SPIRIT OF SPEYSIDE WHISKY AWARDS – FINALISTS ANNOUNCED

Six whiskies from some of Speyside’s most iconic distilleries have made the finals of the prestigious Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards. 

The judging panel for the first round of the awards, including industry representatives, whisky writers and specialist retailers, gathered at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh on Thursday (27th January) for a blind tasting of 52 of Speyside’s finest malts, hosted by Richard Lochhead MSP.

The judges selected two finalists in each of the three categories.  Aberlour a’bunadh and Balvenie Signature 12 Years Old will battle it out in the ’12 Years and under’ class.  The Glenlivet 15 Years Old and The Glenlivet 18 Years Old go through to the final in the ’13 to 20 Years Old’ class, while Balvenie Portwood 21 Years Old and Glenfiddich 30 Years Old came out top in the ’21 Years and over’ category.

Jim Royan, Chairman of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival Board said: “These whiskies are the expressions of the highest quality of Speyside’s wonderful spirit.  I’m sure that their success will confirm their international recognition.”

Richard Lochhead, MSP, added:  “The Speyside whisky sector is a huge success story that is supported by the region’s pristine environment.

“As part of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, it is now a tradition to host the first round of the annual judging of the awards in the Scottish Parliament and I am always proud to play a role in the event. There is a great team behind the festival and I pay tribute to all of them.

“The Festival is set to once again attract thousands of visitors to Speyside in a few months’ time injecting cash into the local economy and boosting tourism. These benefits could not come at a more crucial time.” 

The six finalists will now go on to a public vote at the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival on Thursday, 28th April, a unique judging process which has helped the Awards gain international recognition since their inception in 2005.

Visitors to the Festival can book tickets for the exclusive final judging of the best of Speyside malts, and the winners will be announced shortly afterwards at the Opening Dinner to be held at the Knockando Distillery.

Tickets to take part in the judging of the Awards finals at this year’s Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival or to attend the Opening Dinner are available at www.spiritofspeyside.com.   And whisky lovers can keep up to date with the Festival programme on www.facebook.com/WhiskyFestival or www.twitter.com/spirit_speyside.

Notes:

– Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival 2011 runs from Thursday, 28th April-Monday, 2nd May.  www.spiritofspeyside.com
– Tickets to take part in the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards judging event cost £10; tickets for the opening dinner at Knockando Distillery cost £65.
– The judging panel for the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards comprised Martine Nouet (whisky writer), Mike Lord (The Whisky Shop Dufftown), Dr Stephen Lunn, Ewen Mackintosh (Gordon and MacPhail), Mike Collins (Northern Scot), Ian Black (The Herald), Hamish MacDonell (The Scotsman), David Wishart (whisky writer), Andy Cant (Diageo)

– Speyside is easily accessible by rail or air, including a number of low-cost airline options to Aberdeen and Inverness airport
– The Festival runs a subsidised dial-a-bus service and taxi voucher scheme
– The Festival also runs several competitions and awards including a Whisky Cocktail Competition, Photographic Competition and the prestigious Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards

– Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival 2011 has received funding from EventScotland and is also financially supported by many other private and public partners
– EventScotland is the national events agency.  EventScotland is working to make Scotland one of the world’s leading event destinations. By developing an exciting portfolio of sporting and cultural events EventScotland is helping to raise Scotland’s international profile and boost the economy by attracting more visitors.  For further information about EventScotland, its funding programmes and latest event news visit www.EventScotland.org