While delicious anytime, whisky is always better when celebrating with friends. Next spring, “friends” from all over the world will gather together in Speyside, many of whom are meeting each other for the first time. No, they’re not pen palsthey’re whisky-lovers coming together for the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, April 28 May 2 2011.The Festival is now in its 11^th year, and the 6^th year since an official company was introduced specifically to manage and plan the event. While the Whisky Trail is a gorgeous and educational tourist spot any time of the year, you might want to consider holding off until the Festival. In addition to the regularly-open distilleries, several that are closed to visitors during the year open their doors for these five days. Regular events like tastings and classes are also enhanced with special dining events. If you’re lucky, you may even experience a traditional Scottish ceilidh: a social gathering where people of all ages dance the night away. Read more »