In twelve days the inaugural edition of Dutch Whisky Festival will take place. A couple of whisky buddies of mine (Jeroen Koetsier and Arno Borsboom, with help from Michiel Wigman) are organizing it in Arnhem with the festival focusing on super premium drams.

Contrary to, for example, The Whisky Show, the list of available whiskies shows lots and lots of ancient stuff from decades ago, whereas The Whisky Exchange’s Whisky Show focuses more on premium whiskies from modern times (unless you go to the Old and Rare version, obviously).

By the looks of it, they’ve taken a close look at Limburg an der Lahn’s Whisky Fair in their setup. There are lots of collectors and not as many importers and bottlers as you might think.

And, even though September has been an insanely busy month at the De Haan Residence I am looking forward to spending my day drinking exquisite drams. Yes, I said ‘day’ since they’re not doing those annoying 3 or 4 hour sessions like most other festivals. By doing a seven hour session there’s ample time to wander into Arnhem center for a bite to eat or have a cup of coffee to regain a bit of your composure.

I, for one, am looking forward to meeting lots of likeminded people and drinking a few amazing drams like a 1966 Ben Nevis, Highland Park 1968 or Talisker 1979.

Also, I’m rather curious to their 4 year old sherried Strathearn. It’s my first from that distillery!

And I honestly think the ticket price is one of the best out there. You do pay € 50, but for that you get access, a glass, 25 tokens, two vouchers for a drink at the bar, and a € 25 Catawiki voucher!

Note: I’m not entirely unpartial in this, since I’ve helped these guys out with their website. I do believe they’re doing things right here, otherwise I wouldn’t have posted about it