Organisers toasting the success of Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival
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ORGANISERS are toasting the success of the annual Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival after the event "passed all expectations".
Speyside's annual celebration of Scotland's national drink drew to a close on Monday, May 1, after six days of festivities attracted almost 2500 whisky enthusiasts from around the globe.
More than 7000 tickets were sold for various events, with everything from distillery tours to tastings under the stars, whisky train rides, cask building and ceilidhs on offer.
Top events like ‘Livet Illicit’ by Glenlivet Hills Trek and intimate dinners with Johnnie Walker’s own master blender sold out within the first days on sale, with guests travelling from as far afield as Hong Kong and Australia to get a taste of the famed region.
Of the region’s 51 distilleries, 27 opened their doors to offer coveted experiences and bottlings exclusively to festival goers.
George McNeil, Speyside Festival chairman, said: “This year’s festival has surpassed all expectations.
"We were thrilled to work with partners like EventScotland, The Macallan and Cardhu, among others, on a calendar of truly special events that brought more visitors than ever to Speyside this year."
To open the week, the whisky community came together for the “Touch of Tartan” Opening Dinner at Dallas Dhu Distillery on April 26, celebrating the iconic drams of the region with the 2023 Whisky Awards and providing an evening to enjoy the fruits of their labour.
Mr McNeil added: "Kicking off the festival this year with a night celebrating the hard work that the whisky community does every day really was so fitting, when this festival wouldn’t be possible without them there to create the iconic tastes that bring guests to our region from around the world.
"The talented distillers, tour guides, ambassadors, business owners and hospitality providers – these are the people that truly encapsulate the Spirit of Speyside."
MORE: Interviews with George McNeil and Edward Odim.
Speyside’s finest malts were decided by vote from judges worldwide. Glenlivet took home the overall win for its 25-year-old Single Cask with notes of sweet fig and blood orange, while Glen Moray’s Chardonnay Cask was awarded Gold in the Non-Aged Statement category and Tamdhu took home gold awards for its 12 and 18-year-old single malts.
The race for next year’s winners, meanwhile, has already begun. Festival goers who attended Spirit of Speyside Whisky Award Tastings have cast the first votes in determining next year’s winners from a shortlist judged by industry experts in March.
In a year of many firsts, the festival’s best new event for 2023 was awarded to Speyburn Distillery’s Behind the Scenes Tour and Tasting, notable as not just a festival first but the first time in 125 years Speyburn has opened its doors to the public, giving the world a glimpse into the distillery’s secrets.
The evening acknowledged the achievements of those who have made incredible contributions to the industry and the region, with a focus on the people who have built a career through their passion for protecting one of Scotland’s deepest traditions.
John Grant, Chairman of J & G Grant is one of these esteemed individuals, whose 50-plus year commitment to the industry led to him being honoured with a Spirit of Speyside Lifetime Achievement Award.
Keith Brian, who has been a huge supporter of the festival at Craigellachie Distillery, was named as the festival’s ‘Unsung Hero’.
Each year, the festival names ambassadors that encapsulate the essence of Speyside. Richard E Forsyth was recognized as Spirit of Speyside International Ambassador for all that he has done over the years to promote the Scotch Whisky industry and the festival itself.
Sandy McIntyre, of Tamdhu Distillery, received a standing ovation from his peers as he was named Spirit of Speyside Ambassador, with his dedication to great single malt being recognised at the ceremony as the embodiment of the Spirit of Speyside.
Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s director of events, said: “Speyside is the perfect stage for a celebration of Scotland’s national drink, and visitors from near and far have had an excellent few days to look back on now as they enjoyed the whisky and everything else the region has to offer.
"Congratulations to the incredible teams that have seen their whiskies through to award-winning status, and the Spirit of Speyside team on the success of this year’s festival.”
