Summer news for whisky freaks in Scotland

New Whisky Poem from the Scots Makar The Scotch Whisky Association, protects, promotes and represents The Scotch Whisky Industry in Scotland and overseas. As part of their centennial celebrations they commissioned the Scots Makar (or national poet), Liz Lochhead to compose a poem in celebration of Scotch Whisky. The first verse is below, to see the full poem, please see here. When we sit wined and finely dined, Dressed up in oor best, braw and fancy,  Oh, it's a far cry tonight, in this company bright, From the rude and hoorin howff o Poosie Nancy. Friends, we hae a history:  Rough stuff. 'Rascally Kilbagie' Mair fiery by faur than 'lost Ferintosh' and fit, fit for but 'the most rascally part', fit for but the bard's Jolly Beggars, fit only for 'rectifying' into Hollands gin -- in the back lanes of London,  Mother's Ruin.  Sing, drunk for a penny, Blin fou for tuppence, quaff An ye shall hae straw for free When you maun sleep it aff. www.scotch-whisky.org.uk

Deanston Distillery, Doune ! We're delighted to announce that Deanston Distillery, Doune, opened its doors to the public for the first time this month. Discover the unique stories and hand-crafted attributes of this Highland Distillery (which was once a bustling cotton mill). Deanston offers a variety of tours and tastings as well as an attractive shop and relaxing cafe. For further information please see the websitewww.deanstonmalt.com or call 01786 843010. Don't miss this enchanting place on the banks of the River Teith!

Whisky Tastings and Events Official Fringe Venue The 2012 Edinburgh Festival Fringe runs from 3 - 27 August and for the first time The Scotch Whisky Experience will be a Fringe venue! We are hosting a number of events throughout the Fringe Festival including Distillers tastings and our Enthusiasm for Scotch half day course. For further details please click here.

Once-in-a-lifetime Whisky cask competition Visitors to The Famous Grouse Experience at The Glenturret Distillery are being given the once-in-a-lifetime chance to win their own cask of Whisky worth over £7,000! For more information on tours and competition T+C's go to www.thefamousgrouse.com *over 18s & UK residents only.

Whiski Rooms launches tasting programme: WHISKI Rooms in Edinburgh has launched its full programme of Summer whisky tastings. All tastings are bookable online and feature a great mixture of distillery tastings with bespoke offerings. All of the whisky tastings are listed on the WHISKI Rooms site here.

Tullibardine Distillery If you are looking to visit Tullibardine Distillery and would like to stay near-by the distillery then we have the perfect accommodation recommendation for you! Lilybank cottage is located on-site at Tullibardine. For full details see the Tullibardine website here. Lilybank cottage sits adjacent to the Tullibardine Distillery which has a wealth of historyattached to it giving you the perfect excuse to enjoy a wee dram of our wonderful malt whisky at night after perhaps taking one of the fantastic Distillery tours! The cottage is also within easy walking distance of the local shop and bar.

Inaugural Whisky Luxe Edinburgh comes to The Scotch Whisky Experience Whisky Luxe welcomes you to walk the red carpet into the exclusive whisky-tasting event of the year, at The Scotch Whisky Experience. As one of a very select group of VIP guests, Whisky Luxe Edinburgh is yours to explore and experience, with the chance to sample some of the finest whiskies available and meet the Ambassadors from the most iconic whisky brands in the world. Fine food will be served throughout the evening and you will have opportunity to sample some original and innovative food & whisky pairings. With gifts and goodie bags, prize giveaways and the ultimate VIP experience, Whisky Luxe Edinburgh is the event for those who appreciate life’s luxuries, and with a true passion for whisky. Get ready to dress to impress and be one of the first to experience this unique and exclusive evening. For more information and to book your tickets visit