Two whisky connoisseurs are inviting likeminded individuals in and around Fort William to join them in a dram or two as part of their new venture.
Founded by Max Stephen and Innes MacKintosh, Lochaber Whisky Club will meet monthly through the winter in the Black Isle Bar and gives attendees a chance to try six different whiskies, centred around specific themes, regions, or flavours.
The atmosphere is very laid-back, and everyone is encouraged to pitch in with comments and ideas, as well as suggestions for future whiskies.
“For a lot of people, whisky is a social drink,” explained Innes, who along with Max works in the industry.
“Although Max and I may stand up at the front and blether about the distillery history or production details, at the end of the day we see this as primarily being about getting people together for some drams and some craic.”
Although there will be a charge of £20 per person per night, the club is not being run for profit and all proceeds from each night go back into buying bottles for future tasting nights.
Each night’s line-up generally strikes a balance between affordable but less well-known whiskies and more exclusive, unusual offerings.
“It’s a good way for people to get to try whiskies they may otherwise not know about,” added Innes.
“As we both work in the whisky industry, we come across stuff that may not be on everyone’s radar.
“Also, when you have 25 people essentially clubbing together for a bottle, it makes it possible for everyone to try something they may normally consider too expensive.
“Fortunately, we’ve had a lot of support for the idea, particularly from the team at the Black Isle Bar who have let us use their upstairs space for our gatherings.
“A lot of people have mentioned how surprising it is that until now there has been no official whisky club or society in the Fort William area, despite Lochaber now having three operating distilleries as well as a rich history of whisky production over the years.
“So far, the reception has been very positive and we are excited to see where it goes.
“We see these nights as being something good for the community through the long Lochaber winter, and luckily everybody involved has also bought into that.”
To stay in the loop regarding their plans, look for Lochaber Whisky Club on Facebook, or send an email to innesmackintosh@btinternet.com or maxstephen@btinternet.com.
Photograph: Innes MacKintosh (lft) and Max Stephen raise a glass to the new Whisky Club. Photograph: Iain Ferguson, alba.photos. NO_F43_LochaberWhiskyClub_23_Max Stephen_InnesMacKintosh 01/02