Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival Turns 25

It is not every day that a whisky festival celebrates a 25th anniversary and after decades of tasting and awarding premium spirits, it’s arrived. Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival is getting ready to chime the birthday clock for the best festival yet. Calling all whisky enthusiasts to grab your coat and glass, it’s whisky time.

A commercial revival by Speyside’s distilleries, hotels, and restaurants takes place on May 1, when Spirit of Speyside celebrates its 25th anniversary. This legendary whisky festival includes more than 650 events across 85 venues in 19 villages and towns.

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival Comes of Age

Tony Singh, one of the festival’s celebrity chefs and whisky enthusiasts, attended an opening event at The Glenlivet in Speyside. Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival was started in 2020.

“This is one of the best whisky festivals globally and I’m looking forward to coming back with my family in May to go to some of the events,” said Singh. “Having recently invested in a cask, I must confess, I’m head over heels for a good malt or blend, especially when it’s a delightful addition to my culinary creations.”

With 51 distilleries across Speyside, the region produces the majority of Scotland’s whiskies. Many of the distilleries will be open during the festival, allowing tourists to tour, taste, and gain first-hand experience.

Another interesting occasion coinciding with the whisky festival is five distilleries celebrating their 200th anniversary this year. These include famous brands:  The Macallan, The Glenlivet, Miltonduff, Cardhu, and Balmenach. This will be a must-visit for all who wish to try rare whiskies.

In addition, a brand new distillery, Dunphail, will open its doors to festival-goers for the first time.

Speyside Whisky Festival Program Summary

A post on the festival’s website outlined the dates and events:

“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.”

Tickets are now on sale for the festival’s many attractions, including:

• The Spirit of Speyside Festival Ceilidh at The Macallan;
• The Ultimate Whisky Flight which includes a helicopter tour with Glenfarclas;
• Auchroisk Distillery Through The Decades Tour;
• Whisky Detectives with Glenlivet Hill Trek;
• Speyburn After Hours;
• OurWhisky Foundation House Party at The Dowans Hotel;
• and The Beginning; Celebrating the Opening of Dunphail Distillery.