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Monday morning! What finer time than this for our thoughts to turn to whisky?

Specifically, the Spirit of Speyside Festival which launches on Thursday. Running over five days, the annual event is a fun showcase not just for the drink itself but also for the history and culture surrounding it.

You can see the full programme here but a few of the events in particular caught this blogger’s eye.

All terrain whisky

Following the old Strathspey Railway Line, the Dram Line tour takes in five different bars and the Aberlour Distillery. Guests are transported in an eight wheel Argocat all terrain vehicle. The day starts with Drambuie-laced porridge at the Mash Tun Bar in Aberlour. The tour takes place on several days over the course of the festival.

Whisky giggles

On Friday night, in Rothes Social Club, comedian Alan Anderson will be performing his Whisky For Dafties, a 90 minute comedy show that takes an irreverent but loving look at the whisky industry. Yes, there will be sampling.

You can get a flavour of his show in this clip he produced for an Irish  comedy festival. There is a little bit of swearing in it should you be thinking of watching it anywhere where that might be a problem.

[https://www.youtube.com/embed/qLv-lofxRvE?feature=oembed]

Cork it

We also liked the idea of bottling  our own Glenglassaugh Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky from a 50 litre refill or oloroso sherry octave at natural cask strength and natural colour. Visitors can bottle their spirit, cork it, seal it, record the natural cask strength on the bespoke label and apply it to the 50cl bottle. Each label is signed and dated.

The spirit is among the first new young whiskies to come from Glenglassaugh distillery since its rebirth in 2008.

Flog it

If you have a bottle of something special tucked away and were wondering what it might be worth then make for the Knockomie Hotel on Friday. They will be hosting a team of experts from Bonhams the auctioneers who should be able to tell you whether great Aunty Morag’s bottle of Macallan will pay off your mortgage or should simply be enjoyed.

You will need to make an appointment on 0131 225 2266.

Keep it safe

Incidentally, there are, of course, lots of opportunities to sample the fruits of the distilleries’ labours. This doesn’t mix at all well with driving. Fortunately, the organisers have laid on all sorts of distillery bus shuttles and taxi vouchers to ensure that festival goers can get about without risking life and limb. Details are here.