The Water of Life: Whiskies and Distilleries

Perhaps the most elusive experience in the region, a tour of Speyside Distillery is nearly impossible to score year-round. The region’s namesake whisky-maker is typically closed to the general public. Yet, for six days only, this boutique distillery generously opens its doors to attendees of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival.

Known as one of the most beautiful distilleries in Scotland, its stone façade and active waterwheel dating back to the 18th century liken Speyside Distillery to a fairy-tale cottage. The waterwheel adds to the distillery’s charm, but also serves a higher purpose. It harnesses water from the River Tromie, which is subsequently used to make whisky. Thus, to drink Speyside Distillery’s whisky is to drink in the Scottish wilderness, literally. Supposedly, their award-winning SPEY whisky was even beloved by royals. Legend claims that Lord Byron gifted a crate to King George III to celebrate his 1815 marriage.

Another prestigious distillery that often partners with the festival is Tamdhu Distillery. Tamdhu uses only 100% sherry oak casks shipped from Spain to mature their whiskies. As a result, their products have a deep butterscotch colour. Their rich, fruity flavours are redolent of citrus and berries. Past guests have been given VIP tours of the Tamdhu Distillery, Warehouse, and Cooperage. Here, water from the River Spey and malted barley combine to create the liquid gold libation.

Activities 

A love of whisky is at the heart of the Speyside Whisky Festival. This is a fact well-proven through the festival team’s ingenuity in connecting any and every activity back to the water of life.  For example, the land’s finest whiskies may be paired with toasted marshmallows and the warmth of a bonfire. Or perhaps they will be best enjoyed in a riverside tasting along the serpentine River Spey.

On the Spirit of the Spey river cruises, guests sip warming libations in the crisp open air while canoeing through the Highlands. Oaky whiskies are paired with the aroma of Caledonian pine forests trailing in from Cairngorms National Park. For those who enjoy working for their rewards, there is the ‘Heart of Speyside Trail Run and Riverside Tasting’. Willing participants join a brisk run beginning at the cast-iron Telford Bridge and ending with well-earned alcoholic refreshments riverside.

Furthermore, the festival sponsors a ‘Whisky School’ for the intellectually inclined wishing to learn more about the malt-whisky-making process. Especially dedicated whisky enthusiasts will be lucky to snag one of the 16 spaces available in the school each year. Those who do will be well-rewarded with a diploma that is sure to impress.

Venues 

Apart from world-renowned whiskies and innovative events, the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival boasts a series of stunning venues. From the banks of the River Avon to luxury hotels, every setting is bound to wow its beholders.

One such venue is the Gordon Castle Walled Garden, an eight-acre garden that surges with vivacity and colour. The garden is home to 250 espalier fruit trees bearing plums, gauges, and pears. Plus, it boasts an orchard with every variety of fruit tree imaginable, including 100-year old apricot trees. Colours run amuck in their vegetable patch, littered with topaz orange carrots, deep purple aubergine, and vermillion red tomatoes. When enjoying a dram here, the whisky heating the back of the throat may be accompanied by the scent of fresh rosemary from the herb garden. Otherwise, hints of sweet caramel or full-bodied fruits on the tastebuds may mingle with the spiced vanilla aroma of blooming crocus.

The impressive title of ‘Scotland’s Oldest Whisky Hotel’ goes to The Craigellachie, which also plays host to several festival events. Decorated in warm, neutral tones, it creates for the perfect atmosphere in which to relax by the fire with a potent beverage. The hotel is home to the world-famous Quaich Bar, which has 1,000 whiskies on offer, and offers unparalleled views of the sloping valley of Speyside.