The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, which is enjoyed by whisky novices, budding master blenders and everyone in between, is back this April with a special virtual programme of over 60 events.
Now in its 21st year, the festival provides the opportunity for people around the world to taste and learn about whiskies from the world-famous Speyside region.
This year, for the first time, people are invited to take part from the comfort of their own homes as the festival will be hosted online via a leading interactive platform.
Festival goers will be able to speed network with other whisky lovers, get up close and personal with their favourite brands in the exhibition centre and catch up with friends old and new in the social lounge on the virtual platform.
Whether it’s having exclusive behind the scenes access to distilleries not usually open to the public, taking part in tastings with some of the best known whisky brands in the region, or getting the opportunity to chat all things Scotch with some of the biggest names in the industry, attendees will have plenty of online events to choose from during the four-day virtual festival which takes place from 29 April - 2 May 2021.
Would I Lie to You?: Hosted by Gordon & MacPhail’s Director of Prestige, Stephen Rankin, some of the industry’s top names, including Glen Grant’s Dennis Malcolm, Glenfarclas Distillery’s George Grant, Kirsten Grant Meikle of the William Grant family, The Balvenie’s Gemma Paterson and whisky writer Blair Bowman, battle it out to become the best storytellers in Speyside.
The Glenlivet Scotch Whisky School: A unique opportunity to meet Master Distiller Allan Winchester, get a whirlwind virtual tour of the distillery and complete The Glenlivet's Whisky School in just one hour.
Benriach’s World of Flavour: For the first time live from Benriach’s brand new visitor centre which is opening soon, join Global Brand Ambassador Stewart Buchanan for a few drams and an engaging conversation, discovering all there is to know about Benriach’s world of flavour across its acclaimed new portfolio.
Musical Drams: Ann Miller, the Dram Queen, challenges special guests including world-renowned whisky writers and experts such as Charles MacLean, Dave Broom, Becky Paskin, and festival ambassadors to bring their chosen whisky to life by matching a dram from Speyside to a piece of music with the option to taste along at home.
James Campbell, Chairman at The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, said: "We were determined to capture the spirit of the world’s largest whisky festival and I think we have done just that.
"With over 60 events in conjunction with distilleries across the Speyside region, there is something for everyone to enjoy at this year’s virtual Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival.
"Although we can’t get together to celebrate in person this April, we’ve come up with as many opportunities as possible for people to get together to celebrate the fine spirits of Speyside using a new interactive online platform.
"There will be speed networking, an exhibition centre, social lounge and much more as we host the world’s largest online whisky festival."
More information, including the full programme of events, can be viewed on the Spirit of Speyside website.
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