More than 50 Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival events sell out on first day of ticket sales

The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival has hit a new high, with a record 52 events being sold out within 24 hours of tickets going on sale.

Whisky lovers have snapped up up the opportunity to gain behind-the-scenes access to distilleries that are not usually open to the public, as well showing strong demand for dining events, VIP experiences and connoisseur tours.

Tickets went on sale on Tuesday, February 3 and within half an hour of the online ticket office opening, a bumper £36,090 of transactions had been carried out.

By 24 hours, ticket sales had reached 380 transactions, worth almost £67,000, an increase on the same period last year.

More than half of the tickets purchased so far have gone to UK visitors, but Germany, the Netherlands and the USA are emerging as strong performers. Whisky lovers from Sweden, Switzerland, Norway, Belgium, Canada and Italy are also among the early bookers.

The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival is now in its 16^th year and takes place at venues across the region from April 30 to May 4. The early buoyant demand for tickets could mean that the 2015 festival is on its way to being the most successful yet.

Festival administrator Pery Zakeri says, “It is wonderful to see that interest and anticipation in the festival is stronger than ever.

“Once again, we will be drawing visitors from all around the world to the stunning setting of Speyside, the malt whisky capital of the world.

“This is good news for us, and the great news for the public is that this year’s programme features a collection of over 350 events, so there’s still plenty of choice and availability.

“As well as specialist tours, tastings and experiences that prove popular with whisky enthusiasts, our programme also includes crafts, walks, music, folklore tours and dinners all within Speyside.”

Tickets for all events in the 2015 Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival programme can be bought via the website – http://www.spiritofspeyside.com/ The Festival is also active on social media – facebook.com/WhiskyFestival and @spirit_speyside on

Notes 

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival runs from Thursday, April 30-Monday, May 4 2015.  Check out www.spiritofspeyside.com for up-to-date news and follow the Festival at www.facebook.com/WhiskyFestival  or www.twitter.com/spirit_speyside

The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival is committed to promoting responsible drinking. Visitors travelling to and from festival events can take advantage of a range of transport options. Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival has received funding from Highlands and Islands Enterprise and is also financially supported by many other private and public partners

Celebrating Five years at Encore at Wynn Las Vegas!

                    The Nth 2015 – The Ultimate Whisky Experience, March 11^th-14^th 2015  

An unparalleled experience, Nth 2015 is a premiere luxury whisky tasting event not to be missed. This affair is a singular opportunity for serious whisky aficionados to come together to taste, savor, discuss and learn more about fine rare whiskies in the lavish, opulent atmosphere of the Wynn and Encore Resort. During this 4-day destination event starting March 11^th -14^th 2015 in exciting and entertaining Las Vegas, you’ll indulge in exceptional whisky tasting opportunities, mingle with master distillers and blenders, and take pleasure in epicurean delights. Come experience the most unique event of its kind – Nth 2015 by Universal Whisky Experience!

The Main Tasting Event is the best of its kind, allowing you to mingle with other whisky-lovers while tasting the most refined whiskey choices. There is an amazing assortment of whiskey personalities under one roof at the Nth 2015 including Exhibitors and Masters alike, these brand leaders will offer astounding numbers of fine whiskies for your sampling pleasure.

Super Pours are simply unrivaled at the Nth 2015 show. These rare delectable whiskeys retail for no less than $300 per dram and will be available to you for tasting amongst all the other whiskies. All our attendees will also enjoy dinner with mouthwatering cuisine after the whisky tasting.

Our Master Classes are just one of the many features at the Nth 2015 that makes this the ultimate luxury whisky event of the year on Saturday 14th March 2015. Enjoy the tutelage of the finest Masters involved in the whisky business and learn the art of premium whisky production.

Wait if all this excitement is not enough then why not enjoy a golfing experience like no other at the ‘Nth 2015’ and take advantage of this unique opportunity to golf with some of the Masters in the whisky industry on Thursday March 12th, 2015.

The Nth 2015 offers one great event – Three different experiences starting with the Connoisseur Experience allowing you to enjoy a great evening of sampling whiskies and dinner on Friday March 13th,  followed by the Enthusiast Experience our newest ticket type for the more novice whisky lover.

The High Roller Experience is our most popular and ultimate option for Whisky-Lovers starting on Thursday March 12^th  and finishing Saturday March 14^th 2015. Enjoy your extended weekend of luxurious whisky experiences with best of best products and producers. With this package, the event is considered the must-attend affair where like minded, passionate individuals share their whisky experiences with other collectors and connoisseurs. The High Roller experience includes:

Whisky Speed Dating Dinner, High Roller Lounge & Exclusive Super Pours starting at $5,000 +

The Nth 2015 main tasting show, Gourmet Dinner reception, Master Classes and a High Roller Gift Bag.

For more information on the Nth 2015 Whisky Experience, and to purchase tickets please visit the website:

http://www.universalwhiskyexperience.com/

Shaken and stirred – Sir Sean Connery is named the Scot most people want to share a dram with in Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival poll

James Bond actor Sir Sean Connery is the Scot that most Britons would like to share a dram with, according to a new YouGov poll for the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival. The research revealed that 22% of people would prefer him as a drinking partner over historical figures and fellow stars from the world of Scottish entertainment, sport, and politics.

Mary Queen of Scots came second in the poll with 9% of the vote, fending off competition from the likes of tennis player Andy Murray (5%), football legend Sir Alex Ferguson (8%) and poet Robert Burns (5%). But there was bad news for former First Minister Alex Salmond – he tied with Britain’s Got Talent singer Susan Boyle for last place in the list of famous drinking companions (3%).

Mr Salmond did not fare much better when respondents were asked to indicate which celebrity – living or dead – they would most like to share a drink with. The poll showed that more people wanted to have a dram with UKIP leader Nigel Farage than the Scots politician.

As the nation marks the 50^th anniversary of his death, Winston Churchill was found to be the famous figure that most people wanted to sit down and enjoy an alcoholic drink with (7%). The formidable former Prime Minister beat comedian Stephen Fry into second place (2%), while Elvis Presley was third (2%).

The poll was commissioned by the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival as part of a study into whisky drinking habits ahead of this year’s event. The five-day celebration of Scotland’s national drink, which takes place in the country’s most prolific whisky-producing region, takes place from April 30 to May 4.

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival chairman James Campbell says he can understand why Sir Sean was such a popular choice. He adds, “I suppose he could be compared to a fine single malt – sophisticated, full of flavour, very rich and distinctly Scottish.

“Sir Sean may be more accustomed to picking up awards and being recognised for his acting, but I hope that he will be delighted with this slightly more unusual honour. Sir Sean has lived in the Bahamas for many years, but if he wants to come home to Scotland for the Festival there will clearly be no shortage of people queuing up to share a dram with him.”

The poll of over 2,000 UK adults found that whisky was the most popular spirit drink with the nation’s men (27%), and particularly for adults aged 55 and over (22%). However, the 25-34 age group represented the second biggest segment of whisky drinkers (18%).

Whisky remains more loved in Scotland than in any other part of the UK, with 22% of Scots surveyed saying it was their tipple of choice. It tied with vodka for the most popular spirit in Scotland.

Vodka was the most popular spirit across the UK at 20%, but whisky is the nation’s second most favoured spirit overall at 17%. Gin (13%), rum (10%) and brandy (5%) all trailed behind.

Mr Campbell says, “I think that we can really take heart from the results of this survey, which shows that whisky remains a popular drink across the UK. For many years it had the perception of being a stuffy old man’s drink, so we are particularly pleased to see that males in the 25-34 age group represented the second-largest sample of whisky drinkers.

“The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival has grown year on year, and last year we attracted 27,227 visits to events. Our visitors come from all over the UK, but a huge number also come from overseas, and this underlines how passionate people are about Scotch whisky.

“Tickets for this year’s Festival go on sale on February 3, and this year there are over 400 events on the programme. We offer exclusive behind the scenes tours of distilleries, nosing and tasting experiences, food pairing, music events, art exhibitions and wildlife walks.

“The programme is incredibly diverse – so much so that it’s even possible to visit and enjoy the magical atmosphere of Speyside and the Festival without even touching a drop of whisky.”

Respondents were asked to choose from Sir Alex Ferguson, Andy Murray, Robert Burns, William Wallace, John Logie Baird, Susan Boyle, Alex Salmond, Sir Sean Connery, Mary Queen of Scots, and Alexander Graham Bell. Other trends the poll by YouGov found were:

• More women than men wanted Sir Sean Connery as their drinking partner (24% vs. 20%)
• More people living in London than Scotland wanted to have a drink with Andy Murray (9% vs. 7%)
• More Welsh than Scottish respondents wanted to dram with Scotland’s national hero William Wallace (12% vs. 6%)
• Football legend Sir Alex Ferguson was the joint second most popular Scots drinking companion in Wales (12%)
• Those in the North East of England (12%) were the least likely region to prefer whisky as an alcoholic spirit
• Prince Harry and Prince Phillip were found to be equally popular choices as drinking partners
• More people opted to have a dram with Margaret Thatcher than the Queen

Tickets for all events in the 2015 Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival programme can be bought via the website – www.spiritofspeyside.com from February 3. The Festival is also active on social media – facebook.com/WhiskyFestival and @spirit_speyside on Twitter.

PERTH WHISKY FESTIVAL SATURDAY 2nd MAY 2015

Friday 1 May – arrive in Perth, a 3pm check in to The Mercure Hotel, a 3 star city centre hotel just minutes’ walk from the whisky festival location. This evening we meet for a meal, then decant to the pub to chat with locals and have a couple of complimentary drams of whisky.   Overnight Perth.

Saturday 2 May –  a full cooked Scottish breakfast then time to explore the city before the whisky festival.  Based on last year’s whisky festival, many drams will be available via tokens which are included, more can be purchased during the day.  Maybe try our pubs & restaurants this evening, no shortage of choice for more drams.   Overnight Perth.

Sunday 3 May; after breakfast we head to Edradour Distillery in the Victorian town of Pitlochry for a tour and taste of four drams.  Est 1825, it is renowned for being one of the smallest and most picturesque distilleries in Scotland. The distillery started life named Glenforres, changing to Edradour circa 1835, then briefly changing to Glenforres-Glenlivet in the 1920s. Andrew Symington’s Signatory Company purchased Edradour in 2002, with excellent bottles of whisky to purchase, from their vast cask stocks. Time for an early lunch in Pitlochry at the Old Mill (or elsewhere), before heading to Aberfeldy for the Dewar’s Connoisseur Tour – enjoy a short video before exploring the heritage centre, distillery tour, cask tasting in the warehouse and  a choice of four drams to taste in a complimentary glass.

Monday 4 May; – the tour ends after breakfast – or add on as many days and nights as you wish

COST:  320 pounds per person sharing, 90 pounds single supplement *The whisky package includes: 3 nights bed and fully cooked Scottish breakfasts in 3 star city centre hotel, 1 dinner, 2 complimentary whiskies in a local pub, Entry ticket to the Perth Whisky Festival and a whisky tasting glass, Fully guided day trip to 2 distilleries including tastings and tours, Complimentary drams en route (you drink, we drive!), Tour brochure.

Suggested ADD ON TOUR Monday 4th May  A fully guided day trip – after breakfast we go to St Andrew’s Eden Distillery/Brewery, quite unique as they are both at the same location.  Sample small batch real ales, gin and new make spirit before travelling a few mintues to see the coastal town of St Andrews itself.   We then head to the river town of Broughty Ferry (near Dundee) for a traditional pub lunch (not included) then to Glencadam Distillery in Brechin for a tour and taste a few drams. Return to Broughty Ferry where you stay overnight.  There is a good whisky pub attached to the hotel where we meet for drinks this evening.  A tour around some of the local pubs maybe tonight? Tuesday 5th May – the tour ends after a fully cooked Scottish breakfast.

COST:  149 pounds per person sharing, 15 pounds single supplement. Add on tour includes: 1 night bed and fully cooked Scottish breakfast in 3 star hotel, Fully guided day trip to 2 distilleries/brewery including tastings and tours, Complimentary drams en route (you drink, we drive!)

 Bookings of both tours by 6 March receive a complimentary bottle of whisky.

 * we require a minimum of four guests on tour, we welcome sole travellers.

Travelling from outwith Scotland? We can build this event into any tour plans, we would love to see as many worldwide visitors to Perth as possible. It’s where we live, so we can guide you really well!

A FULL LIST OF suppliers, distillers and other whisky industry people will be posted as soon as we can get it.  http://www.angelswhiskyclub.com/

New website, SHOP = OPEN

We are very happy to present you our new website. While visiting the website, you will become more and more relaxed. This is due to the relaxed scroll function we added.

Also our Ticket Shop is open again!!!

We sold an enormous amount of Early Bird Tickets at Maltstock 2014. Be sure you buy your tickets soon, to avoid a “sorry we sold out…”.

http://www.maltstock.com

Maltstock’s Wanted campaign

YOU can let us know which Whiskyman or woman you would like to see at Maltstock.  Participate in 5 simple steps:  Download, Print, Draw, Take Picture, Share on Facebook Download: Download the template by clicking this line. Print: Print the template Draw: Draw the whisky man or woman you would like to see at Maltstock. Take picture: Take a picture with your phone or digital camera. Share on Facebook: Share the picture on Facebook and tag Maltstock

Maltstock Promo tour

Of course you can find us at a wide range of Whisky Festivals again. Come and have a dram with us at our stand or when we are present without a stand, say “hi”. We always love to talk to fellow Maltstockers!

Agenda:

13\14-02-2015, Alkmaar http://www.hielanderwhiskyfestival.nl/

14\15-03-2015, Gent http://www.http://whiskyfestival.be/

27\29-03-2015, Groningen http://www.wfnn.nl/ 11-04-2015, Leiden http://www.whiskyinleiden.nl/

25\26-04-2015, Limburg http://www.festival.whiskyfair.de/

27-04-2015, Glasgow 28-04-2015, Fiddlers in Drumnadrochit

29-04-2015, Dornoch Castle, Dornoch

30\04-05-2015, Speyside http://www.spiritofspeyside.com/

25\27-09-2015, Nijmegen http://www.maltstock.com 

Upcoming Scotch Whisky Classes & Events

◊ ◊ ◊

Feb. 11th – Blends vs Single Malts ($19) 

Feb. 20th – Gordon & MacPhail Seminar (Free) 

Feb 25th – Understanding Casks ($19) 

Feb 27th – Nikka Japanese Whisky Seminar (free) 

March 11th – Scotch & Food Pairing ($35) 

March 25th – Scotch Regional Series – Highlands ($19) 

April 8th – Scotch Regional Series – Speyside ($19) 

April 17th – Laphroaig Seminar (Free) 

April 22nd – Scotch Regional Series – Islay ($19) 

To Register & For More Information On Classes & Events;

Please Visit www.GordonsWine.com Follow us on InstaGram @TheWhiskyGuys

Gordon’s Fine Wines & Liquors – 894 Main St., Waltham MA 02454

EARLY FEBRUARY EVENTS

New List Steak & Chips Tasting >  The Vaults, Leith – Tue 3 Feb

Steak & Whisky Tasting >  19 Greville St, London – Mon 9 Feb

Valentines Day Tasting >  19 Greville St, London – Fri 13 Feb

The Vaults’ Valentine Dinner >  The Vaults, Leith – Sat 14 Feb

Scotland v Wales Tasting Lunch > 28 Queen St, Edinburgh – Sat 15 Feb

Whisky and Sausage Tasting > The Vaults, Leith – Tue 17 Feb

Pancake Day >  19 Greville St, London – Tue 17 Feb

New Members Tasting > 19 Greville St, London – Wed 18 Feb

Browse All Tastings >

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

January 2015 Auction Ends tonight Monday 2^rd Febuary!

View January Auction

Whisky Auctioneer’s current auction will finish from 19:00 tonight Monday 2^nd February. It’s absolutely FREE to register and start bidding. Head over to www.whiskyauctioneer.com to take a look at the current lots.

From 19:00 (GMT), activity on any item will prolong the entire auction by a further two minutes; the auction will end when there has been no activity on any item for two minutes.

There are some stunning rare whiskies available this month including this amazing selection of Port Ellen Annual Releases, numbers 1 to 13!

Future Auctions

Entries for future auctions are always invited. Whisky Auctioneer makes selling whisky online easy!

With a low sellers’ commission rate of 5% and competitive listing and reserve fees, there is no better place to sell your bottle(s) or collection.

We are currently accepting entries for our next auction, which starts August 20th February and finishes on March 2^nd.

Please remember!

There is no registration fee, our commission structure is very competitive and we offer worldwide shipping. For our terms and conditions please click here.

With over 15 years of experience in the whisky industry, Whisky Auctioneer specialises in auctioning whisky whether it be fine, old, rare, collectable or affordable. Formed in 2013 and based in Perth, central Scotland, we aim to be the most comprehensive website for the buying and selling of whisky online.

http://www.whiskyauctioneer.com/

Happy Bidding!

Hi folks. A quick email to say that the 46th auction will end this evening. For the benefit of our first-time bidders, this is how it works.

From 6pm UK time the software starts monitoring activity on the site, and at an indeterminant time it will shut down the auction. This feature has been designed to beat sniper software.

Please note : The auction does not end at 6pm, only the end process begins then. It can take 90 minutes or two hours before the auction shuts down, so there is no need to rush to bid dead on 6pm

We hope you have enjoyed the auction.

Kind regards from Glasgow

The SWA Team

THE 46TH AUCTION 

Joseph Magliocco, President, Michter’s Distillery

Joseph Magliocco is President of Louisville based Michter’s Distillery as well as its parent Chatham Imports, a supplier of imported wines, niche spirits, and beer. Upon completing his studies, he immediately began his full-time work in the spirits industry. Inducted in Bordeaux as a Commandeur de L’Ordre du Bontemps de Medoc et de Graves, he has considerable experience working with not just spirits, but wines as well. He graduated from Yale College, where he majored in Religious Studies and did some bartending, and he earned his law degree at Harvard Law School. He has done and continues to do charitable work volunteering for not-for-profit organisations.

Find out more…

Dr Nicholas Morgan, Head of Whisky Outreach, Diageo

Dr Nicholas Morgan is Head of Whisky Outreach at Diageo plc, the largest Scotch whisky producer. His previous role as Scotch Heritage Director was to champion the deep-rooted heritage of the company and its brands. Prior to that, he directed Diageo’s global malt whisky marketing team, leading key innovations such as the development of the Talisker range and the introduction of the Special Releases programme. Nick Morgan joined United Distillers (now Diageo) in 1990, when he established the world’s largest collection of historical material relating to the spirits industry. Before that, he taught modern Scottish History at the University of Glasgow.

Find out more…