NINE days, 18 venues - numbers doubling, but it's actually Belfast Whiskey Week, which has been officially launched with a packed programme involving more than 30 brands and distilleries.
2023 is a momentous year for Belfast whiskey, with the opening of the Titanic Distillery and McConnell's to follow in the north of the city. Yet there's so much more than even Irish whiskey involved, with involvement from Scotch and Tasmanian distilleries.
The fifth Belfast Whiskey Week, Ireland’s largest whiskey festival, returns from Friday July 21 to Saturday July 29 and is designed to cater for a wide range of festival-goers - this year’s programme includes whiskey tastings, cocktail events, theatrical experiences, chocolate making, comedy, fine dining experiences, heritage walking tours, music, fire-side talks, Irish dancing, candle making and food pairing sessions.
Belfast Whiskey Week is a community-led initiative driven by a group of enthusiasts from Belfast Whiskey Club, a not-for-profit membership club. It was created as a platform for Belfast to reclaim its whiskey heritage, celebrate its distilling history as well as look forward to the exciting innovations and growth within the region.
Festival organiser Paul Kane said: “We are delighted to announce details of the 5th Belfast Whiskey Week, Ireland’s largest whiskey festival. It is a must-attend event for those with an interest and taste for all things whiskey and as well as to help open up conversations with audiences new to whiskey or who have considered it not for them,
"Belfast is quickly re-emerging as an important place for Irish whiskey. Soon we will have two functioning distilleries, something the city hasn’t seen in over 70 years. The city is steeped in whiskey heritage and legacy spanning 300 years and it’s important to celebrate that.
“We hope to welcome thousands of attendees across the nine-day event and hope they enjoy the wide range of unique and different ways to engage with whiskey.”
The participants include the following Irish distilleries: Copeland, Glens of Antrim Distillery, Dingle, Killowen, ShortCross, Titanic, Echlinville, Hinch, McConnell’s, Limavady, Dublin Liberties, Pearse Lyons, Loch Measc, Ahascragh, Lough Ree, and Glendalough.
From Tasmania there will be Belgrove, Hobart, Killara, Launceston, McHenry, Spring Bay, and Transportation distilleries, while Scotch representatives comprise Dalmore, Douglas Laing, Jura, and WolfBurn.
Also involved will be Anzac Wines & Spirits, W.D. O’Connell Whiskey, Dragon Claw, Two Stacks Whiskey, Dead Rabbit, and IrishMan Whiskey, representing blenders and sellers.
Belfast Whiskey Week will collaborate with Belfast Hidden Tours, Irish Whiskey Review, and Belfast Walking Tours to provide three unique whiskey walking tours throughout the city.
It will also be working in partnership with Irish Whiskey Magazine, Urban Bar, Belfast Whiskey Club, Echlinville Distillery, The Friend at Hand and the Duke of York, Willis Insurance and risk management, who return as festival partner, and Hastings Hotel Group as festival accommodation provider.
Festival venues were selected for their strong whiskey links and their love of showcasing whiskey, including White's Tavern, The Merchant, The Duke of York, The Deer’s Head, A Peculiar Tea, Angel & Two Bibles, Urban Scullery, Tribal, Madden's, The Reporter, Nancy Mulligan's, The National, Roam, Alba Steak House, Waterman House, and TradeMarket.
Participants will be able to sample hundreds of whiskies, exploring all style and variations.
There will also be eclectic mix of live music, comedy, food collaborations, walking tours, theatrics, cocktails, distillery days and much more, including exclusive dining and drink collaborations with well-known Belfast bars and restaurants.
The Whiskey Expo will be an opportunity to meet the brands and distilleries who will be pouring their whiskeys (and whiskies) for festival attendees to explore, while you there will be a cocktail takeover at TradeMarket.
Prices for Belfast Whiskey Week events range from £20-£250. Day passes are also available for £100; that include four Events from midday to midnight. There will be events across a variety of levels including introduction, intermediate and masterclass, through various experiences that will appeal to both whiskey enthusiasts and novices.
For details visit www.belfastwhiskeyweek.com or follow Belfast Whiskey Week on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube @belfastwhiskeyweek #BWW and #irishwhiskeyfest.
@whiskennyarcher
