Ben Birdsall to Appear as Special Guest at Whisky Festival in Apeldoorn

04.02.2025

Meet Ben Birdsall at the Whisky Festival in Apeldoorn This March

Whisky enthusiasts in the Netherlands are in for a treat as the Whisky Festival Apeldoorn returns for its third edition on 1 and 2 March at Station Royaal in Apeldoorn. The whisky event, organised by the Yourright Foundation, will feature exhibitors, tastings, and a special guest appearance by Ben Birdsall, writer and artist.

Ben is the author of two whisky-travel books, both published by Wittenborg University Press, documenting his adventures exploring distilleries across Scotland and Ireland. The first book, Whisky Burn, tells the story of a three-week odyssey around the highlands and islands of Scotland. Birdsall visits distilleries, speaks with whisky experts, and learns about the craft — all while travelling on his classic 1979 50cc ‘vespino’. The book is illustrated with twelve oil paintings created by the author at various points during his trip.

The second book, Whiskey Burn: Distilleries of Ireland by Vespa, sees Ben embark on a 1,600-km journey from Dublin, exploring the distilleries of Ireland. With wit and anecdotes, he sheds light on both traditional and emerging Irish whiskey distilleries while savouring their unique flavours along the way.

In a previous interview with Wittenborg, Ben spoke about Whisky Burn, saying that it is for people who, like him, “know a little bit about whisky and want to learn more about the distilleries that produce them.” He continued: “It’s not a book written by a connoisseur that grades the whisky. I don’t give recommendations. It is a reference book for distilleries. It could also be for people going on holiday, wanting to do a similar trip. You could do it on a bicycle in the same time I did!”

Commenting on this year’s Whisky Festival in Apeldoorn, Ben said: “It sounds like a fantastic event celebrating the craft, culture, and passion behind whisky. I’m really looking forward to engaging with fellow enthusiasts, sharing insights, and of course, raising a glass to the occasion.”

At the festival, visitors will have the opportunity to meet Ben, hear his stories, and get their books signed. Other notable exhibitors and experts include Nicole Schuijer & Branko Driessen – festival organisers and collectors of rare whiskies; De Cognactheek – Apeldoorn’s premier liquor store, showcasing an extensive whisky selection; Stichting Dutch Whiskyteers – passionate experts in Dutch whisky distilleries; and Dutch Bourbon Base – featuring rare American bourbons from a private 400-bottle collection.

Supporting a Good Cause

The Yourright Foundation is a Dutch non-profit that helps individuals with disabilities engage in volunteer work abroad. Proceeds from the event will support the foundation’s initiatives. Tickets can be purchased online. For general event questions, contact whiskyfestivalapeldoorn@gmail.com.