The Midlands Whisky Festival (MWF) is our flagship spirits event of the year. Each year, we welcome 1,000 spirits fans from around the world to revel in two days of fine whisky and, since last year, rum. With 2025’s instalment of the show just a few weeks away, it’s high time we explore a popular facet of MWF: the masterclasses.
These are shorter, typically hour-long sessions that are hosted within the festival. Masterclasses are an opportunity to sample full verticals of limited ranges; enjoy deconstructions of flagship releases; taste casks directly from the warehouse; or savour releases of exceptional age or rarity, all the while led by an industry veteran.
Now, let’s explore what 2025 has in store for festival attendees!
Glencadam 200th Anniversary
The Glencadam Distillery has graced the east coast of Scotland since 1825 and is noted for its softer approach to the Highland style. The light, fruity malt is encouraged by the distillery’s upward-angled lyne arms, forcing the volatile vapours to remain in the still longer, further enriching the future spirit with fruitiness and alcohol.
As of 2025, the distillery is now 200 years old, a phenomenal milestone and the perfect opportunity to celebrate this mighty member of the Scotch old guard. Guests to this masterclass will be hosted by Cameron McPherson, Brand Ambassador for Glencadam, as he guides attendees through Glencadams past and present, including notable age statements such as the 25 Year Old and a special, mystery bottling to be announced closer to the time.
Tasting lineup:
- Glencadam 15 Year Old
- Glencadam 18 Year Old
- Glencadam 25 Year Old
- Glencadam 15 Year Old Madeira Cask Finish
- Glencadam 15 Year Old Reserve de Jerez Oloroso Cask Finish
- Glencadam Mystery Dram
Masterclass Date – Saturday 13th September
Time – 3pm
Ticket Price – £35
Icons of Islay – Bowmore & Laphroaig
Islay is home to some of the most renowned distilleries in the world. The region is defined by the rich peat influence so commonly found in its malts, delivering a powerful profile of palate-coating smoke whilst maintaining a softness of character reserved for the finest malts. In this masterclass, guests will explore exceptional, rare releases from two of Islay’s most prolific and historic producers, Bowmore and Laphroaig.
Bowmore is Islay’s oldest operating distillery, producing a softer side of Islay peat from as far back as 1779, nearly half a century before the famous Excise Act that gave birth to so many of the Scotch Distilleries remaining today. When one casts their mind to Islay, Laphroaig is perhaps the epitome of the synonymous peaty profile. From TCP to tar, tasting notes for this Islay legend seem otherworldly and evocative of distant times, but ultimately draw a fanbase that stretches to every corner of the globe.
Tasting lineup:
- Bowmore (TBC – rare release)
- Bowmore 18 Year Old
- Bowmore 21 Year Old Sherry Cask Oak
- Laphroaig 10 Year Old (1970s)
- Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2020 Release) 49.8%
- Laphroaig 33 Year Old Strong Characters Volume 1 – Donald Johnston
Masterclass Date – Saturday 13th September
Time – 1pm
Ticket Price – £60
Bruichladdich – Direct from the Cask
Founded in 1881, Bruichladdich closed its doors and silenced its stills in 1994, its future uncertain. In 2001, the distillery rose from the ashes to heights few could have anticipated, embracing a bold rebrand that celebrated the distillery’s heritage whilst employing a distinctly brave and modern face.
Bruichladdich Distillery – Image credit (Bruichladdich.com, 2025)
The Classic Laddie has spearheaded Bruichladdich’s shelf presence since the early 2010s, its iconic aqua hue loudly making itself known to any thirsty enthusiast frequenting their local whisky haunt. In this masterclass, guests will deep dive into how this modern classic is constructed, tasting samples of the various cask types that are unified to create the Classic Laddie.
Tasting lineup:
- TBC – Cask Samples
Masterclass Date – Sunday 14th September
Time – 3pm
Ticket Price – £35
Old & Rare with Dave Broom & Steven Cook
A selection of spirits that are old, rare and, perhaps beyond all else, important. When one tastes a spirit of antiquity, they are transported to another era and plunged into retrospection: the blemishes of production from simpler times become endearing charms; the decades of maturation conjure flavours that only time can create; the vintages compel us to consider our own lives and the world that existed when the spirit left the still. In the face of any modernisation and scientific enlightenment, age and rarity are facets that can never be synthesised.
This masterclass is a celebration of these aspects. Hosted by esteemed spirits author, Dave Broom, and the Nickolls & Perks Spirits Specialist, Steven Cook, guests will explore exceptionally aged examples of world-renowned distilleries from the Nickolls & Perks archive, including yet-unannounced bottlings that will be launched in line with the festival.
Tasting lineup:
- Nickolls & Perks Rare Cask Collection #1
- Nickolls & Perks Rare Cask Collection #2
- Nickolls & Perks Mystery Release
- The Macallan 1994 18 Year Old (Long Discontinued)
- GlenDronach 29 Year Old 1992 Single Cask #71
- Caroni 2000 15 Year Old Magnum (Closed Rum Distillery)
Masterclass Date – Sunday 14th September
Time – 1pm
Ticket Price – £50
Just a Month Away!
It’s important to remember that masterclasses are only available to those who hold a ticket to the Midlands Whisky Festival. Whilst Saturday tickets are now sold out, a limited number of Weekend Tickets and Sunday Tickets are still available. If you’d like to join us for these memorable moments of unparalleled insight, head on over to the Midland Whisky Festival site and grab your tickets before they’re gone!