Launch of The Spey Foundation Dram

The 11th of February 2011 was not only the start of the Spey Salmon Season, but this the 11th, also brought the launch on Speyside of the “Spey Foundation Dram”. The brainchild of keen fly-fisherman and head of brands at White and Mackay, Mr Jim Coates, The “Spey Foundation Dram” is one of a collection of four different whiskies blended by master blenders at The Dalmore Distillery to try to capture and express the unique character of each of the four “Big Rivers” of Scotland and I have to say, “Hats off to all involved”, the collection they have come up with is something very special indeed. The initiative will see £4 from the sale of each bottle donated directly to that particular River Trust, thus ensuring the future of on going research wok on that particular river. So the motto is “Drink heavily and Save our Salmon”! Well not really, but it a nice thought!
The official launch fittingly took place at what is without a doubt the beat and most prolific beat on the river – Delfur. Present were the full Spey Fishery Board team, on hand to guide all around, as well as answer questions about the river and their roll within it. All in all it was a most enjoyable and interesting evening. Also in attendance were Mr Angus Robertson MP and Mr Richard Lochhead SMP. The presence of both of Moray’s MPs I found interesting and heartening, as ultimately, and more than in any other way, the future of our salmon fisheries are affected by decisions made by them.
Turning back to the Whisky, with each being so distinctive, there were a great many people in the room trying to describe, it has to be said, in some detail, the difference between all four. I heard all sorts of adjectives used to describe each, and I have to say, being somewhat of a bullshitter myself, occasionally, it’s nice to listen to a real expert! Strangely enough, the more people drank, the more of an expert they became! This, I thought, fits perfectly into what many of us love about Salmon Fishing. So much bullshit and so much theory, fishing huts are full of this without any whisky, add this wonderful final ingredient and the mixture is perfect for hours and hours of conversation which in essence takes those engaging in it away from their normal lives. Yes, there is so much more to salmon fishing than catching salmon, and The Spey, Tay Tweed and Dee, dram, in each of their own rivers, will hopefully play their part in keeping this wonderful sport, and the many different ways of enjoying it, alive.
I could do my best to describe each but that would take too long, much bullshit, and I wouldn’t do it justice, instead, you can read what the experts say about them here.