Everything You Need to Know About the Unmissable Whisky x Sherry Tasting Experience Makes Leeds Debut

Ever heard of an event so popular that tickets vanish almost as soon as they go on sale? That’s exactly what’s been happening with a special tasting experience in Yorkshire that mixes incredible whisky with amazing sherry. After a series of completely sold-out dates, this unique event is back, and this time it’s making its debut in Leeds. For anyone who loves good food, fantastic drinks, or just trying something a bit different, this is big news. The collaboration between the Spanish dining experts at Ambiente and the enthusiasts from York Whisky Club is bringing their immersive Whisky x Sherry III event to a whole new audience, alongside a much-anticipated return to York. With limited tickets available, it's shaping up to be one of the hottest events of the season for anyone interested in a top-tier tasting experience.

Image: Mihail at our Whisky & Sherry II

So, what’s this event all about?

At its core, this is a team-up between two groups who are seriously passionate about what they do. On one side, there's Ambiente, a name that anyone familiar with Yorkshire's food scene will know. They're famous for their brilliant tapas and have a deep love for sherry, making them a go-to spot for authentic Spanish dining. On the other, there's the York Whisky Club, founded by Jasper Hegarty-Ditton and Jim Deal. These guys are on a mission to share their love for whisky with everyone, from total beginners to seasoned collectors. Put them together, and you get an event that’s more than just a tasting; it's a full-on immersive experience. The Whisky x Sherry event celebrates the rich relationship between, you guessed it, whisky and sherry. It’s a chance to see how these two drinks, which have a long history together, can create something magical when brought together with perfectly matched cuisine.

A perfect pairing of whisky and sherry

What makes the whiskies at this tasting experience so special? It's all down to a process called dual maturation. Think of it like this: a whisky starts its life ageing in one type of barrel. But for this event, the selected whiskies are moved into a second barrel for a finishing period. These aren't just any barrels; they are sherry casks. Because these barrels have already been used to age sherry, the sherry-seasoned wood passes on some of its incredible flavour. This gives the whiskies a really deep, complex character you don't get otherwise, with notes ranging from dry and nutty to rich and sweet. It’s this use of sherry casks that creates such a deep connection between the two drinks.

But the event goes a step further. Guests won't just be tasting the special whiskies. For each whisky, they'll also get to try the style of sherry that would have been in the cask it was aged in. It’s a genius idea that lets people understand the rich relationship between the spirits. The York Whisky Club founders, Jasper Hegarty-Ditton and Jim Deal, will be on hand to guide everyone through the whiskies, sharing their expert knowledge. Meanwhile, Ambiente’s own Sherry Knight, Rob Scott-South, will talk about the paired sherries, explaining how the flavours work together. This unique pairing format offers a proper deep dive into how these fantastic drinks influence each other, a real highlight of the event.

And yes, there's an amazing menu

This isn't just a drinks event; it's a complete culinary journey. You can't have a great tasting experience without incredible food, and that's where Executive Chef Johnny and his team come in. They've put together a bespoke four-course tasting menu specifically for this occasion. Every single dish has been carefully crafted to complement both the whiskies and the sherries being served. It’s a menu designed to make the flavours of the drinks pop and to create a perfect harmony between the food and the spirits. This isn't just about having some snacks on the side; the tapas cuisine is a central part of the whole immersive experience. The attention to detail in the pairing of food and drink is what sets this event apart, promising a truly memorable evening of Spanish dining and fine spirits for everyone with tickets.

Image: Whisky & Sherry

As Jasper Hegarty-Ditton, Co-founder of York Whisky Club, put it:

“Alongside our passion for whisky, Jim and I love great food, and we love working with Ambiente to craft a tasting experience that unites all of these with their passion for sherry. York attendees to Whisky & Sherry I and II gave us such amazing feedback that for the return, we wanted to go global, starting with Leeds!”

And Rob Scott-South, Director at Ambiente Tapas, added:

“For us, it’s all about how the food, sherry and whisky work together. Johnny and the team have created a menu that really brings out the character of each pairing, and we’re excited to introduce some sherries that guests may not have tried before. Bringing this experience to Leeds for the first time makes it even more special.”

The important details you need to know

Given that previous events sold out in a flash, getting tickets sooner rather than later is probably a smart move. There are two dates and locations to choose from, one in Leeds and one in York.

• Leeds Event: Thursday 16th April 2026 at 6:30pm, held at Ambiente Tapas Leeds.

• York Event: Friday 17th April 2026 at 6:30pm, held at Tabanco by Ambiente, York.

The tickets are priced at £75 per person. For that, guests get a fantastic four-course meal, four exceptional whiskies, and four perfectly matched sherries. It’s an entire evening planned out, combining expert knowledge with brilliant food and drink. With only limited tickets available for what promises to be an unforgettable tasting experience, it's definitely an event for any food and drink lover in Yorkshire to check out.