A Potent Mixture
Eight of the best Highland distilleries have teamed up to launch their own wonderful whisky festival
LET’S face it. Lonely Planet’s recent decree that Scotland’s Highlands and Islands are one of the world’s must-see destinations for 2019 only confirms what we already know.
Described in the new guide as “one of the wildest, least inhabited and most scenic parts of Europe,” this sublime region of our country has long drawn folks for its unparalleled scenery, unique culture and wildlife.
The revered travellers’ guide also gives special mention to the “hugely successful” North Coast 500 driving route, as well as the North East 250 and the Snow Roads.
While the recognition is undoubtedly a nitro boost to the well-oiled tourism sector, its timing also coincides with the Highland Whisky Festival sparking into life.
The inaugural festival will be held across May 12-20, and eight distilleries will come together for the first time ever for a series of exclusive tastings, tours and events.
Balblair, Clynelish, Glenmorangie, Old Pulteney, The Dalmore, The Singleton of Glen Ord, Tomatin and Wolfburn will each host visitors from the world over to showcase centuries of tradition, process and craft.
Festival coordinator Katie Waugh says that the union between the distilleries, each with their own story to tell, makes a potent addition to the Scottish Whisky Festival scene, which has featured prominently on these pages.
Katie added, “Building on the successes of both the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival and Islay Whisky Festival – and with the continuing increase in whisky tourism, especially along the North Coast 500 – we identified an opportunity for the Highland distilleries to have a festival of their own. Between the eight distilleries, we have more than 1000 years of craftsmanship and experience in producing whisky.”
In business terms, the Highland experience has a unique selling point over other regions’ festival offerings.
“What differentiates Highland distilleries is that they are spread far and wide around the North Coast 500,” added Katie. “The effort of travelling is rewarded not only by world class whiskies but stunning landscapes and the warm, welcoming Highland hospitality.”
Each of the eight days of the festival will be hosted by one of the respective participating distilleries.
For those who appreciate the landscape in equal measure, the festival is forging partnerships with the region’s best loved sights and businesses, in a model similar to Islay and Speyside’s festival offerings.
We’ve documented how those two events have become global showpieces – with many local businesses