Distilleries in the far north will next month team up with venues in Dornoch for the town’s second whisky festival – and this year there will be a special guest appearance.
Renowned whisky writer and taster Charles MacLean, who starred in hit Scots film The Angels’ Share, will open the festival with a tasting prior to a full screening of the movie in Balblair, Edderton. Much of the 2012 film was shot in the local Balblair distillery.
The festival, which runs from October 28-30, celebrates the variety of local whisky with tastings, masterclasses and dinners in Dornoch’s hotels and pubs.
The distilleries involved include Glenmorangie, Balblair, Dalmore, Glen Ord, Clynelish and Old Pulteney.
Mr MacLean will be hosting a dinner at the Links House hotel and taking a masterclass in the new Carnegie whisky cellars, based in the former courthouse.
The Dalmore masked dinner will be held at the Royal Golf Hotel and the Glenmorangie gala dinner at Royal Dornoch Golf Club.
And the award-winning whisky bar in the Dornoch Castle Hotel will host an “old and rare Balblair tasting” event and The Eagle Hotel will offer a tasting of local malts.
There will also be a gala tasting at the Dornoch Castle Hotel, with 15 distilleries offering samples to enjoy, followed in the evening by a ceilidh and a barbecue.
Throughout the weekend masterclasses and distillery tours will be run, including to Teaninich Distillery, which is usually closed to the public.
There is also an archaeological guided tour of the site of the 300-year old Muchraich Distillery in the Black Isle.
Joan Bishop, chairwoman of the Dornoch Area Community Interest Company, said: “We look forward to welcoming visitors and locals to the second Dornoch Whisky Festival. There are 30 events to choose from, so something for all tastes and budgets. Do join us for a dram, or stay for the whole weekend”.
Fore more information and to buy tickets visit www.dornochwhiskyfestival.com
