Speyside whisky festival's international appeal
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THE global appeal of Scotch whisky has added an international dimension to Scotland’s national drink.
Connoisseurs of whisky from across the world have made Speyside their home because of their love of drams and desire to work in the industry.
They will be among the whisky experts welcoming the many thousands of visitors from all over the world that descend upon the area for its famed Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival.
The Speyside region - home to more than 50 distilleries - will undergo a population boom from April 30 to May 4 when visitors will enjoy the very best in Scotch whisky, as well as having opportunities to explore the area on foot with guided walks, visit exhibitions, sample fantastic locally produced food and dance the night away at evening ceilidhs.
Boa Andersson (54) swapped Malmo in Sweden for Speyside because of a desire to broaden his knowledge of quality drinks.
He worked in the wine and spirits trade in his native Sweden for 20 years before the chance arose to visit Scotland to study whisky making with the Institute of Brewing and Distilling.
During the course, he landed a job with drinks firm Chivas Brothers, spending a year at Aberlour Distillery before joining Strathisla, Keith, four seasons ago, where he is visitor centre supervisor.
To find out more and to buy tickets for events in the 2015 Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival programme visit www.spiritofspeyside.com