Taste of Scotland arrives in New Brunswick for first Canadian judging session in major Scotch whisky awards

Frank and Jackie, who is originally from Scotland, have accompanied many Canadian groups across the Atlantic to visit the Festival and as well as enjoying all that the fun-filled five-day event has to offer, they also visit many other of Speyside’s attractions. The region boasts stunning landscapes, wildlife, castles, visitor attractions and is renowned for its golf courses.

The couple always cast their votes in the whisky awards when they visit the Festival, and they know exactly what they are looking for in a dram. Frank is a member and past president of The Whisky Tasting Society of New Brunswick – founded in 1982 and believed to be the oldest in Canada – and has chaired the organising committee of the group’s own Raise your Spirits Festival held each November, since the Festival began 22 years ago.

Frank says, “Scotch whisky interest in Canada is growing and there are many, many whisky tasting societies right across the country. I have helped many get started in the past 15 years.

“We have a great affinity with Speyside whiskies in Canada. Names such as The Glenlivet, Glenfiddich and The Macallan – these were the first names of Scotch whiskies that we recognised and were the first available in liquor stores. These whiskies led the way for the hundreds of brands that followed.

“The selection of the best whiskies in four categories will be extremely difficult decision for most whisky aficionados. The judges have done an amazing job just paring the list down to two in each category. No easy task and I suspect the voting will be extremely close. We think that Canadians are up for the challenge and think will embrace the opportunity to be involved.”

In the non-age statement category Aberlour a’bunadh is up against Tamdhu Batch Strength 002; while in the category for malt 12-year-old and under, the Aberlour 12-year-old will battle it out with Cragganmore 2004 Distiller’s Edition.

In the 13-20-year-old section it is a head to head between The Glenlivet 18-year-old and Glenfiddich 15-year-old. The two shortlisted whiskies in the 20 years and over category are Mannochmore 25-year-old Special Release and The Macallan 30-year-old Sherry Cask.

James Campbell, chairman of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, says, “When we discussed the idea of taking the judging sessions to international destinations, Canada was an obvious choice for us, not least because we knew it would be in Frank and Jackie’s capable  hands.

“The Lunar Rogue has built up an impressive reputation and is held in very high regard by whisky drinkers. I hope they will enjoy the chance to sample some exceptional Speyside malts, enjoy hearing more from Frank about what the Festival has to offer.”

The judging session for the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival Whisky Awards takes place on Sunday, March 26 from 2-5pm at the Lunar Rogue. Tickets are available from the bar from March 16, either in person or calling 506-450-2065.

The international awards sessions have been supported by EventScotland, part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate.

Stuart Turner, head of EventScotland, says, “The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival is a fantastic event and we are delighted to be supporting to take the Festival to the world. It is constantly finding innovative ways to engage with whisky enthusiasts. The global judging sessions are a great addition to the Festival and are the perfect stage for people to connect with this unique event while enjoying a wee dram of Scotland’s national drink.”

Based in the heart of Scotland’s malt whisky country, the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival takes place over five fun-filled days from April 27 to May 1, 2017. It comprises almost 500 events, taking place from Kingussie in the south to Forres in the west and Buckie in the east.

More information about the event is available at www.spiritofspeyside.com/ and tickets are also available to buy on the website. The Festival is active on social media – facebook.com/WhiskyFestival and @spirit_speyside on Twitter and Instagram. Use the hashtag #dram17

Captions: Whisky lovers from Canada will be able to vote in the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival Whisky Awards as the scheme holds an international judging session in Canada for the first time this year.

Frank and Jackie Scott (right) are pictured being presented with the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival International Ambassador Award by renowned French whisky writer, Marine Nouet.