Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival enjoys record demand for tickets
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RECORD demand has seen 150 events at the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival sell out since tickets went on sale last month.
However, whisky lovers need not worry as there are still more than 400 events with tickets available.
The festival will take place from April 26 to May 1.
Exclusive events like distiller’s tours with Speyburn, Craigellachie and Tamdhu were some of the first to sell out.
New events are still being added from the likes of Diageo, offering tours of Mortlach Distillery and Dailuaine Distillery, both normally closed for access to the public.
Murray McDavid has increased capacity by adding extra time slots to events like ‘Build your own Whisky Cask’ with Murray McDavid's Cooper, and extra dates have been added for the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards Tasting & Judging with Glenfiddich hosting at The Malt Barn.
From distilleries to village halls, to local whisky bars, historic castles and the great outdoors, a range of events will take place across Speyside.
Platinum partners include Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Festival Ambassadors of the Year 2022, Steph & Lauren Murray at the Dowans Hotel, as well as some of whisky’s most distinguished brands like The Glenlivet, Diageo, Craigellachie, Benromach, and newcomer to the festival, Speyburn.
To mark the distillery’s 125th Anniversary, Speyburn is joining the Spirit of Speyside Festival and opening its doors to the public for the first time. During the festival, Speyburn will be running two tours, three times a day, led by its distillery manager and senior brand ambassador.
Other highlights include:
Raise A Barrel: Join Balvenie Distillery’s expert cooper Ian McDonald for a morning learning to raise your own barrel. Afterwards share a dram with Ian and hear a story or two.
Tamnavulin Discovery Tour and Tasting Experience: Join Distillery Manager Leon for a guided tour and explore where they craft their exceptional single malt whisky, usually closed to the public. Then enjoy a guided tasting of 4 Tamnavulin expressions and their perfect pairing, complete with a signature Speyside cocktail.
Keith and Dufftown railway "Dram Tram" evening journey: Take a two-hour evening return train journey from Dufftown station and sample five specially curated whiskies associated with the railway’s original route stations Dufftown, Drummuir, Auchindachy, Earlsmill, and Keith.
19 Holes of Golf and Whisky with Glenfarclas: An exclusive opportunity to play 18 holes of golf at the Elgin Golf Club Championship Course with Glenfarclas manager Callum Fraser, enjoy a tasting in the clubhouse before a two course meal provided by 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 to Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival.
“Taking place across Elgin, to Kingussie, to Forres, our comprehensive programme of events brings the journey of Scottish whisky to life for visitors, 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.”
For more information, visit https://www.spiritofspeyside.com
