WHISKY LIVE AT THE GAMES - A NECESSITY FOR TRUE SCOTCH DRINKERS
Over the hills, east of San Francisco, lies the Livermore
Valley, famous as one of California's premium wine grape growing
regions.
The region is becoming well known for whisky as well, not as
a growing or distilling region, but as the site of "Whisky Live at
the Games", a whisky tasting venture featuring the best of Scotland's
premium single malt whiskies.
It all takes place at the 146th Scottish Highland Gathering &
Games, held annually at the beautiful Alameda County Fairgrounds in
Pleasanton on September 3 and 4.
Last year was the inaugural presentation of the whisky
tasting and seminar at one of the world's largest Scottish events,
and it was a success beyond expectations. This year the tasting and
seminars are moving into a larger and air conditioned building within
the sprawling fairgrounds.
The 2nd Official Whisky Tasting offers a sampling of six
different whiskies of your choice. The tasters also receive a tasting
brochure and Highland Games souvenir tasting glass. The cost is
$17.00 advance and $20.00 at the door.
The popular Master Whisky Seminars are held twice each day,
subject to demand. Included is the brochure. The seminars are
instructed by Steven Beal and Brian Dvoret, plus others to be
announced. Beal is the Master of Whisky for Diageo, one of the
world's largest whisky companies with brands including Johnnie
Walker, Singleton, Bushmills, and the classic malts. Dvoret's
expertise is the Speyside, Kings Crest 25 year old and select Scott's
Bottlings. Considered a necessity for true Scotch drinkers, the
seminars discuss the history and nuances of the different whiskies
from different regions of Scotland. The cost is $20.00 advance and
$25.00 at the event.
If a patron purchases both a regular and Master ticket,
either in advance or at the door, they will receive a pair of
souvenir glasses.
Among the more than 30 whiskies served are the Speyside
12-year old, The 12-year old Singleton from Glendullan, 14-year old
Oban, Glenkinchie, Cragganmore, 10-year old Talisker, 15-year old
Dalwhinne and 16-year old Lagavulin, as well as the tasting
differences between the Johnnie Walker family of Red, Black, Green,
Gold and Blue labels. Also available will be Bulleit Premium Bourbon
and Bushmills Irish Whisky.
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