Whisky enthusiasts will descend on Perth later this year for the city’s first festival celebrating “the water of life”.
As one of Scotland’s great whisky-producing regions, Perthshire is home to both the country’s smallest distillery, Edradour, as well as the oldest, Glenturret, with many other notable local distillers.
Among those to welcome the May event is cabinet secretary for food and drink, Richard Lochhead.
“Whisky is one of Scotland’s most iconic products and, with a number of great distilleries in Perthshire, the Fair City is the perfect location for a festival celebrating our national drink,” he said.
“The masterclasses and tasting sessions on offer in the first ever Home of Whisky Festival are the perfect opportunity to enjoy and learn about Scotland’s finest during Homecoming Whisky Month in May.”
Exel Wines is hosting the Home of Whisky Festival, which will take place in the Salutation Hotel in Perth on Saturday May 3 between noon and 5pm.
Dianne Barrie, company administrator at Exel Wines, said the idea came out of a discussion with Peter McKay, UK sales manager at the Scottish Liqueur Centre, when he visited the South Street shop in Perth.
“We were talking about Perth’s rich whisky-making heritage and the idea of hosting a whisky festival in the city seemed like a great way to celebrate this,” she said.
“When I got back to the office I put the idea to my colleagues, who liked it, too, and the rest, as they say, is history.”
Russell Wallace, general manager, added: “The Home of Whisky Festival will showcase not only the whisky industry in Perthshire, but also throughout Scotland, giving those attending an opportunity to sample some of the best whisky Scotland has to offer and learn more about whisky production and distribution across the globe.”
As well as the chance to taste some fine drams from distilleries and independent bottlers across the country, the event will include a number of in-depth masterclasses led by some of the most notable names in the whisky industry.
For more information about the Home of Whisky Festival and to purchase tickets visit www.homeofwhisky.exelwines.com.