'FEIS ILE' THE ISLAY WHISKY FESTIVAL - 2001 Page 2 Some more images from the Second Islay Whisky Festival, You should look at last year's pages and page 1 before viewing these, then they might make more sense. Maybe not.... Start at Page 1 FRIDAY A very busy day with Jura, Bunnahabhain & Caol Ila all in the frame. The schedule is near impossible and regrettably we did not manage to get to enjoy the wonderful stillhouse and hospitality at Caol Ila (what a shame, we'll just have to go back next year). The organisers should reconsider the arrangements for this day. MORNING - JURA An early start to catch the cork-built ferry to Jura with buses laid on for the trip. You'll note the good weather as always on Jura. A little disappointing this time, just didn't get to appreciate the views - yes they are palm trees and not giant thistles. A total of four parties were organised, we were shown round by Willy Cochran. Who taught us the ancient arts of cheating at quizzes and of still-bonging (above). And then introduced us to Master Blender Richard Paterson of Whyte & MacKay. Who gave us a passionate and animated description of the history of Scotch. . . . . And drained all the power from my camera. Richard is a very entertaining performer, some of his theories are a little suspect though. But no one doubts his views on adding ice to malt whisky (the stuff above him). Then on to the blending competition, we were given 11 whiskies to combine and create a blend good enough to impress Richard and win a bottle of Jura 33yo. A lady won (again - you're getting a reputation Richard!) While our entries were being judged, we dodged the traffic to cross the road to the cosy Jura Hotel for a welcome lunch of venison stew. No LFW diary is complete without a close up of food and this was very welcome. This is a really mad piper from Minnesota making a din in a gale on the way back. What's the difference between a Scotsman and a Scots-gentleman? Both can play the pipes but the gentleman doesn't! Did you know the pipes were a gift from the Irish? Except we haven't seen the joke yet! AFTERNOON - BUNNAHABHAIN Our tour of Bunnahabhain was conducted by Manager John MacLennan who impressed upon us the scale of the distillery's capacity. A mash tun the size of McCraig's Folly, and stills the size of space rockets. The distillery is presently silent but happily soon to work flat out for the next three years. Then into the warehouse to nose a Bunny 1968. And a demonstration of blending and maturation by freewheeling educator Simon Trevor. A captivating talk . . . And the chance to sample many, including the '68 lying in the warehouse. No he's not ours! FRIDAY EVENING MANAGERS NIGHT! As much fun as last year's triumph. A local popular combo warmed up an anticipatory audience. Chairman Jim McEwan explained the night's quiz format (A Question of Spirit) involved two teams. The northern team was Duncan McGillivray (Bruichladdich), Michael Jackson (standing in for Ian MacPherson of Bowmore - unwell), Billy Stichell (Caol Ila), Dave 'more-like-a-brush' Broom (standing in for Mickey Heads of Jura - split-condensor-panic), and John MacLellan (Bunnahabhain). The team from the south; Donald Renwick (Lagavulin), Ian Henderson (Laphroaig), John Thomson (Port Ellen Maltings), Stuart Thomson (Ardbeg) and Peter Campbell (UDV Engineering). The band remained motionless for a long time. . . You've seen pictures of the others in last year's report but here's Peter Campbell, telling a six point story. Michael Jackson winning 4 points with an 'away' answer Duncan McGillivray winning 10 points for best looking contender and Dave Broom just looking mad (2 points). Here's Ian Henderson thrilling team mate John Thomson with the precise accuracy of his 2 point 'home' response. Can't quite remember what it was about shomeone had doctored my whishy and i was getting low on camera battery stuff after taking so many picturesh of the animated Richard Paters on What a man! (smutty comment no. 2). That's a micropone in his hand by the way. Jim asked me to keep the score and regretted it, if you're interested, the north won 37 to 36, but no one bothered to ashk me. Because it was top class fun anyway. SATURDAY - ARDBEG The final day starts with the Islay pipe band marching through all the major cities on the island and it is the day of Ardbeg as it was last year. You'll note the good weather as always on Islay. To close the festival the tables are cleared away for a final fling in Port Ellen. Thanks to the superb Port Charlotte Hotel for letting us set up our communications centre there. And for the best lunch.