Whisky Festival North Netherlands is eleven years old

The eleventh edition of the Whisky Festival North Netherlands can be visited from March 18 to 20, 2016, at Der Aa-kerk in Groningen. In addition to tasting many whiskies, interested visitors can gain knowledge through the International Whisky School Netherlands, enjoy a VIP package, and join the Whisky Dinner.

The North Netherlands Whisky Festival has put together various packages and tastings for its visitors, led by experienced speakers. For the ‘beginner’, there are educational and very accessible whisky tastings, and for the more experienced whisky enthusiast, a number of very exclusive packages with masterclasses and tastings that can be booked separately. The activities require a ticket and are divided into Friday evening, Saturday afternoon, Saturday evening, and Sunday afternoon.

International Whisky School Netherlands
For the first time, it introduces WFNN This year features the three-day International Whisky School Netherlands: from March 17 to 20, an intensive, professional training course on whisky production. Each course day is a combination of in-depth theory lessons and practical sessions, including several field visits and workshops. Participants receive an extensive set of documentation and course books, a lunch package and dinner on every course day, access to all WFNN festival sessions, extensive tastings, transport to excursion locations, and finally, an official certificate of participation in the International Whisky School Netherlands.

The maximum number of participants is 15 people, the cost is €750 per person. Information and registration are here available.

VIP
Just like in previous years, a limited number of VIP packages are available for booking again this year. As a VIP, you can enjoy various exclusive whisky tastings and unique sessions, and gain access to a number of special whiskies from selected exhibitors. Above all, the VIP benefits from luxurious treatment throughout the festival.

Whisky dinner
The 2016 whisky dinner takes place on Thursday, March 17, 2016 in Bistro ’t Gerecht, Groningen. Top chef from Bistro ’t Gerecht will collaborate with internationally renowned whisky chef Martine Nouet. Each dish is accompanied by its own whisky, which cannot be missing from the WFNN. The dinner is now sold out and starts at 7:00 PM. Doors open at 6:00 PM.

Bob cards
A trial is being launched this year in collaboration with Veilig Verkeer Nederland for ‘consciously sober drivers’. Holders of the special Bob entrance ticket can have a breathalyzer test administered after their visit to the festival. If the alcohol levels are in order, they can receive 50% of the entrance fee back upon returning the Bob entrance ticket.

As this is a trial, only a limited number of Bob entrance tickets are available; therefore, a maximum of one ticket per order, to be ordered via this website.

Places to stay
To fully experience the festival and conclude it, it is recommended to stay overnight in the NH Hotel de Ville on Oude Boteringestraat in Groningen, next to Bistro ’t Gerecht. During the Whisky Festival Noord Nederland, the hotel has been transformed into the new WFNN Whisky Hotel.

Entrance tickets for Whisky Festival Noord Nederland 2016 are available via this website.

Photos: Whisky Festival Northern Netherlands 2015