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Whisky revellers raise a dram as Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival returns


By Lorna Thompson

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MORE than 2000 people raised a dram as Speyside's six-day whisky festival returned this month.

The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival Limited Edition drew both local and international attendees, providing a welcome economic boost after lockdowns.

Now in its 22nd year, the festival went virtual back in April due to the pandemic. However, whisky-lovers were able to clink a few glasses in person during the Limited Edition, which ran between November 3-8.

One particularly popular event in the latest festival was "Scottish Aperitivo Hour", at Craigellachie Bridge. Participants shared a dram of Aultmore or Craigellachie while taking in the view at the event hosted by John Dewar's & Sons brand ambassadors Matthew Cordiner, Gary Ross and Mike McGinty.

This year marks the end of James Campbell's 10-year reign as festival chair.

George McNeil now officially takes over the position. He is working with the team on lining up a packed calendar of events for 2022 when the festival will return to its usual format between April 27 to May 2.

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival chair George McNeil (left) and outgoing chair James Campbell at Craigellachie Bridge. Picture: Ross Johnston/Newsline Media.
Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival chair George McNeil (left) and outgoing chair James Campbell at Craigellachie Bridge. Picture: Ross Johnston/Newsline Media.
The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival Limited Edition included more than 260 events.
The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival Limited Edition included more than 260 events.

Mr McNeil said: "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."

Mr Campbell said: "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."

Festival-goers also enjoyed a Chivas cocktail skills event at Keith's Strathisla Distillery and a tasting hosted by distillery manager Keith Cruickshank, at Elgin's Gordon and McPhail, to showcase the new Benromach 40 Year Old.

Chefs at Aberlour's Dowans Hotel, meanwhile, constructed an afternoon tea on the flavour profile of a Glenallachie 12 Year Old.

A new addition to the line-up was "Drams in the Dark" at Glen Moray Distillery, Elgin, where festival-goers explored the distillery at night and heard production stories around an open fire.


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