Born out of a passion

Grain & Glass began its journey in 2011 as The Birmingham Whisky Club, with a bold mission: to ignite a passion for whisky in Birmingham and create a vibrant community of enthusiasts. Through unforgettable whisky tastings, immersive events, and spectacular festivals, we introduced global whisky brands to the city for the very first time—cementing Birmingham's place on the international whisky map. In 2018, we took things to the next level by opening our very own whisky bar and tasting room—a cozy haven where whisky lovers could gather, explore our exceptional bar and whisky library, and to create a home for our popular events and tasting experiences. Our goal has always been to make whisky more approachable and break down the barriers around this iconic spirit. With a curated selection of over 350 whiskies, knowledgeable staff, and one-of-a-kind events, we’ve become a destination for whisky lovers far and wide. Today, people travel from across the UK to experience our tastings and visit our bar, and we’ve proudly hosted guests and brands from around the globe. Grain & Glass is celebrated as one of the finest whisky bars in the country, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with renowned spots in Scotland and London. Born and raised in Birmingham, we’re proud to represent this city we call home.

Meet the team

Amy

Owner

Amy Seton has been working in the whisky category since 2011 and is well known within the industry. She is credited for creating the whisky scene in Birmingham, via her tastings company, which now encompasses: Grain & Glass - a whisky bar and tasting room, The Birmingham Whisky Club and Whisky Birmingham - a unique whisky festival now in it’s 11th year. Her whisky knowledge is wide and varied and her passion lie within creating spaces and experiences that demystify the often complex world of whisky to those just getting into it. When not at her bar, Amy loves visiting distilleries around the UK, meeting those behind the stills.

Renata

Whisky Specialist

Renata has an extensive history in the whisky world. She started her journey in whisky bars in Lithuania and studying in Scotland, now she's moved to the UK to explore her passion further. She's a regular feature at national whisky shows and you may have spotted her on various posters! You'll find her in the bar hosting tastings, but she also masterminds some of our events and monthly themes. She has an eclectic taste in whisky, but grain whisky holds a special place in her heart.

Steve

Guest Whisky Specialist

Steve is a long time member of The Birmingham Whisky Club and after a 10 year career in manufacturing and industrial automation software, he turned his focus to the world of whisky and joined Grain & Glass as a Whisky Specialist. Steve made the move to Nickolls & Perks to continue his career with this well-respected wine and spirit merchant and now works with us as a guest host on our tasting experiences. His first love in whisky was peated and wine matured, but these days you’ll often hear him reminiscing about Speyside.

Matt

Guest Whisky Specialist

Matt launched the Whisky for Everyone blog in 2008 after struggling to find a website that catered for whisky beginners. The award-winning site is still going strong after 15 years and is one of the most read whisky blogs around, boasting an extensive readership from around the world. Matt was inducted as a Keeper of the Quaich in 2015 for his services to Scotch whisky and remains as one of the only bloggers or whisky influencers to be granted this honour.

He has been published in magazines such as Short List and Whisky Quarterly and has had spells as the resident drinks expert for Huffington Post UK and Ape To Gentleman. His extensive experience includes a stint as UK brand ambassador for Brown-Forman and their Scotch whisky portfolio. Matt also judges at major whisky and spirits competitions including the IWSC, Global Spirits Masters and World Drinks Awards.