The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival has confirmed its return in spring 2023.
This annual celebration of Scotland's national drink has grown into a major fixture of the whisky calendar since its inception in 1999 and now attracts thousands of visitors from around the world.
The festival will take place this year from 26 April to 1 May. Tickets go on sale on Friday 27 January, with ticket previews to be revealed on 25 January, the celebration of Burns Night.
Events will be taking place across the scenic Speyside region in Moray – Scotland's biggest whisky-producing region – at venues from the distilleries themselves to whisky bars, historic castles and outdoor settings.
The Spirit of Speyside 2023 festival is supported by local businesses, individuals and organisations including Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Festival Ambassadors of the Year 2022, Steph and Lauren Murray at the Dowans Hotel, and distinguished whisky distillers including The Glenlivet, Diageo, Craigellachie, and Benromach.
More than 500 events are planned for this year's festival. A particular highlight comes from festival newcomer Speyburn, which will be opening its doors to the public for the first time to mark its 125th anniversary. Tours will be led by its distillery manager and senior brand ambassador and will include an exploration of Speyburn's history and heritage, as well as a dram or two of its single malt.
Other notable events at this year's festival include:
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.
“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 www.spiritofspeyside.com.
Discover more Speyside whiskies here.
This annual celebration of Scotland's national drink has grown into a major fixture of the whisky calendar since its inception in 1999 and now attracts thousands of visitors from around the world.
The festival will take place this year from 26 April to 1 May. Tickets go on sale on Friday 27 January, with ticket previews to be revealed on 25 January, the celebration of Burns Night.
Events will be taking place across the scenic Speyside region in Moray – Scotland's biggest whisky-producing region – at venues from the distilleries themselves to whisky bars, historic castles and outdoor settings.
The Spirit of Speyside 2023 festival is supported by local businesses, individuals and organisations including Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Festival Ambassadors of the Year 2022, Steph and Lauren Murray at the Dowans Hotel, and distinguished whisky distillers including The Glenlivet, Diageo, Craigellachie, and Benromach.
More than 500 events are planned for this year's festival. A particular highlight comes from festival newcomer Speyburn, which will be opening its doors to the public for the first time to mark its 125th anniversary. Tours will be led by its distillery manager and senior brand ambassador and will include an exploration of Speyburn's history and heritage, as well as a dram or two of its single malt.
Other notable events at this year's festival include:
- Raise A Barrel: Join Balvenie Distillery’s cooper Ian McDonald for a morning learning to raise your own barrel, before sharing a dram and a few whisky stories with him.
- Tamnavulin Discovery Tour and Tasting Experience: Distillery manager Leon gives a guided tour and whisky tasting from Tamnavulin, a distillery usually closed to the public.
- Keith & Dufftown railway "Dram Tram" evening journey: Take a two-hour evening return train journey from Dufftown station and sample five whiskies associated with the railway’s original route stations.
- 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, before a tasting in the clubhouse and a two-course meal.
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.
“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 www.spiritofspeyside.com.
Discover more Speyside whiskies here.
