Spirit of Speyside 2009 

With over half the distilleries in Scotland Speyside has the greatest concentration when compared to the other whisky-producing regions of Scotland - the Highlands, the Lowlands and the island of Islay.

Malt whiskies distilled in Speyside occupy nearly all the places in the Top Ten table of most popular whiskies around the world. Single malts from Speyside are the most popular malt whiskies in important markets like the US, France, Spain and Italy as well as Scandinavia, Germany and Holland. In addition many of the single malts distilled in Speyside make a significant contribution to the flavours of the world's favourite blended Scotch whiskies.

What accounts for the special appeal of these single malts from Speyside? Naturally there are as many variations as there are distilleries and cask styles but they share delicious honey-sweet, fruity flavours with rich floral aromas which consumers the world over find irresistible.

The essential raw materials for making the best quality single malt whiskies exist in abundance in Speyside. Most distilleries have a long history of using locally grown barley from the fertile Laigh of Moray [along the coast of the Moray Firth] where the mild climate and long hours of summer sunshine combine to provide near - perfect growing conditions. Water is abundant with springs and burns throughout the area to supply the needs of such a large concentration of distilleries. Many of these springs are rich in minerals, which contribute to the flavours of the malt whiskies. The pure, clean air ensures the malt whiskies mature in perfect conditions for many years.

Distillery Visitor Centres: Aberlour Benromach Cardhu Glen Grant Glen Moray Glendronach Glenfarclas Glenfiddich Strathisla The Balvenie The Glenlivet The Macallan

A number of distilleries have opened Visitor Centres and welcome visitors for most of the year. The world famous Malt Whisky Trail on Speyside comprises some of the best known. During the Festival many distilleries that are not normally open to visitors make special arrangements to welcome guests. In these distilleries [and many of those that are normally open] there will be special tours and events including whisky tastings or masterclasses conducted by industry experts. In a few distilleries festival goers will have the opportunity to see behind the scenes and appreciate the checks that guarantee the consistent quality of every bottle of whisky. In addition some distilleries arrange whisky dinners or ceilidhs as well where you can share the Spirit of Speyside with many of the people responsible for its enduring popularity.