Enjoy the Taste of Scotland Exhibition, Glasgow
The Showcase for Traditional Scottish Food and Drink
May 9, 2009
On a wet, bleak Saturday 9 May 2009, a vast tent appeared in George Square, Glasgow for the “Enjoy the Taste of Scotland” Food and Drink Exhibition. Despite the inclement weather, hundreds of people crammed into the tent to sample some of the goodies on offer. Producers from all over Scotland, including breweries and whiskey distilleries, were showcasing their wares and were generous in the samples they freely handed out. The program, put together by Tesco from its Scottish suppliers, was well received by patrons. The show ran Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 May and admission was free.
Broad Spread of Exhibitors at Enjoy the Taste of Scotland Show
No region of Scotland could feel they had been neglected. There was a good representation of producers from the Highlands and Islands, Strathclyde and Argyll, Stirlingshire, Aberdeenshire, Tayside, Fife and Perthshire, Edinburgh and Lothians, Dumfries and Galloway ,and the Borders. Many exhibitors proudly extolled their home region as well as their products.
Types of Scottish Produce Featured at the Enjoy the Taste of Scotland Exhibition
It was a case of hands in the biscuit tin, as patrons munched happily on assorted bakery products, shortbreads, and oatmeal biscuits. Few people missed the chance to sample Miss Tilly’s Fudge, Burton’s Jammy Dodgers, Farne Smoked Salmon, Scarlett's Heather Honey and chunks of Lockerbie Cheddar.
Beer Tasting in Glasgow
Small glasses of some of Scotland’s best boutique beers were being distributed. It was a unique experience to taste test five different beers from the same brewery and then move on to the next brewer and do the same again. Portions were somewhat smaller than those at Munich’s Oktoberfest , but the atmosphere was no less jolly. Among brewers represented were the Isle of Arran Brewery (also doing a line in souvenir tea towels), Black Isle Brewery, Sinclair Brewery, Cairngorm Brewery, Hebridean, William Brothers, Brew Dog, Inveralmond, Belhaven Brewery, Bridge of Allan and Broughton Ales. Beer drinkers were spoilt for choice.
Whisky Tasting in Glasgow
Scotland’s famous spirit ran free at the Enjoy the Taste of Scotland Exhibition. Distillers were keen to discuss the nuances of their range of whiskeys, describing taste overtones in much the same terms that wine buffs use – chocolate, berry, smoky, buttery, delicate florals, etc. The Old Pulteney stand was popular, as was Benromah Speyside’s organic offering. Burn Stewart Distillers not only poured samples liberally but offered a scratchie chance to win a miniature bottle of Black Bottle Whisky.
Haggis, the Pride of Scotland
Haggis was, far and away, the star of the show. There were centre-stage cooking demonstrations, including vegetarian haggis, which almost seems a contradiction in terms. Demonstrators showed that haggis was versatile: it was placed in mushroom caps, sprinkled on hummus, and even featured as haggis pizzas on the Cosmo stand.
Various proud manufacturers of haggis and black pudding offered tastings. Malcolm Allan Haggis and Co. were there, as were MacSweens, boasting 50 years in the business.
Other Attractions at the Glasgow Food and Drink Exhibition
The cooking demonstrations on centre stage saw packed seats throughout the day. Kids enjoyed the face painting, play doh pit and craft corner, and the crowd seemed to enjoy the music from Highland Heartbeat.
Given such an enthusiastic roll up on a dismal weekend, organizers should be well satisfied, and the Enjoy the Taste of Scotland Exhibition will likely continue as an annual event
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