WHISKY FESTIVAL AT CHESTER, ENGLAND 29 OCTOBER

Angels Whisky Club & MCLEANSCOTLAND were there. We actually met Russell (organiser) at Manchester whisky lounge event, where he was helping out a pal. Liz and Paul travelled doon from Perth to Chester, “och its a longer drive than we thought!” said Liz. There were several sets of roadworks, resulting in us leaving Dundee at 10.15 and arriving in Chester at 5.45! Friday saw a wee chat witha nice couple who run whisky tasting company, more on that soon.Time for dinner, “where are you taking me?” says Liz, how is it Paul always pays??? Good grub, now time to chill before the event.

Saturday; The exhibitor’s included; Glenfiddich, Balvenie, Bowmore, Auchentoshan, Yamazaki, (our pals) Cooley’s, Compass Box, Buffalo Trace, Amrut, Heaven Hill, Gordon & Macphail, Arran, Bruichladdich, Tomatin, Antiquary. MCLEANSCOTLAND & Angels Whisky Club.

To be honest there were more independents and bottlers there than distilleries. Also a number of vodka, cognac, etc. Unlike many whisky events we have attended, this was more relaxed, whisky lovers drifted in from 10.30 onwards, no great panicked rush at the opening, made things easier all day for the stand holders. Also, grand news; there was food available at this event! The “punters” were made up of veteran whisky freaks, the casual whisky drinker and complete beginners, in our opinion, it was a great success, the scale of ages, expertise and appreciation was huge, it made for a really good day. Weird how many Scots we met there coming to see what all the fuss was aboot! The most asked question to us; what do we do now? an explanation; we were the first stand/table left of the door, and most people seemed to travel in a clockwise direction, making us first! So what does Liz say; “go get some drams down you and come back to talk to us”.

The venue was ‘The Pavillion’ at Chester Racecourse, newly built Suite – the largest venue at Chester Racecourse and is based in exclusive Paddock area of the course, it was really good as a venue. Started at the racecourse at 09.30 and left around 6pm. Another tiring day but hey, its what we do! Met lots of people and we felt it a good success.

Sunday; homeward bound, at least the road was quiet. Made it back in approx 5 hours. Sadly, no time at all to wander around Chester, its been 20 odd years since either of us have been there, och well.

Did we mention this was the very first whisky event in Chester like this? well it was, our hearty congrats go to Russell and his team – www.chesterwhisky.com see you next year mate! Finally; a big thank you to all stand holders for putting up with Liz and myself beggin for drams!!! The Highland Park and Cooley’s were my favourites (Paul). Liz; er, Bruichladdich and several others!

See story with photos at; http://angelswhiskyclub.com/awc/chesterwhiskyfest.asp