Carlisle will welcome whisky lovers from across the UK later this year when the city hosts the first-ever Northern Whisky Festival.
The event will bring together the country’s top distilleries and prestigious brands under one roof at The Halston on Saturday, November 1.
Organised by Carlisle-based House of Malt, the UK’s leading specialist online retailer of whisky and other spirits, the event marks the company’s 10th anniversary in 2025.
Benjamin Turnbull, Director and founder of House of Malt, said: “This festival is a celebration of everything we’ve built over the past decade and reflects our passion for whisky, our commitment to quality, and our support for the country’s spirit producers. We’re thrilled to bring this experience to Carlisle and put the city on the national whisky map. Our aim is for the festival to become one of the UK’s premier luxury drinks events.”
World-renowned Scottish distilleries including Springbank, GlenAllachie and Bowmore will be joined by celebrated local producers such as Annandale Distillery and The Lakes Distillery, all of whom will be showcasing their spirits at the event.
The festival will feature two tasting sessions (12noon-3.30pm and 5pm-8.30pm), each welcoming up to 400 guests. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample a curated selection of rare and premium whiskies, engage with more than 40 top-tier exhibitors, and enjoy exclusive experiences including masterclasses offering deep dives into distillery craft and flavour.
Guests will receive a complimentary Glencairn crystal whisky tasting glass on entry, and can also enjoy extras including on-site bottle engraving.
The event is sponsored by H&H Insurance Brokers (HHIB), a Carlisle-based firm with nearly 40 years of experience, alongside Johnnie Walker Blue Label, one of the most recognisable spirit brands in the world.
Paul Graham, Managing Director of H&H Insurance Brokers, said its support for the festival reinforced its commitment to supporting local businesses and celebrating excellence.
The Northern Whisky Festival is priced at £50 per session. Masterclasses are an additional £20 per person. For more information or to book tickets, visit www.houseofmalt.co.uk or email sales@houseofmalt.co.uk.
