After a challenging few years where large social gatherings were off the table, Scotland is once again opening its arms to whisky lovers from all over the world.
The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival is one of the world’s largest whisky festivals and draws connoisseurs of the water of life from over 35 countries. This year marks a special occasion for the festival, as it’s the first time Speyburn distillery has opened its doors to visitors as part of the Spirit of Speyside’s whisky tours.
What can you do at the festival?
If you love whisky and Scottish culture, there is a huge range of things to do at the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, as it hosts more than 700 whisky-inspired events across six days.
Taking place in Speyside, the heart of Scottish whisky production, the whisky festival features barrel raising workshops, the Keith & Dufftown railway “Dram Tram” evening journey, 19 Holes of Golf and Whisky with Glenfarclas, the Tamnavulin Discovery Tour and Tasting Experience and much more.
One of the major highlights of the Spirit of Speyside is the tours of the various distilleries around Elgin, Kingussie, and Forres. Famous whisky producers such as Coleburn, Aberlour, Cardhu,
Balvenie, Glenfiddich, and Glenlivet all run in-depth whisky tours where guests can see how their favourite whisky is produced and then indulge themselves in tasting sessions.
As mentioned, to celebrate its 125th year, Speyburn distillery will be opening its doors to the public and will be running two tours, three times a day, with its Distillery Manager and Senior Brand Ambassador on hand to answer questions.
Events like Drams Under the Stars (up in the hills at The Old Bothy), Hidden Speyside, and ‘The Start of the Whisky Story’ are excellent ways to learn more about the history of whisky production in the area and how it was instrumental in the rise of some of the most famous whisky brands in the world.
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 to Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival in spring.
The festival is also an excellent opportunity to explore the beautiful Speyside area and wider Moray.
Tickets are on sale now, for the event taking place from April 26th to 1st May, but are selling out fast!