Events in and around Forres: Getting into the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival
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Tickets are going on sale this Friday for the internationally renowned Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival.
Taking place over the week of April 26-May 1, the annual celebration of Scotland’s national drink has become one of the largest events of its kind anywhere in the world, with distilleries, village halls, local whisky bars, historic castles and the great outdoors all featuring.
Ever since its creation in 1999 the festival has brought thousands of visitors to the nation's biggest whisky producing region each year.
This year’s bumper programme of whisky-inspired events is designed to entice and inform everyone from the most experienced of connoisseurs to the complete novice.
The festival's platinum partners include Highlands and Islands Enterprise, as well as Steph and Lauren Murray at the Dowans Hotel, who are the Festival Ambassadors of the Year 2022.
The platinum partners also include some of whisky’s most distinguished brands, such as The Glenlivet, Diageo, Craigellachie, Benromach, and a newcomer to the festival, Speyburn.
To mark the distillery’s 125th anniversary Speyburn is opening its doors to the public for the first time.
The Aberlour distillery will be running two tours, three times a day, led by its distillery manager and senior brand ambassador.
Guests will discover the history and heritage of Speyburn and, of course, enjoy a dram or two of its award-winning single malt.
With over 500 events planned for this year’s festival, other highlights include learning how to raise a barrel with Ian McDonald, Balvenie distillery’s expert cooper.
There's also the chance to tour Tamnavulin distillery which is usually closed to the public. The tour includes a guided tasting of four Tamnavulin expressions and their perfect pairing, complete with a signature Speyside cocktail.
Keith & Dufftown railway's Dram Tram is a two-hour evening return journey from Dufftown station. Passengers will sample five specially curated whiskies associated with the route's original stations – Dufftown, Drummuir, Auchindachy, Earlsmill, and Keith.
The festival is also offering an exclusive opportunity to play 18 holes at Elgin Golf Club with Glenfarclas manager Callum Fraser, ending with a tasting in the clubhouse and a two-course meal provided by the Hardhillock Bar and Bistro.
George McNeil, Chairman of The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, said: "Whether you’re a dram expert or just entering the world of whisky for the first time, we will be delighted to welcome you.
"Taking place across Elgin, to Kingussie, to Forres, our comprehensive programme of events brings the journey of Scottish whisky to life, creating truly world-class and unforgettable experiences set among spectacular scenery.
"Our visitors travel from as many as 35 different countries, bringing everyone together over a shared passion and interest for whisky.
"I can think of no better antidote to the various challenges of the past few years."
Tickets are available from Friday, January 27, with previews beginning Wednesday. Some events sell out quickly so visitors are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment.
For more information, visit spiritofspeyside.com
