Dundee’s first ever whisky festival proved a big hit as hundreds of enthusiasts packed out the weekend event.
The Whisky Social saw around 500 lovers of Scotland’s national drink snap up tickets for the celebration, held at Dundee University’s Bonar Hall on Saturday.
Visitors had the opportunity to sample more than 50 spirits from dozens of distilleries from across the world.
Masterclasses such as cocktail making were also on offer, as well as the chance to meet brand ambassadors and sample traditional Scottish cuisine.
It was organised by Harbro Events, headed by husband and wife Andy and Kirsty Ure, who first launched the Whisky Social in Falkirk two years ago, selling out both years.
The pair also organised a new craft beer festival in the city at the same venue in February.
Craft Beer Discovery saw brewers from across the country flock to take part, as well as local companies such as 71 Brewing and Law Brewing.
Andy said the whisky event had also proved to be a big hit.
He said: “Dundee was an obvious choice for us. It’s up and coming.
“We actually first had the idea to come here during the city’s campaign to win the 2023 European Capital of Culture title.
“Although that ultimately fell through, it still showed it’s a place on the up.
“We noticed that there aren’t many of these types of bespoke events and saw an opportunity.
“We’ve been proved right to come here because both this and the craft beer festival have been very popular.”
The pair have already announced that the beer festival will return next year after attracting around 900 ale enthusiasts.
Andy added a decision on whether to also bring back the whisky festival would be made soon.
He said: “We will always look for opportunities to put on events if there’s demand.
“We do a gin festival in Falkirk as well as a vegan festival but we know those two things have launched here in the last few years so we probably wouldn’t want to step on anyone’s toes.
“It’s a learning cycle for us. It’s all about finding out what Dundonians want.
“The Bonar Hall has the capacity to hold even more so we can potentially expand if there’s enough interest.”
The event was split into two sessions, the first from midday-3.30pm and the other from 4.15pm-7.45pm.
Tickets cost £27.50 and included all tasters and masterclasses.
