The very first Inverness Whisky Festival is being held at Bogbain Farm, 3 miles south of Inverness, on Friday and Saturday April 8th-9th, 2011. Lovers of the finest Scotch whiskies will be able to enjoy sample tastings from many distilleries, as well as have a feast of food and music in this new event in the capital of the Scottish Highlands. Only 200 tickets are available, though, so anyone interested in attending should book quickly (see booking information below).
Inverness itself isn’t noted for its distilleries but there are many famous whisky makers nearby including Tomatin, the Festival sponsors. Also present at the Festival will be distilleries large and small, famous and not-so-famous, along with master classes, an auction of rare Scotch whiskies, and of course lots of live music.
The Tomatin Whisky Distillery
The Tomatin distillery is 16 miles south of Inverness and 16 miles north of Aviemore and the Cairngorm National Park. It’s 1,028ft high in the Monadhliath Mountains, making it one of the highest distilleries in Scotland, and its history dates back to the 15th century though the present distillery was only founded in 1897.
Other Scottish Distilleries at the Inverness Whisky Festival
In addition to the Festival sponsor, Tomatin, other whisky distilleries visiting Inverness include Glen Ord, Glenmorangie, Talisker, Abhainn Dearg, Springbank, Oban, Duncan Taylor, Glenglassaugh, Clynelish, Benromach, Gordon & MacPhail, and Glen Garioch.
Music at the Inverness Whisky Festival
The Festival kicks off with a ceilidh at 8pm on the Friday, with music from the Bogbain All Star Ceilidh Band, and with a whisky cocktail bar sponsored by Tomatin. There’s music all-day Saturday as well as another evening concert, this time featuring music from Anna Massie and Mairearad Green, and Saltfishforty.
Where to Stay for the Inverness Whisky Festival
The historic 4-star Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness is the official hotel partner for the festival, and is offering a special Inverness Whisky Festival rate of £95 for bed and breakfast, based on double occupancy. The hotel has its own swimming pool, sauna, spa, and gym, is right next door to the Inverness Golf Club, and is only 3 miles (a 7-minute drive) to the Whisky Festival site at Bogbain Farm.
Other accommodation options include Cheap Inverness Hotels, Hostels, Guesthouses, Bed and Breakfasts and Inverness Luxury Hotels with Spas, Good Restaurants, and Golf.
More Information and Tickets for the Inverness Whisky Festival
The Inverness Whisky Festival is a ticket-only event, with numbers limited to 200. Tickets cost £60 each and can be bought online at the Inverness Whisky Festival website. Over-18s only. Tickets also include admission to the Friday night ceilidh, other live music all day, free whisky tastings, complimentary food from Good Highland Food, and a limited edition Inverness Whisky Festival nosing glass made by Glencairn Crystal.
Mike Gerrard - Mike is an award-winning travel writer who has worked for National Geographic, the London Times, and many other clients. ...
