March 31, 2014 · Team HG
Whereas last year truly harsh Scottish weather conditions had to be braved for the eighth edition of the Whisky Festival Noord Nederland, this year a jacket or a sweater sufficed for the ninth edition of this well-organized festival.
Upon entering Der Aa-kerk, you are welcomed with the traditional tasting glass, a bottle of Scottish spring water, and a program booklet. And upon stepping into this whisky Valhalla and opening the program booklet, the annually recurring problems present themselves: making choices! The more than thirty, very hospitable exhibitors do not make it any easier. From Friday evening through Sunday afternoon, the massive influx of visitors (nearly five thousand) must choose from a dizzying array of whiskies during one of four sessions. The quantity of whiskies from Scotland, often with unpronounceable (Celtic) names, predominates, but American, Canadian, Irish, and Japanese whiskies and varieties are also well represented. Later on our whisky tour through Der Aa-kerk, we treat our tasting glass to the crafts of the Dutch Zuidam Distellers and the Frisian Boomsma distilleries. The interplay of national and international distilleries and their representatives underscores the international allure of the Whisky Festival Noord Nederland.
First, we are assisted and served by a Flemish and then a Scottish exhibitor. During our visit to the third “whisky stop,” we hear a father and son say, under the approving gaze of the exhibitor: “Surely this is Valhalla for the true whisky connoisseur?” “Yes, divine. Educational and delicious, and next year we are signing up for a masterclass.”
After satisfying our appetites with some savory food, we witnessed and tasted the skills of the Dutch Whisky Cocktail Champion. It was a great addition to the festival, showcasing and allowing us to taste what else can be done with whisky and keeping up with the times. At the next stands, we allowed ourselves to be tempted to open our wallets once again to indulge our taste buds with whisky that far exceeds the voting age. The Wfnn is a foundation, and the organization of the festival is in the hands of volunteers, which means that in addition to the reasonable admission price and for the more special whiskies, an extra contribution is requested.
With two glasses from ’64 in hand and feeling a bit tipsy, we agree that next year, at the tenth edition of this tasteful and convivial whisky event, we will definitely sign up for at least one of the many masterclasses, tours, and workshops!
Photos: click here
Author: Maarten Linneman
