Across Scotland, there are several whisky “regions”. Islay for instance is renowned for the dark, dry, smoky aroma of peat which characterises its malts. The Lowland distilleries produce a softer, more delicate spirit. However, one region above all offers the greatest variety — Speyside. This relatively small area has more than half of all Scotland’s malt whisky distilleries – over 50 in total.
Mary Hemsworth
Spirit of Speyside Festival
Picture: Ian Macrae
The annual Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival which runs from the 2nd to the 6th of May is concerned with more than just raising a glass to Scotland’s national drink. Rather, it’s an unique opportunity to learn about the people and the passion behind some of the finest whiskies in the world. It’s small wonder that it now draws thousands of visitors from all over the globe.
This year – the Year of Natural Scotland – will see a greater emphasis on the stunning scenery of the area. In a packed programme of over 300 events, there’s an insight into how the breathtaking landscape contributes to the unique qualities of local drams. As Festival Manager, Mary Hemsworth, explains, “Our festival is not just about introducing visitors to whisky – it’s about the passion, the tradition and the people involved in producing the inimitable whisky of this region.”
Although it is a WHISKY festival, there’s much more to this event than finding new perspectives on the world through the bottom of a glass. Yes, there are sessions to suit the aficionados including tasting sessions and the whisky school. But there are introductions for complete novices as well. A huge number of distilleries will open their doors for public tours, nosings and tastings – including some which are usually closed to the public.
Macallan Distillery
Craigellachie, Speyside
Visitors will find opportunities to taste rare and valuable malts, participate in master classes, fill an octave (a small cask) and even cast a vote by tasting six shortlisted drams in the running for the Festival’s 2013 Whisky Awards. And if you have ever wondered which whisky is best paired with a bacon butty, there’s even an event for that too! In fact, food plays a major part in the programme with special lunches and dinners taking place daily across a range of venues, and in the evening there will be the chance to kick up your heels with the locals at ceilidhs and traditional music events.
There are also very different activities on the programme, including canoe tours and ‘drambles’ between the famous distilleries. While the principal air of the Festival is to capture what is great about the region’s links to the industry, the programme does not stop at distilleries. There is, for instance, the Whisky Train, as well as themed art and photographic exhibitions. Visitors can also learn more about the River Spey with a canoe trip from Carron to Craigellachie, unlock the past history of Speyside’s first illicit stills by following in the footsteps of smugglers, and even enjoy a guided walk to the top of Ben Rinnes to spot the local wildlife.
Mortlach Distillery
Dufftown
Mary stressed that “One thing which we treasure most about Speyside is its tranquillity and laid-back pace of life, but that all changes during the five days of the whisky festival. The area is quite literally buzzing as thousands of visitors arrive and join in locals in celebrating Scotch whisky – I cannot think of a better way to encapsulate the true Spirit of Speyside.”
Many events take place in Dufftown – the town largely regarded as the malt whisky capital of the world. However, the programme takes in venues from Aviemore in the south to Elgin in the north. And because this is the one festival where drink is guaranteed to be taken, a subsidised shuttle bus and taxi service will be operating between all the venues – grab yourself a Festival Rambler ticket from the website to make sure you can enjoy some warm Speyside hospitality.
Tickets for all events in the 2013 Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival programme can be bought via the website.