This is a beginner’s guide to whisky because that is exactly what I am, a beginner. I didn’t think I was. I’ve been drinking whisky since I was 17, and I could name four or five I liked, which appears to be more than most people can do. When I saw there was a whisky festival on as part of the Brighton Food Festival, I was not only very excited to go, but possibly slightly cocky as well. “I’ll go,” I said to Squeamish Kate, “and review it for the site.” I’m not sure exactly what knowledge I thought I would be drawing on in order to review it, as it occurred to me as soon as I entered that I knew nothing.

While entering the event and seeing a room full of whisky (not literally, I imagine that would make for a painful swim) was exciting, it also made me realise how few of the names I actually recognised.

Beer is widely drunk around the world, but some people are still drinking shitty mass-made lagers. This is wrong. Enjoying a pint of real ale is a way to local business and discover new flavours. If you have yet to be converted then read on...