A whisky writer has been appointed to the judging panel for this year’s dram bash on Speyside.
Sean Murphy will cast his eye over the “best new events” at the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival among the 500-strong programme.
Shorlisted for the award is a tasting event focussing solely on whiskies available at duty free stores in airports, a tour of Macallan’s fishing beats on the River Spey and a walking tour revealing the history of Mortlach.
A world record attempt by coopers to create a 190-litre barrel and a tour revealing the secrets of Glenlivet smugglers are also among the nominees.
Mr Murphy has written extensively about whisky and continues to build his knowledge while serving drams behind the bar at the Potstill Bar in Glasgow.
He said: “What I discovered last year is that the festival itself is so expansive. I don’t think I was prepared for how spread out it would be or that there would be so many events but in the end I realised that was the beauty of it.
“The events were varied and never boring and it was amazing to meet so many people who were as massively passionate, if not more so, than I was about the subject.
“Interaction is hugely important, either in the activity itself or giving people the chance to meet the producers and teams who work so tirelessly to create these stunning whiskies.”
The festival runs from April 27 to May 1 at venues stretching from Kingussie to Forres and Buckie.