Whisky Festival Autumn 2006

Thursday saw the arrival of whisky enthusiasts from far and wide and Dufftown put on its best weather for them ~ sunshine and blue skies.

The Festival kicked off with Steve Oliver and his Seven Malts of Dufftown talk which, as usual, was very well attended. Following this at 8.30pm was a showing of the classic film 'Whisky Galore', black & white in all its glory! Unlike your normal cinema visit there was a welcoming dram and whisky ice-cream and another dram in the intermission - wow! So popular was this that we are already being asked to do something similar next time.

The sun came up on Friday and there was another full programme with something to suit everyone ~ tours, talks, kilt demonstrations and, for the more adventurous 'Whisky in the Wild', all the people I spoke to had a wonderful time on this off road experience, exploring old whisky smuggler's trails with a delicious picnic and outdoor nosing and tasting. Then as the sun went down there was a grand gathering in the Square where Richard Lochhead, MSP for Moray, officially opened the Festival. Dufftown Pipe Band played, free drams were given out (courtesy of Wm. Grant), the Still Lights on the Tower were switched on and a wonderful firework display was enjoyed by all. There then followed the traditional Ceilidh which went on into the wee small hours.

The Whisky Festival Opening Event
in Dufftown Square

After hearty breakfasts, with stomachs lined, festival-goers set forth for another day of whisky, whisky and more whisky!! There were tours to Tamdhu and Tamnavoulin - the former not usually open to visitors and the latter being a mothballed distillery. And for those who wanted a break from whisky there was The Great Outdoors Show & Craft Fair with outdoor events such as a Coppersmith, Archery and a Sheepdog display.

Sunday morning saw those who were fit and able walking along the River Spey with wildlife expert David Newland, and for those who wanted to be out and about, and who hadn't been on previous days, a more leisurely tour was Whisky in the The Wild with Paul Cannavan.

Whisky in the Wild

In the afternoon there was another packed programme of Tours, Talks & Tastings (including a delicious one on Whisky & Chocolate - repeated again by popular demand after first having it in May). Again there were kiltmaking demonstrations, highland dancing and book signings by Gavin D Smith, popular whisky writer.

Also in the afternoon we held our third Whisky Auction which was very well attended. There were some very interesting and rare bottlings on offer and bidding was brisk with one bottle of Glenfiddich 40 year old going for £750.00!

For those who wanted a wee break from whisky there was Cairngorm Brewery who presented some of their award winning beers for sampling. And to soak it all up a welcome plate of stovies was served up with this offering. (Stovies for those who haven't come across this traditional Scottish delight is a mixture of mashed potatoes and cold leftovers of meat, usually beef or mutton, served with oatcakes ~ mmmm....... a real treat!

Discussing the merits of a good beer

And so we came to the last day of our 8th Autumn Speyside Whisky Festival. There were still tours and talks for those who had paced themselves for the gruelling weekend, and of course the famous Dregs Party to bring the festival to a close, As the last drops were drained from all the leftover bottles it was time to say goodbye to old friends... but hey ~ we shall be doing it all again next year so hope to see you there!

Glo Ramon

Produced by Dufftown 2000 Ltd