FOR the eighth year running Stirling Spirit Co. hosted one of the country's best and biggest dram festivals.

The event welcomed people from countries places such as Nova Scotia, Minnesota, Iowa, Israel, Germany, Australia and the rest of the UK and showcased numerous independent companies such as Lady of the Glen, Murray McDavid, Lindores Abbey, Aelder, Weymms and NcNean along with big hitters like Glengoyne, Mackmyra and the Scotch Malt Whisky Society.

Ticket holders were given the opportunity to delve into the complicated history of whisky distillation with Ben Nevis distillers as well as learn about international spirit productions with John Paul.

With more than 30 brands to sample the festival celebrated all things whisky while offering a unique insight into the producers behind some truly delicious drams.

June McCann, co-founder of the festival, said every year introduces her to whisky fans from a variety of origins all the way from novices to experts.

She said: "We've has another fantastic festival where new friendships have been made, whisky knowledge shared and fine drams enjoyed. Stirling has a lot to offer our visitors and provides a great base to explore some of the beautiful neighbouring areas like The Highlands, Trossachs, Loch Lomond and The Firth.

“The festival does indeed attract hundreds of people to Stirling, many of whom extend their trip across the weekend, and even more make it a must-visit destination year after year.

June continued: "Every year is a joy and we always finish up the weekend making bigger and better plans for the following event. We're already sourcing new and experimental brands for 2020."

The Stirling Highland Hotel has always offered a beautiful location for the festival and the stunning May weather offered an especially pleasant day. Royal Mile Whiskies, long-time partners of the festival, reported an upswing in purchases of more unusual bottlings and stated that the event is always a day to look forward to in their calendar.

Andrew of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society carried on the positive vibes with his glowing review of the festival: "I always love working with you both. Thank you for having us again this year. You were completely right about giving us a separate room, it worked really well and we were able to talk to our members even more."

As many people know, and have been lucky enough to experience, whisky is not the only love of Stirling Spirit Co. They also run the increasingly brilliant Stirling Gin Festival each November and with the continues success of their whisky festival, November is looking brighter than ever.

Tickets are still available for both days and with over 30 brands of the world's favourite spirit, it is shaping up to be a weekend of discovery, experimentation and brilliant new finds. Tickets can be bought on the Stirling Distillery website or through Stirling Spirit Co.