Spirit of Speyside returns for a one-off autumn adventure

DRAMMING in the dark and blending your own whisky are two of the activities whisky fans will be able to partake in at this year’s ‘limited edition’ Spirit of Speyside festival.

Spirit of Speyside was cancelled last year and a virtual festival was held earlier in 2021. However, a one-off, in-person autumn festival will take place between 3rd and 8th November, with tickets due to go on sale this Friday (17th September).

The line-up includes: Create your Own Benriach, which will see master blender Rachel Barrie guide attendees through the flavours of Benriach single malt before helping them create their own dram; Drams in the Dark, a night-time tour of Glen Moray Distillery followed by fireside drams and stories of the distillery’s history; Dinner with the Dram Queens, a four-course dinner (and matching drams) at the Dowans Hotel with whisky experts Ann Miller and Martine Nouet; and Origins of Glenlivet, a guide to the history and production of The Glenlivet, followed by a tutored tasting of the single malt.

“Nothing beats being together to celebrate the world’s largest producing whisky region and that’s why we decided to create The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival Limited Edition, a one-off autumn edition of our Speyside celebration,” said George McNeil, chairman designate at The Spirit of Speyside.

“It’s been a tough year for the people and businesses of Speyside, The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival Limited Edition aims to bring local communities and nearly 140 business members in the region together to celebrate Scotland’s national drink, while providing the ultimate opportunity for travellers, whisky lovers, outdoor activity enthusiasts and the local community to explore, taste and learn about the world-famous Speyside region.”

Tickets will be available from 12pm on Friday, 17th September at https://www.spiritofspeyside.com/