Pipes & Drams. Once again a fantastic blend of pipes and drams, this time up in Forres, Moray in the Scottish highlands.  2013 European Pipe Band Championships The event sponsors are Forres’ own Benromach Whisky . Over 100 pipe bands from all over Europe competed in the natural amphitheatre of Grant Park, a beautiful highland setting.

 Paul and Dave drove up on the Friday 28 June, evening from Perth, staying in Elgin – a dangerous thing, as their hotel had over 100 whiskies behind the bar! Afraid not enough time to sample them all, but some notables were BeRiach, Glendronach, Oban, Ardbeg and a very nice wee Caol Ila 12 years. Fresh Islay whisky –  complex flavour, a fruity nose, salty and a peaty kickback. Favourite of the Friday night.

Saturday, “headed doon the road to Forres into the event grounds, as they do, made right for the Benromach”,  as Paul said;  “Benromach Cask Strength Distilled 2002, Strength 60.3%  Matured in first fill Bourbon barrels, bottled at cask strength and unchillfiltered, a burst of black pepper, white chocolate and hints of lime zest. We allowed it to slide doon! Benromach 30 Years Old, Strength 43%  Matured in first fill and refill Sherry casks. Single Malt from Speyside’s smallest working distillery. This was awarded the Best Single Malt Scotch Whisky 28-34 Years (Multiple Casks), scoring 95.5 points out of 100, in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2012 (but then again, everyone knows what I think about Jimmie’s book!). Dave and myself loved this one”.

“Back to the piping; great bands on of all grades, even a band From Oman and another from Australia (er, are they in Europe?), overall winners grade 1; Field Marshall Montgomery from Ireland. Re  – enter the drams! And I may say a few good real alebeers!” Paul.

Saturday at the hotel; eventually reached our hotel, could we manage another dram? Daft question really. But first we headed the wee way to the Highlander Inn, so many whiskies here, spolit for choice.

Sunday, sleep in late (9.30) before heading back to Perth, good trip!  See all the bands – and more – at Glasgow 3^rd Saturday in August for the World pipe band champs!

Paul and Dave represented Angels whisky club at Forres.  www.angelswhiskyclub.com   www.mcleanscotland.com