PERTH WHISKY FESTIVAL; 3 MAY 2014. 

The first whisky festival held in Perth – as far as I know, was in my humble view, very successful. From the organisation, staff on hand, method of obtaining drams, to the people behind the whisky tables, all really well done. To be honest I had been apprehensive before going that is would be small, poorly attended due to the Speyside festival at the same time. But – how wrong I was and openly admit that, it seemed as if it had been running for years, it was that good. Organised and promoted by ExcelWines of Perth (who stock a good amount of whisky by the way!), supported by Scotland food & drink and HomecomingScotland – a good addition to “whisky month”, I will support this event anytime, via website, facebook and whisky newsletter. 

Some of the names you will know; Mortlach, BenRiach, Glenglassuagh, GlenDronach, Weymss, Dalmore, Diageo, Jura, Hunter Laing, Arran, Bruichladdie, Berry Bros, Bowmore, G&M, Strathearn, and more, too many to list, sorry. A good few people I knew of course including a few who have interviews on http://www.angelswhiskyclub.com/ website. Just enough people to be busy and chatty, not too many that you could not chat to the whisky people of obtain a dram. Apart from whisky, a table with snippets of food, water aplenty, Innis & Gunn, Eden Brewery and a fair amount of gin. If I have the one moan (I am good at moaning) it was maybe; another masterclass or three would have been good. Admitted on my press ticket I did not wish to gatecrash a masterclass, so cannee tell you how they went. So, to end, many thanks Diane and Russell and all the staff from excel for a great afternoon of whisky education. 

Oh, a ps; favourite drams of the day; Mortlach 15 yo. 1998 Carn Mor Strictly Limited. The Dalmore King Alexander III. GlenDronach 18 YO. Berry Brothers & Rudd 1993 Glen Keith. Glenturret 26 YO. Best blend; Lord Elcho 15 YO.

Paul McLean; www.mcleanscotland.com www.angelswhiskyclub.com    facebook/McLean whisky tours