Whisky Fair starts at 12noon today, so it's a short walk down the road - no bike today everything's close enough for walking.
I have my hip flask with me today - I've not cracked open last night's winnings, but felt I could at least share some of the 59.43 Caramel Swirl Ice Cream the SMWS 30th Anniversary 29yo Teaninich - it seems to meet with approval. A detailed tour of all the stalls is called for today, with a quick diversion to St James' Hall for the Independent Bottlers' Challenge tasting.
My successful Dutch team-mates have arrived in the hall by the time I'm back after the tasting - and they too enjoy the 59.43. Bill and Mary from Newcastle are at the Fair - it's good to see Mary about again, as she's not been too well, but she's in good form today and ends up helping out on the Adelphi stall when Antonia's taking a break or doing a tasting.
Angus Dundee (Tomintoul/Glencadam) are out in force again, so I spend some time at their stand and get through a few drams there too - lots of photos too.
One other dram I do remember - at the Whisky Castle stall, they have a special bottle to raise funds for the Dufftown Whisky Museum. Regrettably, it's a 10yo from Speyside Distillery. I've yet to taste any good whisky from that distillery, though Mike Lord says that Carn Mor has bottled a reasonable one. Maybe the whisky from that distillery needs more time. Anyway this one doesn't qualify as good - and I seek a second opinion from Mark Watt, who doesn't thank for me for doing so!
All too soon it's all over, so the only logical option is to repair to the Royal Oak.
The Oak has been hosting tastings during the Festival for the first time, though by the time I spotted that they were they were sold out. The latest one is a Dalmore tasting, just about finishing as I arrive - the pool table end of the bar has been partitioned off for the tastings, and by all accounts things have worked well - have to make sure of getting into one next year.
Plenty more drinking to do then. According to the time stamps on my pictures, I was there from about 18:15 until around 21:45, but memories are a bit blurred - as are some of the photos, and as I don't think I shared any drinks with my camera, I think that must be done to operator error!
On leaving the pub, the plan was to get something to eat and then return. The only place to eat in Dufftown at that time of night is the Castle Chinese takeaway. I remember it as being tasty and pretty hot for Chinese - eaten back in my hotel room and next thing I know it's 2.30am.
Pictures from Sunday are on Flickr at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/martynjenkins/sets/72157633458668636