Once a year, founder Laurence Conisbee opens the doors to Wharf Distillery for an evening of English whisky. With a crafted welcome drink in hand, guests gather as Laurence begins to unravel the tale of Wharf — its quiet beginnings, its unlikely breakthroughs, and the philosophy that shaped every drop produced within these walls.
As the group moves deeper into the distillery Velocity and Mari come into view — the two stills that have become characters in Wharf’s journey as much as tools of the craft. Laurence guides you through the spaces where ideas were tested, risks were taken, and the identity of modern English whisky was forged.

The evening unfolds as a conversation rather than a lecture. Laurence shares the nuances of small‑batch production, the decisions that define English whisky, and the subtle contrasts that set it apart from its Scotch and international cousins. Guests are invited to taste, question, and follow the narrative as it reveals itself — with a few unexpected moments woven in to make this annual gathering feel truly unforgettable.

What’s included
Your experience begins with a crafted welcome drink, with an additional five tasting pours presented over the course of the evening, complemented by an assortment of artisan cheeses and crackers.

The distillery bar will remain open after the main event should you wish to stay for further drinks and conversation with Laurence.

Itinerary:
– Welcome drink
– The story of Wharf Distillery (2nd taster)
– Introduction to English Whisky (3rd taster)
– A tour of our Still Room (4th taster)
– The English Whisky Revival (5th Taster)
– Q&A (6th taster)

Highlights:
Savour an evening of rare privilege as founder Laurence Conisbee opens the doors to Wharf Distillery for an experience usually reserved for insiders. Guests are welcomed with an impeccably crafted signature serve before being escorted into the distillery’s inner sanctum for a deeply personal exploration of its heritage, philosophy, and quietly influential role in English whisky.
Move through the production spaces as Laurence introduces Velocity and Mari, the stills that define Wharf’s uncompromising small‑batch artistry. This is a chance to witness the craft at its most authentic: the decisions, the discipline, and the quiet innovation that have shaped Wharf’s reputation among those who know.

Throughout the evening, guests are invited to engage in conversation, taste with intention, and immerse themselves in the nuances that distinguish English whisky on the world stage. This is not simply a tour, it is an invitation into the distillery’s inner circle, offered just once a year to those who appreciate craftsmanship at its most refined.