Celebrating All Things Whisky with Ben Birdsall at Apeldoorn Festival 

20.03.2025

Birdsall Special Guest at Whisky Festival, Supporting a Good Cause

The Apeldoorn Whisky Festival, held on 1 and 2 March, was a memorable two-day event, with a standout moment for many whisky enthusiasts being the special guest appearance of author and artist Ben Birdsall. Known for his whisky-travel books Whisky Burn and Whiskey Burn (both published by Wittenborg Press), Ben brought a personal touch to the festival, sharing stories and signing copies of his books.

The festival was organised by the Yourright Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to helping people with disabilities engage in volunteer work abroad. Founders and organisers of the foundation and event, Nicole Schuijer and Branko Driessen, later said that it was a great success. "We enjoyed a wide range of special whiskies, a great atmosphere. Ben was there to promote and sign his beautiful whisky books, and his stories about whisky travels added an extra dimension to the festival. All proceeds from the sales were donated to the foundation."

Reflecting on his experience at the festival, Ben said that the location was something special. The Station Royaal in Apeldoorn, an old station café, provided a unique setting – thoughtfully arranged across two levels. With a carefully curated selection of whiskies from all over the world, the event offered attendees a chance to discover new favourites while enjoying the company of other like-minded people.

“It was a great atmosphere," he said. "And the selection of whiskies was fantastic, too. There was something for every whisky lover here.”

Ben’s unique approach – travelling by classic Vespa to distilleries across Scotland and Ireland – also sparked many engaging conversations during the festival. “Writing about whisky and travel has really helped me connect with people beyond just tasting,” he explained. “It’s about sharing experiences and learning from each other’s journeys. And at this festival, I got to hear some amazing stories from attendees who had travelled to distilleries around the world.”

Ben also noted that a surprising number of people at the festival were motorbike and scooter enthusiasts. “A recurring theme was my 1970s Vespa 50 – how it handled long journeys, the mechanical quirks and, of course, how I navigated the ‘don’t drink and drive’ rule. That was an easy one – most distilleries offer drivers’ samples, miniature bottles to take home. In the evenings, I did my tastings outside my tent, which always drew in fellow campers for good conversation and shared experiences.”

The festival featured some exceptional whiskies, and Ben was able to sample a few rare bottlings. “I had the chance to taste some unique expressions – rare cask-strength whiskies and distillery exclusives that are almost impossible to find,” he said. “Those are the moments that really make whisky festivals special. It’s not just about buying whisky; it’s about the whole experience.”

What’s Next for Ben?

As for Ben, he’s already thinking about future whisky adventures. “I’m currently planning a trip to Japan to explore their whisky culture,” he revealed. “It’s a place I’ve always wanted to visit, and I’m excited to dive into the world of Japanese whisky. Of course, the challenge will be figuring out how to get my Vespa there!”