Women have played a significant role in the rich history of whisky, shaping the industry as we know it today. In Speyside, Helen Cumming secured the place of Cardhu Distillery as one of Scotland's first legal distilleries 200 years ago.
Today, across Speyside and the world, women are not only mastering the craft of whisky making but also influencing its culture and consumption worldwide. Whether as master blenders, distillers, aficionados, or enthusiasts, women bring unique perspectives and talents to the whisky world.
Why not pour a dram and raise a toast to the spirit that unites us all, and to the remarkable women who have shaped it.
Are you interested in learning more about how women have contributed to the whisky industry in Speyside? Or perhaps you're a curious beginner, looking for an introduction to the world of whisky? Look no further, here are some events you might want to attend:
The Dram Queen: Speyside's Hidden Heroines - 3 & 5 May - Book Ticket
It may seem that women have only recently begun to make a mark on the Scotch whisky industry, but history tells us a different story. During this tutored tasting of malt whiskies from Speyside, The Dram Queen provides some fascinating and independent insights into this topic.
An entertaining and informative experience tracing the contribution made to whisky distilling in Speyside since the days of illicit distillation by some notable and dedicated women, including some creating impressive single malt and blended Scotch whiskies today.
Cardhu Manager's Tour with Roselyn Burnett - 2 - 6 May - Book Ticket
Exclusively for the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival join Distillery Manager, Roselyn Burnett, for a tour and tasting at Cardhu Distillery. With over 20 years experience in the whisky industry, Roselyn is the perfect person to take you around Cardhu in their 200th Anniversary year.
Your experience will begin in the Visitor Experience with a short animation which tells the unique history of Cardhu and Johnnie Walker. Roselyn will guide you through the distillery covering all aspects from malt to maturation.
To complete your experience, join Roselyn in our Tasting Kitchen for a tasting of two Cardhu expressions and a Johnnie Walker High Ball. Always keen to meet our visitors, Roselyn looks forward to welcoming you to Cardhu, The Speyside Home of Johnnie Walker and sharing her stories from her time working in the industry.
Lunch with Polly Logan, Distillery Manager Tormore Distillery - 5 May - Book Ticket
Join Polly Logan Distillery Manager of Tormore Distillery for a 2 course lunch and learn all about the history of this stunning distillery and what the future has in store for it!
The Tormore Distillery: Perfecting the Pearl Masterclass - 4 May - Book Ticket
Ollie Chilton, head blender for Elixir Distillers Ltd and Polly Logan, Tormore Distillery Manager will talk you through the development of Tormore, including tastings of Tormore Single malt through the ages. They will talk you through the plans for the site, the whisky and the future as they re-invigorate the Pearl of Speyside. Also includes entry to the open day and all the benefits associated with that ticket.
Cocktail Making @ Badenoch's - 1 & 6 May - Book Ticket
Interested in whisky but not sure where to start? How about some cocktails?
Head to Badenoch's bar in Elgin and take part in a whisky and gin cocktail making class with head bartenders Freya & Angus. You will have three drinks to make from an extensive cocktail list, which you will be guided through by the highly trained team.
Mother v Daughter at The Whisky Shop Dufftown - 3 May - Book Ticket
A whisky tasting with a difference as mother and daughter, Vicky and Kat of the The Whisky Shop Dufftown, host a tasting.
Kat has been Vicky’s daughter all her life. The same cannot be said of Vicky who for many years Kat did not exist. What is for certain is that they are both employed by The Whisky Shop Dufftown and between them they have 25 years of experience in the whisky industry.
Kat has thrown down the gauntlet and Vicky has taken it up. Rather than their usual battles on the martial arts mats they are going to let the whiskies do the fighting. Who will win? Younger or Older? Student or teacher? Padawan or master? Daughter or Mother? You will make the decision. There might be fireworks but there will be 6 drams for you to try – 3 selected by Vicky and 3 by Kat. It’s your job to pick the winner.
