Bill Linnane is so passionate about whiskey that he decided to take up the opportunity of a two-day course at the Whiskey Academy of Dingle Distillery. He reports below...

THERE’S a definite whiff of malt in the air, white spirit is trickling from pot stills, and students eager to learn are gathered round a Scottish whiskey legend.

Summer schools around the country have a reputation for hot air, which may well be generated by copious amounts of alcohol consumed by some speakers and attendees.