April 2007
The Ninth Edition of "A Whiff of Peat Smoke...." , Why ? because i can !
Spring is offically here ! The clocks have went forward , The distilleries are now in summer visiting hours , it's Easter (and probably snowing!) and there's a new Ardbeg on the shelf !
New Chatroom
I've installed a new chatroom on the site , it's intergrated into the forum but now you have to register to use it . The good thing is if your registered for the forum you can use them login details for the chatroom , i know some people will think it's a pain in the arse but at least i know the chatroom is only been used by people i know ( previous chatrooms that were free to use by everyone had some strange people using them ......Even stranger than the people using Bruichladdichs webcams..........)
Farewell to The Spiritofislay Yahoo Group !
After 7 years the Yahoo group that started this site will close at the end of this month ! It was with a heavy heart i took this decision , for the past few months the postings were down (February had 7 postings , 4 were chat reminders) and there was a lack of activity . I've made some very good friends through the group and it will be sad to see it go but the friendships will continue through this sites forum and the weekly wednesday chat .
Ardbeg Almost There....Again
Just got my first lot of AAT from the good people at RMW (oh yes there will be more....) and i must say the new packaging for this bottling is really good imho .What stands out apart from the new Green label is the well thought out and written comments on the former bottlings by what looks like extremely knowledgable experts in their field !
Whisky Fringe 2007
This years Whisky Fringe will take place over the week-end of the 18th/19th August , so i'll be there !
Get Rid of UK Duty Petition
One of the major gripes about being a Whisky Drinker in the UK is the amount of duty we have to cough up . There has been an online petition started up to Abolish the duty , it may not happen but at least it will let the Government know we're not happy about it ! So if you reside in the UK click the link below and sign it ! (closing date 9th August 2007)
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Whisky/
The 2007 Festival of Malt and Music
Details so far.....Most of which are sold out !
Sat 26th May - Lagavulin Open Day
Sun 27th May - Bruichladdich Open Day Incl Jim McEwan Masterclass
Mon 28th May - Caol ila Opening Morning , Port Ellen Maltings Open Afternoon and The Whisky Tasting Ceilidh .
Tues 29th May - Laphroaig Open Day
Wed 30th May - Bowmore Open Day
Thur 31st May - Jura Open Day
Thur 31st May - Kilchoman Open Day (
Walk to Margadale Spring
11:00 - 15:00 ( approx.)
Escorted walk to Margadale Spring ( Bunnahabhain water source ) with Donald Colville, Brands Ambassador for Burn Stewart Distillers and Lindy Mac Lellan ( Community Access Officer ). Learn all about the brands from Donald and the surrounding area from Lindy, enjoy the views of Jura, Mull and beyond. Participants must be equipped with walking boots and waterproofs and be reasonably fit. Refreshments- spring water and a wee dram (proportions to be decided) will be provided at the spring.
( LIMITED TO 20 PEOPLE - 7.50 PER HEAD BOOKING REQUIRED )
Fri 1st June - Bunnahabhain Open Day and Managers Ball
FRIDAY 1st JUNE 2007
10:00 - 17:00
Local Arts and Craft Stalls.
Barbecue with the famous Bunnahabhain Burgers expertly cooked by Islay Masters Swimming Club.
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DISTILLERY TOURS:
10:00; 11:15; 13:30 and 15:00
Tours carried out by:
John Mac Lellan ( Distillery Manager ) and distillery staff.
ALL TOURS - ADMISSION 2.00 PER HEAD
NO BOOKING REQUIRED FOR TOURS
FRIDAY EVENING 20:00 - ???
MANAGERS EVENING WITH
Local distillery managers and staff members in attendance
Band to be arranged
Local Artistes, Islay Pipe Band,
Annies famous Bunnahabhain Clootie Dumpling
Charity auction and raffle.
Stories, Jokes and Lies.
ADMISSION 7.50 PER HEAD NO BOOKING REQUIRED FOR EVENING EVENT PROCEEDS TO LOCAL CHARITIES
Sat 2nd June - Ardbeg Open Day
