The Balvenie prides itself on its hand crafted nature (http://www.balvenie.com) and have organized a similar tasting with Slow Food Edinburgh. Donald Reid, SF Edinburgh Convivium Leader says: Balvenie is particularly interesting as it's a relatively small scale distillery and, uniquely on the mainland of Scotland, every aspect of the production process, from growing and malting the barley to the coopering of the casks, takes place to some degree in the making of it. Balvenie's sponsorship of the Artisan awards does indicated that they retain an interest in the wider concerns of retaining craftsmanship. The event will be held in Oxford, Headington, at Oxford Brookes University, in the new Buckley Building (Gipsy Lane campus), facing London Road. Parking is free and plentiful after 4pm at the Gipsy lane car park, then walk back to the street, onto London Road and use the entrance gate for pedestrians. See a map at the website http://www.brookes.ac.uk/about/findus/documents/headington.pdf The address is Buckley Building, Room BG10/11 Gipsy Lane Oxford OX3 0BP So, come along on a cold February evening and warm yourself up with the drink, UK should be proud of. The tasting is completely free, and you may also bring a friend as well (sign up using the link below, or by emailing leader@slowfood-oxon.org.uk). The only “catch” in all this is that before the tasting starts at 6:30pm, we will be presenting you with our 2007 report, so yes, it is going to be our AGM, this time – followed by a tasting. You do not have to absolutely come for the AGM part, but obviously all our Committee Members will appreciate your presence and support for what we have done in 2007. All the necessary paperwork (accounts, Nomination forms) will be emailed to you in advance, according to the Regulations. We will be inviting members to join our Committee and please come forward if you think you would like to get more involved with Slow Food Oxon.