English Whisky Week returns
The week-long celebration of English whisky is returning for its second edition this month with a range of experiences and tastings.
Established last year by the English Whisky Guild (EWG), the 2026 edition of English Whisky Week (EWW) will run from 18-26 April.
The week is designed to celebrate the category and encourages visitors to discover the nation’s whisky offering through a range of experiences and activities at the country’s distilleries.
It comes as a geographical indication (GI) for the category is being finalised.
English whisky production has reached around five million litres per year and the value of its maturing stock across the nation is estimated to be worth £1 billion, (US$1.35bn) according to EWG.
There are also now more than 70 distilleries operating in the country.
Of welcoming the week back for the second year, EWG CEO, Morag Garden, said: “We were delighted by the enthusiasm shown during last year’s English Whisky Week.
“This year’s week is an open invitation to explore, discover and enjoy England’s whiskies – whether that means reconnecting with a local favourite or finding somewhere completely new.
“English whisky is produced and enjoyed all year round, and this celebration is a chance to shine a light on the people and places who make it what it is.”
The agenda includes tastings, masterclasses and visitor experiences, as well as discounted tours at participating sites such as Witchmark and The English Distillery.
Visitors can curate their plans through an interactive distillery map on the week’s website, which also has information on special events that participating distilleries are hosting.
Co-founder at Cooper King Distillery, Dr Abbie Jaume, said: “People are curious, engaged and eager to learn more about the whiskies being made across England. English Whisky Week gives us a wonderful moment to welcome visitors in, share our story and be part of something that brings distilleries together across the country.”
To mark the week, Cotswolds Distillery has also created an English Old Fashioned, which will be served exclusively across local pubs, as a special distillery offering and at its terrace finale on 26 April.
The cocktail is made with 60ml Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky, one bar spoon of honey, one bar spoon of dry Curaçao, and a dash of aromatic bitters, garnished with an orange twist.
Cotswolds founder Dan Szor, who returned to the CEO role in January, added: “English Whisky Week celebrates one of the most exciting and dynamic categories in global spirits. Across the country, distillers are pushing boundaries while remaining deeply committed to quality and provenance.
“It’s a moment to recognise how far English whisky has come, and to invite more people to discover its distinctive and diverse character.”
Outside of EWW, Cotswolds Distillery is also offering visits to its site in the English countryside through on-pack promotions.
Last week, the brand unveiled a limited edition single cask whisky exclusively for Birmingham Airport.
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