October is a magical month for many reasons – the weather gets cooler, leaves turn brilliant shades of red and gold, and most importantly, it’s the season of whisky festivals! If you’re a whisky enthusiast, this is your time to shine. From Scotland to the United States, whisky festivals in October will tantalize your taste buds.

These events aren’t just about sipping whisky. They’re immersive experiences, blending tastings, masterclasses, and a sense of community. In this article, we’ll serve as your navigator through the world of whisky festivals happening this October. We’ve rounded up the top events taking place across the globe next month, categorized by country.

So, come along as we unveil everything you need to know to be part of the whisky party!

United Kingdom

York Whisky Festival

7 October 2023
York
Website

For those who have never experienced the York Whisky Festival, it’s a delightful treat waiting to be discovered. Visitors to the festival have the opportunity to indulge in the finest home-grown whiskies from the lush landscapes of Scotland and whiskies from the farthest reaches of the globe. 

Behind each exhibitor stand is a wealth of knowledge and passion for their whiskies, making it a valuable experience for all attendees. Exploring the depths of whisky’s history becomes not only a possibility but an eagerly encouraged pursuit.

What if you want to taste a dram? Just ask and you’ll get a generous pour of whisky!

Edinburgh’s Whisky Festival

14 October 2023
Edinburgh
Website

What’s better than a whisky festival? A whisky festival in Edinburgh! Here, you’ll have the possibility to sample from hundreds of whiskies from around Scotland and beyond and hear directly from the distilleries and bottlers about their unique whiskies and the stories behind them. But wait, there’s more! You could also experience some of Scotland’s key whisky heritage from the early 1700s. Not too shabby, right?

Manchester Whisky Festival

20-21 October 2023
Manchester
Website

Another great whisky event from the whisky lounge! If you missed the York Whisky Festival, this is your chance to catch up with everything. As always, you’ll find great whisky, great classes and great people!

The Whisky Affair

21 October 2023
Alton
Website

For those who cherish whiskey and music, The Whiskey Affair is the event of the season. As soon as you arrive, you will be handed your glass (you can keep it!). Throughout the event, there will be live entertainment, classes with whiskey experts, samples from showcasing brands, food and lots of like-minded people to mingle with!

Dornoch Whisky Festival

27-29 ottobre 2023
Dornoch
Website

The Dornoch Whisky Festival returns for another year, celebrating Scotland’s finest spirit! While it may appear modest in size, this festival consistently delivers a wealth of enjoyment. With its captivating atmosphere, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with fellow whisky aficionados and indulge in a diverse selection of whiskies representing Scotland’s rich heritage.

Committed to both educating newcomers and enriching the understanding of seasoned enthusiasts, the festival offers a diverse range of weekend events. From engaging masterclasses to tastings and delightful dinners, boredom is not on the agenda at the Dornoch Whisky Festival!

Belfast Whisky Social 2023

28 October 2023
Belfast
Website

Belfast Whisky Social is back with over 35 exhibitors and hundreds of drams on show. The Drinks Social has been bringing festivals and drinks experiences to the public and corporate world since 2016. You’ll have a hard time NOT finding a whisk(e)y here, whatever it might be!

France

Nantes Spirits Festival

14-15 October 2023
Nantes
Website

The Nantes Spirits Festival boasts a 500-square-meter bar with 50 counters, where dedicated experts introduce you to their top-notch whiskies. If you’re curious to delve deeper into the world of spirits, you can also discover the latest rum releases, innovative cognacs, cutting-edge armagnacs, and even artisanal creations like gin. Tres magnifique, as they say!

Whisky Live Paris

21-23 October 2023
Paris
Website

Paris may be known as the city of love, but from October 21st to 23rd, it transforms into the whisky capital. Since 2004, the Paris edition of Whisky Live has been steadily expanding, attracting a growing number of exhibitors from around the globe, along with enthusiasts of malt, rum, and various spirits and mixology. Today, Whisky Live Paris undoubtedly stands as one of the world’s largest events dedicated to whisky and premium spirits. Additionally, numerous distilleries seize the occasion to unveil their significant new releases, often in exclusive worldwide premieres.

United States

Great American Whiskey Fair

6 October 2023
Columbia
Website

The Great American Whiskey Fair stands as the Southeast’s premier celebration of American whiskey, featuring an impressive roster of more than 100 distilleries and bottlers showcasing an astounding selection of 300 whiskeys, bourbons, and ryes! Now in its 11th year, they’re pulling out all the stops to make it BIGGER and BETTER than ever, complete with added classes and tastings leading up to the main event.

From the picturesque landscapes of Kentucky and Tennessee’s rolling hills to the rugged terrain of Colorado, the soulful vibes of South Carolina, and even the untamed frontier of Utah, this event explores every corner of American whiskey. But that’s not all – they’re also bringing whiskeys from Scotland, Ireland, Canada, and Japan into the mix. You can’t definitely miss it if you are a fan of American whiskies!

WhiskyFest

27 October 2023
San Francisco
Website

Here’s your golden opportunity to savour an array of single malt and blended Scotch, Irish, French, bourbon, rye, Tennessee, Japanese, Canadian, and artisan-crafted whiskies, all brought together under one roof. The primary focus here at the WhiskyFest is on education, with many distillery representatives stationed at the pouring booths, eager to walk you through the intricacies of their whisky-making processes.

You’ll also have the chance to connect with esteemed figures from the whisky community, gaining firsthand insights into the artistry behind their brands. 

Singapore

The Malt Affair

28 October 2023
Singapore
Website

Another year, another edition of the amazing The Malt Affair event! We were so honoured to participate last year! 

We had planned to go this year, but unfortunately, we had to cancel for various reasons. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t attend! If you’re in the Singapore area, this event is sure to be a fantastic experience. There will be masterclasses, tastings, and the opportunity to meet and chat with wonderful people who share a passion for whisky.

In Conclusion

October is the month when whisky lovers unite, exploring the rich, diverse world of whisky in all its glory. Mark your calendars, pack your bags, and get ready for a whisky-filled adventure this October! Have a great time!

*The photo featured as a cover is from www.whiskylive.fr