Brian Stormont rounds up the latest news, releases and events for food and drink fans

BEST EVER WHISKY FESTIVAL

Speyside’s annual celebration of Scotland’s national drink enticed whisky enthusiasts from around the globe to join in the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival’s best year yet.

Almost 2,500 visitors descended on Speyside for six days of drams, with more than 7,000 tickets sold for events from distillery tours to tastings under the stars, whisky train rides, cask building, ceilidhs and much more.

Of the region’s 51 distilleries, 27 opened their doors, offering coveted experiences and bottlings exclusive to festival-goers. Top events – like Livet Illicit by Glenlivet Hills Trek, and intimate dinners with Johnnie Walker’s own master blender – sold out within the first days on sale, with guests travelling from as far afield as Hong Kong and Australia to get a taste of the famed region.

To open the week, the whisky community came together for the Touch of Tartan Opening Dinner at Dallas Dhu Distillery, celebrating the iconic drams of the region with the 2023 Whisky Awards and providing an evening to enjoy the fruits of their labour. Speyside’s finest malts were decided by votes from judges worldwide.

While Glenlivet took home the overall win for its 25-year-old Single Cask with notes of sweet fig and blood orange, Glen Moray’s Chardonnay Cask was awarded Gold in the Non-Aged Statement category and Tamdhu bagged gold awards for its 12 and 18-year-old single malts.

In a year of many firsts, the festival’s best new event for 2023 was awarded to Speyburn Distillery’s Behind the Scenes Tour and Tasting, notable as not just a festival first, but the first time in 125 years Speyburn has opened its doors to the public, giving the world a glimpse into the distillery’s secrets.

Each year, the festival names ambassadors that encapsulate the essence of Speyside. This year, Richard E Forsyth was recognised as Spirit of Speyside International Ambassador for all he has done over the years to promote the Scotch Whisky industry and the festival itself. Sandy McIntyre, of Tamdhu Distillery, received a standing ovation from his peers as he was named Spirit of Speyside Ambassador, with his dedication to great single malt being recognised at the ceremony as the embodiment of the Spirit of Speyside.

INDULGENT DESSERTS LAUNCHED

Luxury dessert lovers can sink their teeth into two new flavours with dessert brand Pots & Co, known for its indulgent desserts, launching the perfect pair of indulgent and guilt-free ganaches, containing less than 87 calories each.

Developed by Michelin-trained chefs, the handcrafted desserts will be available in choco latte ganache and chocolate and hazelnut praline ganache, packed with indulgent flavours to create a delightfully delicious dessert for all.

These fresh treats are handmade in small batches and contain the finest ingredients, with no artificial preservatives.

You can pick up the Choco Latte Ganache and Chocolate & Hazelnut Praline Ganache in Tesco now with an RRP of £3.50.

The team at Speyburn Distillery.