will be a world exclusive debut of The Belfast Distillery Company and a pop-up tasting lounge from The Scotch Malt Whisky Society. Tapping into the trend for experiential drinking experiences Ardberg will be premiering its unique sensory serve that gives consumers the chance to taste the whisky as a liquid and a ‘smoke’.
Mirroring the recent gin revival where innovation is key, and the shift in cocktail culture towards down-to-earth bars and speakeasies, whisky is having a moment that the London Whisky Weekender perfectly captures. Covering the spectrum from legendary whiskies that have built a name for themselves through quality and reputation, through to the latest emerging brands at the forefront of distilling techniques, the festival brings whisky to London in a new and exciting way.
Tickets per session cost £30 on a first release basis and £35 thereafter • Available from: http://www.ovalspace.co.uk •
Tickets are available for the following three sessions:
Saturday 11th April, 11am – 3pm, £35pp (£30 Early Bird)
Saturday 11th April 4pm – 8pm, £35pp (£30 Early Bird)
Sunday 12th April 12-5pm, £30pp (£25 Early Bird)
Ticket price includes: o Entry to chosen session Glencairn tasting glass, a bottle of water (for obvious purposes), the Festival Guide.
All whiskies sampled in the main hall (not included ‘under the counter’ drams)
DRINKS ENTHUSIAST 