With so much to choose from at the Spirit of North Hop festival in Aberdeen on the 28th October, you might be wondering how on earth you will manage to sample everything.
If you need a helping hand with what to try, then we’ve put together our top five treats to look out for at the festival.
To try some very special whiskies...
Picture: North Hop
"The Glenrothes needs no introduction however the award-winning Speyside Single Malt will have something to impress at Spirit of North Hop next weekend.
"The whisky pioneers will have two special Berry Bros & Rudd bottlings for festival goers to salivate over, surely a must for every discerning whisky fan."
To try tequila from Scotland’s first ever tequila company...
Picture: North Hop
"Usually associated with Mexico, tequila has arrived in Scotland. UWA Tequila comes from Scotland’s first ever tequila company.
"Whilst Scotland is not going to be growing any blue agave any time soon, UWA Tequila is most definitely a Scottish tipple to try. The handmade, triple-distilled tequila, which is made in Tequila, Mexico, is then given a Scottish twist by aging in specially selected Scottish single malt whisky casks."
To try one of Scotland's first small batch spiced rums...
Picture: Wester Spirit Co.
"Bucking the gin and whisky trend, Wester Spirit Co is the new dark rum on the block.
"Brought to us by two friends from Glasgow, Wester Spirit Co offers a premium full-bodied, small batch spiced rum, made using copper pot stills to achieve the rich, rounded mouthfeel with every sip. The guys will be offering some delicious cocktails on the day including their signature tipple, The Wester, which, with the mix of rum, pineapple and citric oleo is sure to transport you to sunnier climes."
To try a delicious cocktail and food pairing with Aberdeen's own Yatai Izakaya ...
Picture: North Hop
"Feeling peckish? Japanese eatery, Yatai Izakaya and Finnieston Distillery Co offer the perfect pairing.
"Probably even more so than in the UK, tea — especially green tea — is hugely popular in Japan. An important element of Japanese culture, it is consumed everywhere, and served in a similar way to water in restaurants.
"For a twist on a classic green tea, Finneston Distillery’s Old Fashioned Green Tea Scotch whisky cocktail is the perfect partner for Yatai’s street food. The combination of green tea matches perfectly with Japanese cuisine, while also incorporating the spirits side and the ease of carrying around whilst eating."
To try Scotland's first Absinthe...
Picture: North Hop
Once banned for its dangerous reputation, absinthe is back, and bigger than ever in Scotland, thanks to the duo behind Lost Loch Distillery.
Murmichan, which means wicked fairy in Scots, is a 64% proof absinthe and the first to be produced in Scotland. With the distillery already known for its whisky liqueur, Haroosh, the absinthe is sure to be a hit.
Spirit of North Hop festival takes place at the AECC in Aberdeen, 28th October. Tickets cost £25 (includes 5ml tasters from all distilleries, festival glass and programme) and are on sale now from Ticketmaster and Universe. For more information, please visit https://northhop.co.uk/festivals/spiritofnorthhop.
