The preview of our #Dram25 programme also unveiled the contenders for the coveted Best New Event award at the 2025 Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival.
Each year, our members and partners vie for the prestigious ‘Best New Event’ title, and the Spirit of Speyside team has carefully shortlisted six exceptional events that embody the spirit of the festival.
The challenging yet enviable task of selecting the winner falls to this year’s judge, Jonny McCormick. A celebrated writer and photographer, Jonny is a Contributing Editor for the US Whisky Advocate magazine, a Keeper of the Quaich, and co-author of the acclaimed Whisky Opus 2024 edition. His expertise and deep-rooted passion for whisky make him uniquely qualified to assess these incredible new additions to the festival.
Jonny will have the extremely difficult task of attending each of the shortlisted events, experiencing the craftsmanship, storytelling, and unique appeal they bring to the festival. While many whisky enthusiasts may dream of stepping into his shoes, selecting just one winner will be no easy feat!
The countdown to the #Dram25 ticket launch on Monday 3 February at 12 noon is officially on. Build your wish list, map your travel and prepare to secure your place at the festival—a must-visit for any whisky lover in 2025. The Best New Event 2025 shortlist is a good place to start, alternatively, click here to view the full programme.
Best New Event 2025:
Come and celebrate the amazing life of our founder, James Fleming, by following in his footsteps. On this walking tour we will visit the beautiful Linn Falls. Continuing onwards to the Penny Brig you will learn about James Flemings philanthropic deeds. Moving on to Aberlour distillery, exploring it for the last time before the opening of our newly expanded site. Your experience will end with a tasting of some of our most sought-after whiskies in the Victoria Room, a culmination and celebration of the man that served his community and beyond.
Caledonian Cooper: Whisky Barrel Build Experience
Step back in time and experience the ancient craft of coopering with this hands on whisky barrel cask building session at Caledonian Cooperage in Keith.This unique two and a half hour experience offers an authentic glimpse into the world of coopering, where you and the group will each dismantle and rebuild a full sized cask using some of the traditional hand tools, just as it has been done for centuries.The session is set in a traditional style cooperage that evokes an atmosphere from a bygone era. Guests will physically connect with the history and heritage of the coopering trade. Included:Enjoy a complimentary dram from one of Nick's small casks along with a complimentary glass of his homemade casked cider. This unique experience promises to be both educational and memorable.
A Clash of the Stills: The Ultimate Distillers' Showdown
Join us as three of Scotland's master distillers engage in a spirited competition, each presenting a hand-selected dram that embodies their craft. This is a rare opportunity to taste three exceptional whiskies chosen from the distillers' selections, showcasing the mastery, innovation, and dedication that goes into every bottle. Hosted by Mitch Bechard, Keeper of the Quaich, whisky expert with over 20 years of experience, and co-host of the popular Not Another Whisky Podcast, now in its fifth year with over 150 episodes. You'll sip along, enjoy their stories, and witness the lively debates as part of the audience.
Meet the Distillers:
- Polly Logan - Distillery Manager at Tormore Distillery under Elixir Distillers. With a background in whisky making and a reputation for innovation, Polly brings a fresh perspective to traditional distilling practices.
- Callum Fraser - Distillery Manager at Glenfarclas, with over three decades of industry expertise. Callum's commitment to traditional methods and his role in crafting award-winning single malts have cemented his place as a leader in whisky production.
- Sarah Burgess - Master Distiller at The Lakes Distillery, brings over 25 years of whisky-making expertise, including her tenure as Lead Whisky maker at The Macallan, where she was instrumental in creating expressions like The Macallan Genesis and The Anecdotes of Ages Collection. Her innovative approach and deep understanding of cask management have been pivotal in elevating The Lakes' single malts.
This isn't just a tasting, it's a whisky showdown, where these masters of the craft will discuss, debate, and defend their chosen drams. As part of the live audience, you'll experience the passion and expertise of Scotland's finest distillers firsthand, all while being part of a live podcast recording.
Dallas Dhu Distillery: Drams from the Archives
Join whisky expert, Dean Jode, for an exclusive opportunity to dive into historic drams from Dallas Dhu Distillery's Archives.
This in-depth experience offers an access-all-areas tour through the vintage distillery and will conclude in an unmissable masterclass of five historic drams produced in a bygone era.
You're invited to step back in time for a special tour within the perfectly preserved distillery, built in 1898 by legendary icons of Scotch whisky, Alexander Edward and Charles Doig. You'll be guided through the rich heritage of the Victorian distillery, whilst considering the building's historic design and its original whisky-making machinery.
The experience will conclude in a private tasting room, where you will be expertly guided through five vintage bottlings of single malt whisky distilled at Dallas Dhu between the 1970s and 1980s.
During the event, we invite you to register your interest to be one of the first to buy your own cask or bottle of precious spirit from the new era of Dallas Dhu Distillery.
The Glenfiddich Milestones Tour with Distillery Archivist Andy Fairgrieve
In the company of Distillery Archivist Andy Fairgrieve, discover the key milestones in this remarkable journey and sample whisky from a bygone age.
Your visit begins with welcome refreshments in our private Family Home, followed by a visit to the Robbie Dhu Spring and a tour of production including a visit to our on-site cooperage.
We will then delve into the hidden depths of our warehouses with a visit to Warehouse 8, our famous Solera Warehouse, and Warehouse 12 which is home to the Malt Master’s Selection. This range of 3 casks has been specially chosen by Malt Master Brian Kinsman and the tour includes filling a 20cl exclusive bottle from the cask of your choice to enjoy at home.
We conclude your visit with an indulgent two-course lunch and tasting of historic Glenfiddich releases and a beautiful bespoke gift set.
Chivas Brothers' "Home of Whisky", is opening it's doors to host a series of chef's table dining events as part of the Linn House Supper Series for Speyside Whisky Festival.
Guests are invited to join us for an exclusive journey exploring conceptual dining and rare whiskies in the luxurious surroundings of Linn House.
The Linn House Supper Series invites renowned chefs to the heart of whisky country, bringing cutting edge techniques and exceptional flavours enjoyed alongside rare malts and bespoke whisky cocktails.
Why not extend the enchantment with an overnight stay at Linn House, for £195 per person. Rate includes bed and breakfast in a double room and can be added to experience before checking out your tickets.
Stay tuned for our guest chef announcement for the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival!
Tickets include a multi-course tasting menu, 3 drams or whisky cocktails and house wine.
Click here for more information and to see the full list of events at #Dram25
