26 May 2021, 7pm (BST)

Watt Whisky Virtual Tasting

Watt Whisky is a relatively new indie bottler, but is already making waves, as you’d expect from whisky industry veterans Mark and Kate Watt. They will both be heading up this tasting, joined by our very own Billy Abbott, taking you through a fantastic mix of whiskies and rum from Tomintoul, Caol Ila, Arran, Foursquare and an anonymous highlander, as well as their own blended whisky.

BOOK NOW

We hope you are well and looking forward to the bank holiday weekend!

As promised we finally have details of our follow-up to our successful ‘Festival in a Box’ last October. Many of you have been clamouring for this and we have been just as keen to get the ball rolling with it.

There is not a great deal of news yet regarding ‘live’ events. We are remaining in touch with all of our venues and are hopeful we will be able to recommence after the 21st June, but we will update you as soon as we can. Please believe me when I say we are desperate to get out and see you all again!

What’s happening over the Father’s Day weekend?

With this event we will turn the fun and interactivity factor up to eleven! And we hope you’ll involve your Dads too!

The weekend will kick-off on Friday 18th June with the ultimate BBQ and cocktails.

Chris Perry-Jones of award-winning Hawkhead fame will take participants through the art of preparing meats and proper BBQ’ing, whilst we also have what we like to call a Manhattan and Old-Fashioned-Off cocktail-making session.

Saturday will see Eddie, in honour of the impending Father’s Day, take his own Dad, in France, through a whisky blending session. He is determined that if he (a true whisky sceptic and novice) can do it, anyone can!

On Sunday, Eddie will be hosting a special Desert Island Karaoke session, in which he and 5 of his whisky friends will choose a dram and a track each before giving us a stunning rendition of the track!

Plus more to come!

There will also be on-demand, mini-masterclass sessions with each of the exhibitors and the bottling they have included in our Festival in a Box pack.

Talking of which!

So what is included and what does it cost?

Festival in a Box – Standard Edition £45 (inc. delivery)

– ALL samples of ALL of the exhibitors mini-masterclass whiskies. This will be between 20-30 samples.

– Glencairn tasting glass

– Can of Larkfire Wild Water for Whisky

– Hawkhead whisky-smoked nuts

– Access to ALL festival sessions, whether live or on-demand

Plus, for those of you prepared to be quick, the Fast Fingers Edition will also include a extra-special dram chosen by Eddie himself! There are only 50 of these available…

BUY NOW – Festival in a Box 2021

Please bear in mind that there is currently one person working one day a week in the business, so it may take a little while to get back to you. We have wonderful volunteers who help us with things like packing, etc., but your patience is much appreciated!

That’s it for now!

Thanks for listening and please take care. We look forward to hearing from you and fingers crossed for ‘real life’ events later in the year!

Have a great weekend!

Best Wishes,
Eddie
The Whisky Lounge

KENTUCKY DISTILLERS’ ASSOCIATION CANCELS KENTUCKY BOURBON HALL OF FAME® CEREMONY

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today announced that this year’s Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame® induction and ceremony has been canceled.

Created by the KDA in 2001, the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame® recognizes individuals and organizations that have made a significant and transformational impact on Bourbon’s stature, growth and awareness.

It is the highest honor given by the signature industry and is presented annually during the Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown in September.

KDA President Eric Gregory said the prestigious event is known for its intimate celebration of the industry’s most revered champions and attracts dignitaries from around the country.

“While we are encouraged with vaccination rates and declining cases in Kentucky, the KDA Board of Directors does not want to diminish this elite event or take a chance and possibly endanger any of our industry’s legends, their families and friends,” Gregory said.

“The Hall of Fame is one of our industry’s most cherished events when we all come together and commend the storied legacies and achievements of these iconic individuals. We look forward to holding a proper, in-person ceremony next year.”

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the legendary voice for Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. Its diverse and growing membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from historic, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are building the next generation of the Commonwealth’s timeless craft. A 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, the KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving.

Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com.

KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®, KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL CRAFT TOUR®, KENTUCKY BOURBON AFFAIR™, KBT®, BOURBON TRAIL™ and KENTUCKY BOURBON HALL OF FAME® are trademarks/servicemarks of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association.Enjoy Bourbon like a true Kentuckian — Responsibly.

Glen Scotia 25-Year-Old Malt Whisky Named “Best Whisky In The World”   

Glen Scotia 25-Year-Old Single Malt Whisky has been recognised as the ‘Best in Show’ at this year’s San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), with judges awarding the Scotch single malt whisky from Campbeltown, one of Scotland’s smallest Scotch Whisky regions, as the overall winner of the competition, and therefore The Best Whisky in The World in 2021.

This year the SFWSC judged 3,800 entrants across 31 separate categories, with Glen Scotia 25-Year-Old ultimately being named as Best in Show Whisky.

The SFWSC is one of the world’s most prestigious spirits competitions. Its judges are renowned experts in their fields with decades of industry experience.  The competition started in 2000, making it the second oldest spirits competition in the world, and the oldest and largest spirits competition in the US.

Iain McAlister, Master Distiller, Glen Scotia Distillery said: “To receive such outstanding recognition and be awarded as ‘Best in Show’ at this prestigious competition is an honour, and a tremendous boost to the entire team here at Glen Scotia distillery.

“The Glen Scotia 25-Year-Old (70cl, 48.8% ABV) is a really outstanding whisky and has collected a number of prestigious awards over the years, but this has to be the absolute proudest moment for the distillery to date.”

Glen Scotia 25-Year-Old wasn’t the only whisky from the distillery to receive an award at this year’s competition with the Glen Scotia 15-Year-Old a Gold Medal, and Glen Scotia Harbour Single Malt picking up a Silver Medal.

Campbeltown, although Scotland’s smallest whisky producing region today, was in its heyday during the Victorian era known as “The Whisky Capital of the World” and home to more than 30 distilleries. Although now only three remain, Glen Scotia Distillery, captures the knowledge, experience, craft and passion learnt over the centuries of distilling in Campbeltown to produce an exceptional range of Scotch whiskies, all perfect examples of the classic, maritime Campbeltown style.

The Glen Scotia 25-Year-Old is available to buy at www.glenscotia.com priced at £400. It is accompanied by an exceptional range of other whiskies from the distillery which are all award winners in their own right, including the Glen Scotia Double Cask (46% ABV, £40), Glen Scotia 15-Year-Old (46% ABV, £55) and Glen Scotia Victoriana (54.2% ABV, £65).

For more information, please visit www.glenscotia.com  

Tasting notes: 

Nose: Bracing Atlantic breeze gives a strong maritime influence.

Taste: Red apple and tangy orange peel with vanilla syrup and caramel sweetness.

Finish: Long lingering sea salt with a spicy note of ground ginger.

About Glen Scotia: 

• Independent distiller Glen Scotia has been producing single malt whisky in Campbeltown since 1832.
• Glen Scotia is one of three surviving distilleries in Campbeltown.
• Glen Scotia 25 Year Old Single Malt Scotch whisky was named ‘Best In Class’ at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2021, with Glen Scotia 10 Year old collecting a Double Gold Medal, Glen Scotia 15 Year Old a Gold Medal and Glen Scotia Harbour Single Malt a Silver Medal.
• Glen Scotia Double Cask was awarded a Gold Medal at the Scottish Whisky Awards 2019.
• Glen Scotia 18 Year Old won Best Campbeltown Malt at the World Whisky Awards 2018.
• Images and interviews with key staff from Glen Scotia are available upon request.
• www.glenscotia.com /Twitter: @GlenScotiaMalts

Isle of Arran Distillers Ltd – Lochranza and Lagg Distilleries unveil new programme of daily tastings to come following Visitor Centres re-opening

The Isle of Arran’s two Scotch Whisky distilleries have re-opened their visitor centres in line with Scottish Government guidance, as Scotland’s islands begin to welcome back visitors from the mainland.

The whisky production sites at Lochranza in the north of the island and Lagg in the south will open their doors to the public with initial access to their Visitor Centre shops and takeaway cafes followed by a number of new bookable tastings from 17^th May onwards.

As with many other businesses across the country, both distilleries have been shut since Christmas last year but will be open daily from 10am from Mon 26^th April for shop and takeaway facilities. From Mon 17^th May, both sites will begin to run a brand-new calendar of daily tastings while no tours are available.

From 17^th May, there will be a range of tastings held at the Lochranza Distillery Visitor Centre, giving visitors the opportunity to try the award-winning Arran Single Malt whiskies, including a Core Range Tasting at 11am daily (£20 per adult), a Limited Editions Tasting at 2pm daily (£25 per adult) and a Whisky & Arran Chocolate Pairing Tasting at 11am and 3pm daily (£15 per adult).

Also from 17^th May, the Distillery’s CASKS Café will also be open from 10am-4.30pm for a delicious selection of hot and cold beverages and home baking, with a lunch menu served from 12noon-3pm.

All tables must be booked in advance, bookings for tastings and the CASKS Café can be made by contacting bookings@arranwhisky.com or by calling 01770 830 264.

As well as tastings at Lochranza, from 17^th May tastings will also take place at the island’s newer Lagg Distillery, which opened in 2019, and will run daily at 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3pm costing £15.00 per adult.

Bookings can be made in advance by contacting Lagg Distillery on bookings@laggwhisky.com or by calling 01770 870565.

Director of Operations & Production for Lagg and Lochranza Distilleries, James MacTaggart said: “We’re thoroughly looking forward to welcoming visitors back to our distilleries at Lagg and Lochranza, while we’ve been able to stay in touch with them digitally in recent months, there’s nothing quite like welcoming people to the home of our Single Malts and tasting our precious liquid on the site it was crafted.”

Notes:

Accolades for Isle of Arran Distillery include Winner for:

Drinks Business Best Contribution to Wine and Spirits Tourism (2017)

Best Brewery/Distillery Tour – Scottish Outdoor Leisure Awards (2017)

Best Visitor Experience – Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions (2018)

Product Awards include:

Arran 10 year-old: Gold Medal ‘Best Single Malt 12 Years & Under, World Whiskies Awards (2019) San Francisco World Spirits Competition Double Gold Medal (2018). International Wine & Spirits Competition Gold Medal (2018). Category Winner and Gold Medal ‘Best Scotch Under 12 Years’ Islands Non-Islay at the World Whiskies Awards (2018). International Spirits Challenge Silver Medal (2018). Ultimate Spirits Challenge 91 points (2018). Ultimate Spirits Challenge Cocktail Commendation for the Rob Roy (2018). Double Gold Medal China Wine & Spirits Best Value Awards (2014)

Arran 18 year-old: Gold Medal & Category Winner ‘Best Single Malt 13 – 20 Years, World Whiskies Awards (2020)  Gold Medal ‘Best Single Malt 13 – 20 Years, World Whiskies Awards (2019) International Wine & Spirits Competition Gold Medal (2018) Category Winner & Gold Medal ‘Best Scotch 13-20 Years – Islands (Non- Islay) World Whiskies Awards (2018). International Spirits Challenge Silver Medal (2018) Scottish Field Whisky Challenge – Gold Award for Best Whisky £50-100 (2018)

Quarter Cask ‘The Bothy’: Best Scotch Island Single Malt, World Whiskies Awards (2020 & 2019) Category Winner & Gold Medal ‘No Age Statement Single Malt’ for The Bothy Batch 3 World Whiskies Awards (2018). International Wine & Spirits Competition Silver Outstanding Medal (2018). International Spirits Challenge Silver Medal (2018)

Arran Barrel Reserve:  Silver Medal ‘No Age Statement Single Malt’ World Whiskies Awards (2020)

BRUICHLADDICH SET TO CELEBRATE A SWATHE OF ANNIVERSARIES DURING THEIR VIRTUAL FÈIS ÌLE CELEBRATIONS ON THE 30TH MAY 2021

Anniversary Highlights:

-20thAnniversary of Bruichladdich Distillery’s reopening

-140 Years since the distillery was built and first opened

-1 Year anniversary of B Corp certification

Twenty years have passed since Bruichladdich Distillery’s gates were thrown open once more, with dreams of resurrection. Muck was shovelled, walls painted, roofs repaired, stills polished and fresh enthusiasm from a long-neglected community poured into the heart and eventual home off our unique spirits. No-one could have predicted the success story Bruichladdich would become, least so in those early years when the company’s no-compromise approach threatened their very survival.

Those early years were spent convincing an industry that terroir in spirits existed; that barley, people and Islay mattered. Organically grown barley was added to the distillation schedule, quickly followed by Islay raised and the ancient landrace, Bere. An old warehouse was converted into a bottling hall and jobs were created for youngsters who would have otherwise moved off the island. Slowly but surely, a community-oriented business rose from the ashes, with principled founders at the helm driving their passion for provenance and transparency forward. More farmers, hauliers, and contractors would join the efforts as the whisky industry began to boom.

The last decade saw biodynamic barley distilled for the first time, bolstered investment from new owners Remy Cointreau, a Regional Trials experiment kicked off and the status of Islay’s largest private employer earned. Most recently, Bruichladdich have nurtured a renewed appreciation for whisky as an agriculture product involving relationships built with grain breeders and soil experts, and the purchase of 30 acres of croft land intended for R&D purposes. Fresh sights on growing sustainably have been set, with projects underway to decarbonise distillation by 2025, a One Tin Lighter initiative offered to reduce outer packaging, and continued investment in conservation and biodiversity both locally and in partnership with the Botanic Gardens Conservation International.

To cap off a successful decade, Bruichladdich Distillery was awarded B Corp certification in 2020. Focussing on people and planet, they are one of a handful of distilleries worldwide to achieve this accolade, firmly marking their commitment to using business asa force for good.To celebrate these anniversaries large and small, Bruichladdich has planned a programme including an interactive whisky masterclass, music and live action from the island. With a plethora of events, there’s something for the casual cocktail drinker to the most devout malt aficionado.

Co-founder of the business, Simon Coughlin comments:

“‘I can’t believe it’s been so long’ or ‘time flies’… often heard phrases such as these aren’t true when it comes to the Bruichladdich journey. We’ve never had a moment to stop and think or look back. We’ve been on this crusade, focused with such intent to change the way our industry looks at single malt. We’ve been so determined to turn it into something more than just the liquid in the bottle, that pausing to consider where we have come from seems an indulgence. There is still so much to do.

“Having said that, and in all honesty, the Bruichladdich Fèis Ìle day is the one single day of the year I enjoy the most. It’s aday to stop and enjoy a few hours with our supports and friends from around the world. Enjoying a B+T and a dram in the sun, listening to great music and sharing stories with so many Laddie fans really does make you think, we may have struck on something here! Seeing our local community in the courtyard having a bloody good time is just so special. It makes me incredibly proud and it’s a very emotional day and it takes an incredible team to pull it off. We so look forward to 2022 when we can hopefully welcome everyone back into our courtyard for another great celebration.

”Save the Date in your diary for the 30thof May 2021 and keep an eye on@bruichladdich social channel for full details of how to get involved.

NOTES 

Event Info: Following on from our first ever Laddie Lock-In virtual event in 2020, Bruichladdich will be kicking off their Laddie Lock-In II: Time Travellers. Celebrating the anniversaries of 20 years since resurrection, the event them is centred about raising a dram to milestones past, while saluting a toast to the mission we hope to achieve in the future. The event will run from 2pm ‘til 6pm on the 30thMay 2021 and will feature live bands and live content streamed straight from the distillery.

Masterclass kits consisting of 6 x 30m blind samples will go on sale on the 27th of April 2021 through a ballot process. A download pack to prepare enthusiasts for the day will be linked into our digital festival ‘hub’, with festival merch and full scheduling info along the way.

Participants will be asked to register to the distillery’s digital festival hub, and register for the event which will be managed through Hop-In. Full details for registration will be published on the distillery’s social channels on Tuesday 27thApril 2021, with access to event registration open once the first masterclass ballot is closed.

Release Info:1,200 kits of 6 x 30ml blind samples will go on sale on the 28thof April 2021,initially through ballot process3,000 bottles of Laddie Origins will go on sale on the 30thof May 2021,initially through ballot process840 bottles of Bruichladdich Single Cask will go sale on the 30thof May 2021, initially through ballot process.

BENRIACH CELEBRATES OPENING OF FIRST OFFICIAL VISITOR CENTRE  

Creative Speyside distillery, Benriach, is gearing up to welcome visitors through the doors of its first ever official visitor centre next month following the completion of a six-figure investment project.

Featuring a bar, tasting lounge, and retail space, the distillery’s visitor experience will open on Friday 21 May 2021. Initially offering a variety of flavour-focused tastings following the easing of Scotland’s COVID-19 restrictions, visitors will be encouraged to discover Benriach’s multi-layered Single Malt and rich creative heritage dating back to 1898.

The project follows the recent unveiling of Benriach’s new portfolio, and marks the first phase of the distillery visitor centre renovations, as part of a major investment initiative by Brown-Forman, who acquired the distillery in 2016.

Initially the new visitor centre will offer two tasting experiences which will appeal to both single malt lovers and those at the beginning of their whisky journey. The ‘Sense of Flavour’ tasting will delve into the production process at Benriach, before zoning in on the distillery’s classic and smoky expressions at 10 and 12 years old. Visitors will also have the chance to explore their own flavour preferences with whisky by trying Benriach in simple cocktail serves.

A deconstructed cask tasting will also be on offer for those who wish to dive deeper into the distillery’s creative heritage of eclectic cask maturation. The ‘Barrels, Butts, and Barriques’ experience will offer visitors the chance to taste five individual cask types, culminating in a tasting of the Benriach 21 Year Old – showcasing how Benriach’s Master Blender, Dr. Rachel Barrie builds rich layers of flavour in a range of fruit-forward single malts.

Visitors are advised to pre-book their preferred tasting online before attending the distillery. Distillery tours of the production site will return when it is safe to do so.

With its design rooted in tradition whilst looking to the future, the new visitor centre has been built using natural materials from local suppliers wherever possible and has drawn from the natural colour palette of Speyside to inspire its interior. External to the visitor building, one of the distillery’s most prominent warehouses has been whitewashed and branded to cement Benriach’s new identity – a practice traditionally adopted by ancient distilleries in Scotland.

Jennifer Proctor, Visitor Centre Manager at Benriach Distillery, said:

“The last year has been significant in Benriach’s journey with the launch of the distillery’s new flavour forward portfolio, so the unveiling of our first ever visitor centre is a special moment.

From cask tastings to cocktails, we’ll initially be offering two flight-style tasting experiences that allow customers to explore Benriach’s flavour spectrum.  When restrictions allow, we will reveal our full distillery tour offering and announce the next phase of the distillery visitor centre development. Whether a local to Speyside or visitor from further afield, we look forward to welcoming guests from near and afar to discover Benriach’s world of flavour.”

Known for its long-standing tradition of distilling classic, peated and triple distilled whisky and a vast eclectic cask inventory sourced from around the world, Benriach unveiled its new portfolio last year, which has been artistically crafted by Master Blender Rachel Barrie and the distillery team.

For more information about the new Benriach Visitor Centre and how to book a tasting experience, click here.

Notes 

Sense of Flavour Experience – £20, 6 visitors max from 2 household bubbles

Barrels, Butts and Barriques Experience: £45, 6 visitors max from 2 household bubbles

The tasting experiences and shop will initially open weekly on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:30AM – 5:00PM. Bookings are required to attend the tasting experiences.

To pre-book a tasting experience please visit the distillery tour section of our website.

About Benriach Distillery

For more details on the new portfolio please visit www.benriach.com

A Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky as intriguing and extraordinary as Benriach could not have come to be without a unique whisky making heritage, dating from 1898, when founder John Duff built his distillery. Ruggedly beautiful, Benriach stands on the site of the old Riach farm in north Speyside, drawing water from a mineral-rich aquifer, deep beneath the distillery.

Thanks to a long-standing tradition of distilling three styles of whisky; classic unpeated, Highland peated and triple distilled, together with an eclectic selection of casks from around the world, our whisky makers are able to explore the full flavour possibilities of Single Malt, creating some of the richest, most multi-layered whiskies in Speyside.

This tradition continues today, under the guidance of Master Blender, Rachel Barrie. Benriach is the story of a hidden Speyside gem, quietly revealing its treasures to be discovered and savoured.

Facebook – @Benriach

Instagram – @Benriach

Twitter – @TheBenriach

THE MALT WHISKY TRAIL PREPARES WARM WELCOME FOR UK WHISKY LOVERS 

The Malt Whisky Trail prepares for the welcome return of whisky lovers from across the UK from 26th April, as those dreaming of a dram are now able to journey across Scotland in line with the ease of travel restrictions and the gradual reopening of retail, hospitality and tourism.

Several centres of whisky excellence are readying to reopen their doors and welcome guests to shop, tour and taste from Monday including The Glenlivet, Glen Moray and Glen Grant.

Iain Allan, Board Member of The Malt Whisky Trail and Brand Ambassador and Visitor Centre Manager at Glen Moray Distillery, said:

“After a long winter in lockdown, distillery teams across The Trail are looking forward to greeting Speyside locals yearning for a daytrip as well as staycationers venturing from all over the UK. In addition to visiting some of the most world-renowned distilleries, tourists will have the opportunity to experience some of the best food, drink, and natural beauty Speyside has to offer.

“With special measures in place to ensure the safety of both visitors and staff, we’ve adjusted our services to ensure visitors are able to taste and purchase our whisky, be it in slightly smaller groups, or as part of a designated driver pack.

“For anyone planning to visit a site along The Trail, should contact sites directly to check opening details and book in advance as offerings will vary.”

Glenlivet, Strathisla and Glen Moray Distilleries will be reopening their retail shops as well as offering new outdoor tastings for visitors, while Glen Grant Distillery will be reopening their retail store for guests to purchase their favourite whiskies. Dallas Dhu, Strathisla, Speyside Cooperage, Benromach and Cardhu will announce their reopening schedule soon.

Scotland’s Speyside region is home to the highest concentration of distilleries in the world, and produces the highest volume of single malt globally, with three out of five visitors to the increasingly popular region coming for whisky tourism.

The Trail, made up of nine iconic whisky sites through the picturesque Moray Speyside region, takes visitors on a journey to discover the best of Malt Whisky Country including its landscape, larder and whisky. From visiting world-renowned to boutique distilleries, to learning a thing or two about the industry’s history from local whisky masters at sites such as the historic Dallas Dhu Distillery and the Speyside Cooperage, a variety of experiences are on offer.

For booking information prospective visitors should directly contact the sites on The Malt Whisky Trail ahead of travel. For all contact details please visit www.maltwhiskytrail.com/malt-whisky-country/distilleries 

Notes:

Details on bookings and experiences available:

• GlenGrant Distillery – shop only to reopen
• Glenlivet – shop only and outdoor tastings between 1300-1630 on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 28th April to 21st May. Must book tastings
• Glen Moray Distillery – tastings (outdoors only, not fully tutored), coffee shop and shop to open. Monday to Friday only
• Strathisla – tasting flights and samples (not always tutored, outdoors only) and shop to open Tuesday to Saturday from noon till 1600
• Dallas Dhu, Strathisla, Speyside Cooperage, Benromach and Cardhu TBA

About the Malt Whisky Trail:

The Malt Whisky Trail® includes nine sites each with at least a four star visitor centre promoting the very best of Scottish hospitality and tourism. The trail consists of the following Speyside distilleries and a cooperage: Benromach, Cardhu, Dallas Dhu, Glen Grant, Glen Moray, Glenfiddich, The Glenlivet, Strathisla and Speyside Cooperage.

Visit www.maltwhiskytrail.com to plan your adventure along the Trail and create your own personal itinerary to prepare for the adventure of a lifetime.

Instagram and Facebook: @themaltwhiskytrail
Twitter: @TheMWT

Virtual Tastings – May 2021

It’s almost May and we have more virtual tastings on the cards. We’re still putting together one of them, but our first is ready to announce – a tasting of Bruichladdich, Port Charlotte and Octomore with header distiller Adam Hannett.

6 May 2021, 7-8.30pm – Bruichladdich, Port Charlotte and Octomore with head distiller Adam Hannett: We’re big fans of Bruichladdich, and with the distillery’s Port Charlotte 10 Year Old currently our Whisky of the Year, it wasn’t a difficult decision to ask head distiller Adam Hannett to join us for a virtual tasting. He’ll be leading us through Bruichladdich Classic Laddie, Port Charlotte 10 Year Old, Port Charlotte 2010 OLC:01 Heavily Peated, the new Port Charlotte 2011 PAC:01 and Octomore 10.3 Islay Barley.

Buy the pack >

Coming Soon

This isn’t our only tasting for May, so keep an eye out for another coming soon. On top of that we’ve got Whisky Show scarily soon.

ONE WEEK UNTIL WORLD’S LARGEST WHISKY FESTIVAL TAKES ITS 21ST ANNUAL EVENT ONLINE

With just under a week to go whisky fans are being called on to snap up the last remaining tickets for this year’s highly anticipated Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival. Kicking off its 21st year of celebrating the region’s finest Scotch Malts, the jam-packed programme of virtual events begins online Thursday 29th April 2021.

From behind the scenes distillery tours to musical whisky pairings, and conversations with industry legends to cocktail masterclasses, ticket holders will have over 60 events to choose from over the course of the four-day virtual festival.

Both Single Malt aficionados and those at the beginning of their whisky journey can expect to experience the true spirit of the festival through its first ever interactive online event. Hosted on virtual platform, Airmeet, the festival will allow people to come together from all over the world to celebrate all things Scotch.

James Campbell, Chairman at The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, said: 

“The response to this year’s virtual festival has been fantastic with over 500 tickets sold and there’s still time for those thinking about attending to purchase a pass via the Spirit of Speyside website. We are very much looking forward to welcoming visitors from all over the world to the festival which is celebrating its 21st year.

“In true Spirit of Speyside style, our distillers have done a magnificent job and we have a wide variety of events lined up whether it’s learning something completely new about whisky making from our world renowned Master Blenders or immersing yourself in the stories of the largest whisky producing region in the world to top cocktail making tips, we invite you to join us in celebrating the very best of our iconic whisky making region.”

Festival passes which provide access to all events are still available to purchase via the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival website. In addition to the extensive programme of events on offer, guests will also have the opportunity to socialise virtually in the festival’s lounge area, and can tune in to additional Q&A sessions with representatives from Speyside’s iconic distilleries in their respective ‘booths’. 

Festival passes can be purchased online at https://www.spiritofspeyside.com/festivals/virtual/events for £15.

Notes:

Event highlights and last minute suggestions:

• The Malt Whisky Trail – Taste the Trail
  Taste your way along the sites of The Malt Whisky Trail in this interactive tasting hosted by Stephanie Murray of The Dowans Hotel – an iconic Speyside hotel famous for its whisky bar. Exploring drams from distilleries including Glen Grant, Glen Moray and Benromach, this event will take you on a virtual whistle-stop tour of the sites along this world-famous whisky trail, giving you a taste of its delicious whiskies and the varied experiences there are to discover. Stephanie will be joined by special guests from The Trail to discuss their favourite drams and their favourite hidden gems in Speyside – perfect inspiration for those planning a staycation to Speyside this summer.
• Friday Mixology with Strathisla Distillery 
  Friday night is cocktail night with Strathisla Distillery and an opportunity to explore the single cask Distillery Reserve Collection and signature Chivas Regal serves. Joined by Rhys Wilson, International Brand Ambassador, plus special guest bartender, attendees will explore cocktail culture and cask strength serves through a tutored tasting of Strathisla and the latest trends.
• The Legacy of Mr. George – Stephen Rankin in Conversation with Charles MacLean
  Join Director of Prestige, Stephen Rankin and whisky legend Charles MacLean to celebrate the life and work of George Urquhart. This is a unique opportunity to taste whiskies that were matured by Mr George, hear stories about his life and travels and learn how George’s vision has influenced his family to create the oldest and rarest whiskies in the world.
• Balvenie Archives Tasting with Charlie Metcalfe
  Balvenie Distillery Ambassadors Charlie Metcalfe and James Roberts are avid collectors and fountains of knowledge when it comes to some of the past rarer bottlings of Balvenie. Join them to hear a story or two and taste a hand-picked selection of legendary bottles of Balvenie that now are a piece of history. David C Stewart (MBE), whose pioneering techniques have had a profound impact on the production methods used today, will join the Distillery Ambassadors for a Q&A. He has dedicated 54 years of his life to the whisky industry and it is an opportunity not to be missed!
• The Glenlivet Scotch Whisky School
  A unique experience in the company of The Glenlivet’s Lyndsey Gray and guest speaker Neil Ridley giving you the opportunity to break tradition and complete The Glenlivet’s Whisky School in just one hour!

About the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival

First launched in 1999, the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival’s annual celebration of Scotland’s national drink has developed into one of the largest events of its kind anywhere in the world. The Festival is a mecca for the curious beginner and the whisky connoisseur alike. Over the past 20 years, festival events have taken place throughout Speyside, the biggest whisky producing region in Scotland, located in the Moray area in the North-East of the county between Aberdeen and Inverness. This year is the first year that the festival has adopted an online format.

Over the years, the Festival has developed close links with many Speyside businesses and communities who help to fund the festival. It is a true team effort to deliver an ever-improving range of events and services to make the Festival a truly unforgettable experience.

The company is limited by guarantee, it runs the festival with a voluntary board of directors drawn from key areas of the whisky industry along with other local businesses and tourism organisations.

About the Virtual Festival

This event will be hosted on the Airmeet, an interactive virtual events platform that will bring the festival to life whilst everyone is at home.
The festival will have live events, recorded tours, a social lounge for meeting new friends and whisky lovers, speed networking, an exhibition centre and much more – making it the most interactive virtual whisky festival ever.
The festival pass provides access to all events taking place during the event.
For tasting events, pass-holders can still attend without a tasting kit if they have missed the postal deadline.

For further information please visit:

Website:  www.spiritofspeyside.com 
Facebook: WhiskyFestival
Instagram: spirit_speyside
Twitter:  spirit_speyside