WHILE MANY TICKETS for the Spirit of Speyside events sold out within hours, organisers have been highlighting that with 500 events there are many more options to see and do.
From creating your own signature whisky cocktails or experiencing a traditional ceilidh to blending your own whisky like a professional – the Whiskey-themed activities are ready and waiting.
Thousands of people – many of them travelling from overseas – will descend on the region from April 27 to May 1 to attend the Festival, which is recognised as being one of the best events of its kind.
Festival manager Pery Zakeri said: “Tickets for some of the key events – particularly the very exclusive behind the scenes tours at distilleries not usually open to the public – sold out within a matter of hours.
“There has been phenomenal demand for tickets, but we don’t want people to think that there are no tickets left. Whether visitors want to sample excellent whiskies, enjoy local food or take part in some of the more unusual events on the programme, there is still plenty of availability.
“All the most up to date information about ticket availability is on the website at www.spiritofspeyside.com and for those who are planning a last-minute getaway, there is also information about accommodation.”
Included is the chance to taste exclusive cask strength drams from Chivas Brothers on April 30, in the company of whisky royalty. Acclaimed whisky writers Ian Buxton and Ian Wisniewski will host the event at The Glenlivet and will be sharing their knowledge about distilleries and drams.
This will be a great event for both whisky experts and novices, as they will also give tips on how to get the most out of whisky tasting. Tickets for the event, which includes six different whiskies, cost £30.
Although most whisky drinkers associate Speyside with single malts, there is a strong heritage of blended whisky too. Visitors can learn how to blend in the style of Chivas Regal at an event taking part in the home of the famous blend – Strathisla Distillery – on April 29.
During the special session, which is priced at £25, guests will taste a collection of drams, blend their own whisky under the guidance of an expert tutor from the Chivas Regal team, and take away a small bottle of their creation.
Visitors to the area will be able to meet locals at a Scottish ceilidh night being staged in the town’s Fleming Hall on April 29. Music will be provided by the very talented young group BROMA – featuring drummer Daniel Gordon, who is ranked as one of the top 40 drummers in the UK. Tickets, including food, are £12.
Based in the heart of Scotland’s malt whisky country, the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival takes place over five fun-filled days from April 27 to May 1, 2017. It comprises hundreds of events taking place from Kingussie in the south to Forres in the west and Buckie in the east.
More information about the Festival is available at www.spiritofspeyside.com.