The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival reaches new international audiences as awards judging sessions hit the road.
A record-breaking number of whisky drinkers from around the world will determine Speyside’s top drams in one of the industry’s top award schemes.
Whisky drinkers in Canada, the USA and Europe will be asked to cast their vote following a blind taste test of eight malt whiskies that have been distilled in Speyside.
This year the festival awards will stop off at 18 different venues with its roving judging sessions – 10 more than it visited last year.
Festival manager John Blyth said: “From one international judging session in 2016 to eight overseas venues in 2018 – that shows the high regard in which Speyside whisky is held on a worldwide stage.
“Traditionally, judging sessions were held on Speyside during the festival but we felt that staging these roving sessions abroad would help to increase awareness with international audiences.
“Now, however, rather than just being a vehicle to promote the festival, we are hosting sold-out events, with those passionate about whisky delighted with the opportunity to cast their vote in such a hotly-contested awards scheme.”
The roving sessions will kick off today at Dr Jekyll’s Bar, Oslo and will go on to visit new venues including The Brandy Library in New York and the JD Williams Whisky Bar in Amsterdam.
Visitors to the Festival from May 3 to 7 will be able to cast their votes at a number of venues across Speyside.
Tickets for all events, including the judging sessions, are available at www.spiritofspeyside.com.
