12:30

A whisky masterclass with a difference from Lancaster Spirits Co.

Rooted in brewing heritage, this session explores how traditional brewing techniques can unlock bold, flavour-led single malt whisky. While much of the industry focuses on efficiency, Lancaster Spirits Co. take a different approach, prioritising flavour at every stage of the process.

Single malt whisky is built on just three ingredients: malted barley, water and yeast. But it’s how those ingredients are handled that makes all the difference.

At Lancaster Spirits Co., every drop begins in the brewery. Barley is milled fresh on the day, mashed by hand in a traditional mash tun, and fermented using their own live brewer’s yeast. A long fermentation, lasting up to seven days, allows rich, complex, fruit-forward flavours to develop naturally.

The result is a characterful wash that’s then carefully and slowly distilled, creating a vibrant, flavour-packed new-make spirit with real depth and personality.

Join the team to explore a fresh perspective on single malt, shaped by brewing knowledge and a commitment to flavour.

Please note: A ticket for this masterclass must be purchased alongside a valid day ticket to the festival.

18:30

Join Lochlea Brand Ambassador Alex Ferrand for an in-depth exploration of one of Scotland’s most distinctive modern distilleries, accompanied by a guided tasting of their Single Estate whiskies.

Nestled in the heart of the Lowlands, Lochlea is a true farm distillery, surrounded by the very barley fields that supply 100% of its production. Every drop is grown, distilled, and matured on-site, offering complete traceability from field to bottle. Family-owned and founded in 2018, Lochlea has quickly established a reputation for quality and character, producing a range of expressions matured in a diverse and interesting array of casks.

Discover how place, people, process, and patience shape the spirit, and taste the results for yourself.

Please note: A ticket for this masterclass must be purchased alongside a valid evening ticket to the festival.

13:30

Join Diageo GB Scotch Whisky Ambassador Kirsty Thomson for a one-off chance to taste some of Diageo’s most remarkable whiskies.

Experience a handpicked selection of truly fascinating whiskies – featuring a unique dram of Royal Lochnagar, alongside rare aged expressions and exclusive bottlings.  Kirsty will take you on a journey across Scotland uncovering the stories, people and places that shape Scotch whisky. Whether you are a seasoned collector or simply curious about rare whiskies, expect unforgettable drams, engaging stories and perhaps a few surprises along the way.

Please note: A ticket for this masterclass must be purchased alongside a valid day ticket to the festival.

14:30

An inspiring look at how Cooper King Distillery went from a bold idea to one of England’s most exciting whisky producers. Hear the story of founders Abbie and Chris, who left behind their careers to travel, discovering Tasmania’s pioneering whisky scene along the way. Inspired by its small-scale, high-quality and no-nonsense approach, they brought that same ethos back to rural Yorkshire, building their distillery from the ground up with the help of friends, family and a shared vision. This session explores how that Tasmanian influence shapes everything they do today, from their flavour-forward whisky style to their independent, community-led approach to business. You’ll also get insight into their experimental mindset, from innovative cask techniques to sustainability efforts including solar-powered production. Alongside the talk, enjoy a guided tasting featuring: A Tasmanian whisky that inspired their journey Cooper King new make spirit A selection of their releases, including recent and sold-out bottlings A relaxed, honest and flavour-led masterclass that goes beyond the traditional whisky story.

Please note: A ticket for this masterclass must be purchased alongside a valid day ticket to the festival.