As Scotland prepares to celebrate the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival – one of Europe’s largest whisky occasions – distilleries, hotels, restaurants, bars and events in the area are preparing to serve up more than a quarter of a million drams of Scotland’s national drink. The ‘water of life’ beloved of Burns is synonymous with his homeland and, as the country celebrates the 250th anniversary of his birth this year, the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival offers a unique opportunity to sample the delights of both whisky and of this unique part of the country.

The Homecoming

In this its 10th year, the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, which runs from 1 – 10 May, forms the highlight of Whisky Month in Scotland’s Year of Homecoming 2009 programme, with events for all from the casual whisky drinker and the connoisseur to the tea drinker. Speyside lies between Inverness, to the west, and Aberdeen to the east and is home to over 50 distilleries – more than half of Scotland’s whisky distilleries – and the Festival programme capitalises on its location at the heart of whisky country.Almost 300 events include 180 whisky tours and tastings offered by some of the world leading brands such as Glenfiddich and Glenlivet, 21 whisky dinners, 12 bracing whisky walks, 12 cooperage tours and a range of distillery visits. There are also a variety of events with a non-whisky theme, including train rides, painting exhibitions, cookery demonstrations and Land Rover tours.

Festival goers can also enjoy a rare peek behind the scenes at other well known distilleries in the area usually closed to the public, including Mortlach, Benrinnes, Tamdhu and Tomintoul. And if whetting the whistle wakens a deep interest in whisky, then visitors will be able to delve deeper into the production process with a series of lectures and demonstrations covering topics from mashing and fermentation to the art of cooperage. However, for those who are really into the dram, an exclusive new addition to this year’s programme is the Malt Whisky School which comprises three knowledge packed days of lectures, workshops, distillery and cooperage visits for a limited number of 18 lucky aficionados of the drink.

Whisky as an ingredient

Whisky lovers and would-be gourmets can take the opportunity to learn more about the spirit’s role as an ingredient or accompaniment to cheese and chocolate or of course haggis. Many of the distilleries will also host lunches and dinners featuring menus constructed to complement the contents of their casks. Working off the indulgences has also been taken into account with walks in whisky country. Take a gentle ‘dramble’ around the seven distilleries of Dufftown or a special guided hike to the summit of Ben Rinnes.

The festival will culminate in ‘Spirit of Speyside’, an outdoor musical celebration on Saturday 9 May on the banks of the River Spey at Aberlour, with performances from iconic Scottish Group Capercaillie, pipe bands and fiddlers. This will be followed by a lone piper performing a floodlit solo on the church tower, heralding a fireworks display over the River Spey. Wildlife As well as being noted for its whisky the Moray region is also renowned for its beaches at Burghead, Lossiemouth and Spey Bay, all rich with wildlife. Dolphins are often spotted along the coast and the rivers Spey and Findhorn are fantastic for salmon and trout-fishing. With a famed balmy climate and diverse landscapes, from dramatic glens to scenic coastal trails, this area suits outdoor enthusiasts. Food The region also has a history which is evident to this day by the many Pictish relics still standing.

Having focussed on whisky, otherwise known in Gaelic as the water of life, it is important to mention the wonderful food for which this part of Scotland is famous. The coastal town of Cullen is famous for the Scottish seafood dish The festival will culminate in ‘Spirit of Speyside’, an outdoor musical celebration on Saturday 9 May on the banks of the River Spey at Aberlour, with performances from iconic Scottish Group Capercaillie, pipe bands and fiddlers. This will be followed by a lone piper performing a floodlit solo on the church tower, heralding a fireworks display over the River Spey.

Wildlife

As well as being noted for its whisky the Moray region is also renowned for its beaches at Burghead, Lossiemouth and Spey Bay, all rich with wildlife. Dolphins are often spotted along the coast and the rivers Spey and Findhorn are fantastic for salmon and trout-fishing. With a famed balmy climate and diverse landscapes, from dramatic glens to scenic coastal trails, this area suits outdoor enthusiasts.

Food

The region also has a history which is evident to this day by the many Pictish relics still standing. Having focussed on whisky, otherwise known in Gaelic as the water of life, it is important to mention the wonderful food for which this part of Scotland is famous. The coastal town of Cullen is famous for the Scottish seafood dish

fieldfacts

For further information on the festival visit www.spiritofspeyside.com or Tel: 07768 383500