The world-famous Speyside region - the global epicentre of distilling Scotland’s national drink - drew in both local and international crowds, paving the way for a stellar line up of events in 2022 and has given the local economy a very welcome boost after such a long period of lockdowns in 2021.
The festival featured new and existing events. One which proved to be popular was the Scottish Aperitivo hour, hosted at Craigellachie Bridge by the John Dewar’s & Sons brand Ambassadors, Matthew Cordiner, Gary Ross and Mike McGinty. New and old friends shared a dram of Aultmore or Craigellachie while embracing the beautiful views of Speyside.
Now in its 22nd year, the six days of festivities followed a virtual lineup of events back in April due to the coronavirus pandemic and will return to its normal calendar slot from 27 April to 2 May 2022. This Limited Edition event marks the final chapter of James Campbell's reign as chair of the festival for the past ten years. George McNeil will now officially take over the position and is working with the team to plan an action packed calendar of events for next year.
Speaking of the festival’s success, George McNeil, chairman, commented:
“With over 260 successful events it has been fantastic to bring the best of our iconic whisky region to the public. It’s been a challenging time for everybody and to see people celebrating all things Scotch in person rather than just via a screen has been incredible.
“We are now even more excited for the 2022 Festival which will take place next spring. We have plans in place to make that the biggest and best programme of events yet, so watch this space.
“I’m also very proud to officially take the reins from James Campbell who has achieved so much, getting the festival to where it is today. I wish him the best of luck with his future endeavours and will look forward to catching up with him over a dram at the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival 2022.”
James Campbell added:
“Spirit of Speyside is always about whisky, music, food and fun and brings together so many of our local companies to create an amazing selection of events. This, combined with the renowned Speyside hospitality has proven a winning formula over the years.”
There were a multitude of events across the Limited Edition programme. Chivas showcased cocktail skills providing five freshly made cocktails at its Strathisla Distillery Cocktail evening and Distillery manager Keith Cruickshank held a tasting at Gordon and McPhail to showcase the new Benromach 40 Year Old which ticket holders described as a remarkable dram.
The Dowans Hotel chefs constructed an afternoon tea on the flavour profile of a Glenallachie 12 Year Old, this consisted of strapatsada, butternut squash and chilli soup with a herb cracker, along with scones, rhubarb and ginger cupcake, coca cola pie and a burnt butter caramelised and chocolate almond blondie.
A new addition to the Festival event selection was Drams in the Dark hosted at Glen Moray Distillery. Ticket holders explored the distillery at night and listened to production stories around an open fire to set the atmosphere.
The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival will return on the 27th of April to the 2nd of May 2022. We are currently in planning and will be announcing a preview and a ticket launch date very soon!
