Locals bring the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival to life
One of the region’s most renowned festivals, and a highlight in every whisky enthusiast’s calendar, is set to return this week.
First launched in 1999, the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival is a celebration of Scotland’s national drink that has developed into one of the largest events of its kind anywhere in the world.
With a programme of over 500 whisky-inspired events over six days, the Festival is a mecca for the curious beginner and the whisky connoisseur alike.
Taking place from April 26 – May 1, locals and businesses welcome attendees like old friends, as visitors from over 35 countries make the journey to the region.
With over 3500 tickets sold in the first day of release, Spirit of Speyside chairman, George McNeil, is looking forward to this year’s Festival. He said: “The whole area gets involved, and people make sure that our restaurants, cafés and bars all have a theme of whisky during the Festival.
“Whisky is part of our DNA here, so it is wonderful to see everyone get so involved – no wonder it has been going for 22 years.
“People come from as far as Australia, Singapore and the United States to the Festival. It gives visitors an experience they will never have again and that they will have for the rest of their life.”
Activities take place the length of the River Spey and event venues are as varied as the experiences on offer - distilleries old and new, charming village halls, local whisky bars, historic castles, old steadings, and the great outdoors – each guaranteeing an
authentic experience.
Spirit of Speyside brings economic growth to the region, and with sales worth nearly £290,000 so far, it looks set to be a record-breaking year.
In a survey undertaken in 2014 the Festival was believed to have taken in £1.6m for the wider economy – that was when it was half the size it is now!
Alongside the economic benefits, The Festival also provides a great opportunity for locals to see behind the scenes, of normally closed distillery doors.
George said: “There is such beauty in the community benefits of the Festival. Three quarters of the distilleries do not normally open to the public, but they open the doors during Spirit of Speyside, so the locals can see what is on their doorstep.”
One of the highlights of the Festival is the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards and Dinner, where distillers are put to the test by whisky consumers.
“The annual dinner is an extraordinary event as it provides an opportunity for the big names and industry leaders of whisky to come together and celebrate the region”, said George.
“They show a great appreciation of each other when they would normally be in competition, so it is truly a special event.”
There is one thing that makes the event special, and that is the people. Without them it would not be possible, and their passion and love of the golden elixir is what makes the Festival what it is today.
George added: “There is a story in every glass of whisky – and it’s the people that make each story come to life.”
Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival Ltd
PO Box 6783
Elgin
IV30 9DU
T: 07789 671 635
