The best whisky events to take in at the Edinburgh Fringe
It's nearly that time of year when Edinburgh suddenly gets a lot cooler, and of course a lot more hectic for those visiting the Fringe, the choice can be a little overwhelming.
To take away some of the pressure we've created a handy guide for those of you looking to enjoy the best whisky events.
The video was filmed for the Galway Comedy Festival but it gives you a good idea of what to expect.
Where: Scottish Comedy Festival @The Beehive Inn, 18 - 20 Grassmarket, EH1 2JU
When: Mon 4 Aug – Sun 24 Aug
Genre: Comedy
What: Described as a whisky tasting show with a difference, comedian Alan Anderson expertly mixes malt whisky with laughs, exploring the history, methodology and lore of Scotland's national drink while you sample some drams of your own.
Review: "Side splittingly hilarious… amazing, right on the edge, irreverent – just what whisky needs." - World Whisky Review
Where: The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, 28 Queen St, EH2 1JX
When: 5th - 29th August
Genre: Theatre/magic
What: Illusionist Scott Silven returns to the picturesque setting of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society on Queen Street for an unforgettable night of magic, drams and fine dining.
Review: "The ultimate sparkling diamond of the Fringe" - SGFringe.com
Where: Lauriston Hall, Lauriston St, Edinburgh EH3 9DJ
When: Sat 20th and 27th August
Genre: Tasting
What: If straight up whisky tastings are more your thing, then you won't go wrong with Spirit of the Fringe. Hosted by experienced guides Keeper of the Quaich Ronnie Berri and Whisky Ambassador Alister McDermott, let you indulge in five unusual drams - at least four of which are specially selected from limited edition, distillery exclusive or cask strength bottlings - while "educating your taste buds on the broad subject of Scotch Whisky".
Where: Hill Street Design House, 3 Hill St, EH2 3JP
When: Monday 1st August – Sunday 14th August
Genre: Tasting
What: Looking to enter the world of whisky but not sure where to start? Then this is the event for you. Enjoy a guided nosing and tasting of six different single malts, each carefully chosen to illustrate the different styles of Scotch whisky.
The organisers say you should expect a selection of "delicious drams and plenty of malty mischief".
Where: The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, 28 Queen St, EH2 1JX
When: Fri 5th - 29th August
Genre: Workshop
What: The premise for this excellent event is basically "learn about yourself through drinking whisky".
Which is something we've done on many an occasion, though usually through our friends stories the day after rather than scientific method.
Dr Adam Moore from the University of Edinburgh’s Psychology Department, has teamed up with the SMWS to create unique psychometric personality test that will predict the three Scottish Malt Whisky flavour profiles that participants are most likely to enjoy based on their personality traits.
Where: Valvona & Crolla Scottish Foodhall@Jenners, 48 Princes St, EH2 2YJ
When: Thu 18th and Thu 25th August
Genre: Event
What: Whisky Anorak offers some of the most unique whisky events anywhere and this is no exception. Offering an abridged history lesson and tutored whisky tasting, organisers say you'll learn about the "20th century viewed through profound counterculture events and the whisky industry".