Vanha ylioppilastalo

HDF Whiskey Edition brings together whisky, cocktails and good company at the Old Student House on October 9–10, 2026. Expect a wide range of whiskies, some of Finland's best cocktail bars, and a relaxed, full-flavoured atmosphere. No prior experience needed: small 1 cl pours make it easy to try new flavours, and if whisky isn't quite your thing yet, there are also cocktails, other dark spirits, wine and beer.

Friday: standard ticket €16, Afterwork €13 (entry 4–6 pm) and a Friend Ticket at €12.50 per person as a two-ticket bundle. Saturday: standard ticket €20, Early Evening €15 (entry 3–5 pm) and a Friend Ticket at €15 per person as a two-ticket bundle. A Weekend Pass covering both days is €32. Tastings are booked separately at €20 each. All tickets include cloakroom service.

Whisky tasting pours are 1 cl, priced openly and fairly. Cocktails start at €7, so it's easy to try several different ones over the course of the evening. Alongside whisky, we also sell other dark spirits, wine and beer. Drinks aren't included in the ticket price, and card is the only payment method at the event.

Tastings cover a handful of whiskies at a time, and you'll learn to pick out flavours and aromas through the stories behind them. Each tasting runs about an hour, costs €20, and is booked separately from your event ticket. The first tastings are on sale now: Single Malt Basics, the Around the World Blind Challenge, and Four Cocktails, Four Whisky Stories — each running on both Friday and Saturday. More tastings will go on sale through late summer, so it's worth checking the programme again. Spots are limited and tastings often sell out first. Cocktail classes are their own separate programme, with schedule and prices announced later.

The Old Student House has step-free entry through the Vanha Cafe door on the Kaivopiha side. The venue is wheelchair-accessible and has an accessible restroom. A personal assistant gets in free of charge on the same ticket as the person they're assisting. If you use a wheelchair or need special assistance, please get in touch beforehand so we can make sure your entry goes smoothly: info@helsinkidrinkfestival.fi

The event takes place right in the heart of Helsinki, at the Old Student House, Mannerheimintie 3, 00100 Helsinki. A historic setting in the middle of the city gives it its own atmosphere. Easy to swing by straight from work, easy to stay for the whole night.