Over five hundred events within the Festival, which runs from 27 April to 2 May, have been announced. These will allow ticket holders exclusive access to world famous distilleries, the chance to meet the craftspeople behind the liquid and immerse themselves in the heart of malt whisky country.
The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival team gathered 3 March with key event partners to reveal some of the events on offer.
Programme highlights include History of the Highball with whisky legend Sarah Burgess, an evening not to be missed with Glen Moray’s Iain Allan at Elgin Cathedral and one of a kind experiences at a number of distilleries not usually open to the public including Dufftown, Tamdhu and Tamnavulin distillery tours and tastings.
George McNeil, chairman of The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, said:
“We have an impressive range of events on offer, with some stellar new additions to the 2022 programme including an eclectic amalgamation of Star Wars and whisky tasting in memory of Brett Ferencz known to many as the Scotch Trooper, with 25% of ticket sales going towards cancer research. “The last few years have been difficult for everyone and as we begin to return to normality I know that the many partners and people who help to bring the Festival to life are gearing up to welcome people from all over the globe to Speyside. “I hope to see people from far and wide joining us to celebrate the world’s largest producing whisky region, from whisky novices, budding master blenders and everyone in between. I look forward to welcoming people once again to an area I am lucky enough to call home.”
Click the link to watch a quick summary of what to expect during this year’s Festival! https://youtu.be/6QZ38Zl6-9Q
Some of the 2022 Programme Highlights:
Star Wars and Whisky NEW TO 2022
A brand new event from the Dowans for 2022. 25% of all ticket sales will go to Cancer Research in memory of the ultimate Star Wars and whisky fan Brett Ferencz whose Scotch Trooper alter ego always made people smile! Experience whisky tasting with a difference.
Glen Moray: Chapter and Verse NEW TO 2022
Join Glen Moray’s Iain Allan who will host an atmospheric evening in Elgin Cathedral’s Chapter House with members of Historic Scotland who will regale with tales while some of Glen Moray’s finest drams are available to taste.
Ballindalloch Whisky and Chocolate Immersive Sensory Experience NEW to 2022
This is an interactive tasting experiment to learn about the wonders of pairing different age statement whiskies with some of the highest quality craft chocolate in the world. From a new make to a whisky that is nearly 30-years-old, matured in a range of traditional casks, you will have the unique opportunity to do this tasting alongside the McPherson-Grant family and the Ballindalloch whisky creation team.
Celebrating 25 Years of A’bunadh NEW to 202
Join Master Distiller Graeme Cruickshank in conversation with archivist Chris Brousseau, Brand Ambassador Caris Simpson and the team in celebrating the twenty-fifth anniversary of the iconic Aberlour liquid. The evening includes a tasting combined with a dining experience and each guest will take away an engraved bottle of the latest A’Bunadh batch.
Dufftown Distillery
This collection of events promises a truly unique experience, with the chance to visit four Speyside distilleries which are normally not open to the public; Roseisle, Linkwood, Dufftown and Mortlach Distillery. Driving? No problem, drams can be taken away to enjoy at leisure.
Scottish Aperitivo Hour (weather permitting)
John Dewar & Sons are back with their famed and free Scottish Aperitivo Hour event. Enjoy sampling a couple of special single malts with friends whilst you take in the surroundings.
Whisky Auction
The only whisky auction during the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, and an event not to be missed.
Tamdhu Distillery Tour and Tasting
Take part in a very exclusive guided tour of Tamdhu Distillery, which is normally closed to the public. Tour includes a tasting of three drams: 12 Year Old, 15 Year Old and a brand-new surprise final dram.
Tamnavulin Distillery Tour and Tasting Experience
Usually closed to the public, join the distillery brewer for a guided tour, followed by a guided tasting of four Tamnavulin expressions and their hand selected perfect pairing, complete with a signature Speyside cocktail.
History of the HighBall with Sarah Burgess NEW TO 2022
Come along to the oldest Whisky Hotel in Speyside, The Craigellachie Hotel and join Sarah Burgess, Creative Director of The Craigellachie Collection along with a special guest, for a special journey and demonstration into the history of the HighBall. Included in ticket price, four Highball Cocktails.
For further information please visit:
Website: www.spiritofspeyside.com
Facebook: WhiskyFestival
Instagram: spirit_speyside
Twitter: spirit_speyside
