Enthusiasts will gather for tastings and other sessions
A festival of discovery for whisky lovers is taking place on the Angus coast, writes TERRY MURDEN
Apart from the most dedicated whisky enthusiasts, few will have heard of Bivrost, the world’s northernmost distillery. The Norwegian dram, distilled in the chilly Arctic Circle, and stored in casks kept in old WW2 and Nato bunkers, is a relative newcomer and will therefore attract particular attention when it features at a whisky festival on the Angus coast next month
Distillation of the first batch of Bivrost whisky took place in October 2016, handcrafted under the glow of the Northern Lights at the foot of the majestic Lyngen Alps.
It is produced from glacial water, purified and combined with local wash from arctic barley. Storing it in secret Nato tunnels reduces evaporation and lowers the “angels’ share” (or Odin’s share – as the Norwegians call it).
In a unique collaboration with Prestonfield House in Edinburgh a limited edition Prestonfield Arctic Single Malt was released last year.
Bivrost is among about a dozen distilleries taking part in ‘A Dram Good Whisky Festival’ organised by The Arbikie Highland Estate Distillery. Others confirmed include Bladnoch, Glencadam, InchDairnie, Kingsbarns and Nc’nean, as well as a mix of emerging producers and independent whisky makers from across the industry.
Set against the backdrop of the Arbikie Highland Estate on Scotland’s east coast, the festival will celebrate both the heritage and future of Scotch whisky for what is expected to be one of the region’s standout whisky events of the summer. Visitors will have an opportunity to enjoy a day of tastings, guided tours, masterclasses and meetings with producers and trade professionals.
Prestonfield Arctic Single Malt was released last year
Founded on a fourth-generation family farm overlooking the North Sea, Arbikie has become internationally recognised for its field-to-bottle approach to distilling, producing whisky, gin and vodka entirely on the estate using crops grown on the farm.
“This is about bringing people together through whisky,” said Iain Stirling, co-founder of Arbikie Distillery. “We wanted to create something that reflects the character of Arbikie – rooted in history, but always looking forward.
“The festival is an opportunity for people to discover new distilleries, meet the makers and experience the estate in a completely different way.
“Whisky tourism continues to play an increasingly important role in Scotland’s food and drink story, and we’re proud to be hosting an event that brings people to Angus while showcasing the diversity and creativity happening across the industry today.”
‘A Dram Good Whisky Festival’ takes place over two sessions on 6 June with a dedicated shuttle service operating from Montrose Train Station for ticket holders.
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