ONE OF THE WORLD’S LARGEST WHISKY FESTIVALS

LAUNCHES THEIR 2026 PREVIEW

Craigellachie Distillery of the Chairman of Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, Henry Angus and Steven Dalgarno, Distillery Manager of Craigellachie Distillery who are hosting the opening dinner and this year’s ceilidh.

Now in its 27^th year, the annual celebration of Scotland’s national drink has become one of the largest events of its kind anywhere in the world, bringing thousands of visitors to the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival since 1999.

Contributing over £2.2million annually to the local economy, there is a vast array of over 600 events, over 6-days.  Kicking off on Wednesday, 29^th April 2026, it takes visitors right through the first May bank holiday weekend.

The festival is renowned for attracting visitors who want to discover more about whisky, in an area that boasts the greatest concentration of beloved brands.  With 51 working distilleries, they make up more than a third of Scotland’s total number in Speyside alone.  Peppering towns including Elgin, Forres, Keith, Aberlour, Dufftown and Rothes, the festival continues to build on its reputation as a globally recognised event, providing high-quality experiences for visitors.

So, what to expect from the line-up this year?  Attendees from over 40 countries who descend on Speyside, will find immersive tours and tastings as well as coopering masterclasses and chefs creating whisky-paired dinners.  There is the chance to meet Master Blenders and get tours behind the closed doors of dunnage warehouses where festival goers can draw samples from the casks themselves.  Visitors can enjoy fireside drams or sipping whisky on Findhorn beach.  Plus, the Dram Tram returns, where passengers can soak in the scenery in their Gold Carriage from Dufftown to Keith whilst savouring a special whisky enroute.  Of course, it wouldn’t be a Scottish whisky celebration without the Friday night ceilidh which will be held at Craigellachie Distillery and is a highlight of the 6-day calendar.

Henry Angus, Chairman of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival commented; “The festival is the perfect way to launch World Whisky Month and is all about showcasing the very best of what’s in this area.  Whilst we have an amazing quantity of events, the quality of them is what really shines through.  It’s wonderful to see the whole of the Speyside community getting behind it as a highlight on the calendar.  We’ve seen a great increase in visitor numbers and ticket sales in the last couple of years, which tells us that we are continuing to build on how successful this international festival has become to the area.”

Speyside also boasts incredible scenery.  A chance to embrace the country air with aromas from barley malted to make the whisky.  There is a plethora of cosy chic hotels, self-catering pads and B&Bs to choose from. Plus, Stagecoach is extending its local bus service from Aberdeen and Inverness for day trippers.

SSWF 2025 Event Listing Imagery – Dallas Dhu Distillery: Drams from the Archives

The festival will launch with almost 80 events lined up on Wednesday 29^th April, including an industry dinner, co-hosted for the first time by Craigellachie Distillery, as part of their 135^th anniversary celebrations this year.

For those wanting to take a deep dive into whisky making, the 4-day Whisky School is back for its 10^th year.  Providing an incredible insight into the industry from a doyen of industry experts, it starts just a few days before the festival kicks off.   A limited number of spaces are still available on the website.

TICKET INFORMATION

Previews for ticket sales go live at 12noon on 18^th February

Launch of ticket sales is live at 12noon on 24^th February

WEBSITE – https://www.spiritofspeyside.com/

Spirit of Speyside

Spirit of Speyside organises some of the world’s premier whisky events, welcoming visitors to the beauty of Speyside from across the globe each year. The organisation is responsible for the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival each year with hundreds of events incorporating the Whisky School and Whisky Awards. The same team also hosts Spirit of Speyside: Distilled, exclusively for whisky distillers.

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival

First launched in 1999, the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival’s annual celebration of Scotland’s national drink has developed into one of the largest events of its kind anywhere in the world. This year it will celebrate its 27^th anniversary with a programme of around 500+ whisky-inspired events over 6 days.  The Festival is a true mecca for the curious beginner and the whisky connoisseur alike. Festival events take place throughout Speyside, the biggest whisky-producing region in Scotland, located in the Moray area in the north-east of the country between Aberdeen and Inverness. Over the years, the Festival has developed close links with many Speyside businesses and communities who help to fund the festival. It is a true team effort to deliver an ever-improving range of events and services to make the six days of the festival a truly unforgettable experience.

The wait is over… the events for the 2026 have officially been announced — and we are ready to raise a glass!

From 29 April to 4 May 2026, Speyside will once again become the beating heart of Scotch whisky… and trust us, you’ll want to be part of it.

🎟️ Tickets go live on 24 February — mark your calendar!

We’ve created one of our most exciting and diverse programme of events yet. Whether you fancy bottling your own whisky straight from the cask, stepping inside our atmospheric Victorian warehouses, sipping drams by the sea at Findhorn, or venturing into the hills for a firelit party at The Old Bothy — we have something with your name on it.

This year’s line-up includes:

• • Hands-on warehouse experiences at Coleburn
  • Mission Gold & Benchmark ‘bottle your own’ sessions
  • Award-winning vintage tastings at Dallas Dhu
  • Beach picnics, sea dips & coastal drams
  • Rare & prestigious tastings in the vaults of The Old Bank
  • BBQs, live music and unforgettable nights under the stars
  • And of course, another epic Dallas Dhu Distillery Open Day!

CHECK OUT OUR EVENTS

Save £10 on Frey Ranch Bottled in Bond Rye

Rich and full-bodied, with aromas of ryebread and caramel that fill the nose, Frey Ranch Bottled-in-Bond Rye delivers a classic American rye experience with depth and character. And now, with £10 off, it’s the perfect time to pick up a bottle.

Continue your journey with more outstanding American whiskies on offer. From the layered notes of Wild Turkey Kentucky Straight Bourbon and the bold pepperiness of Stoll & Wolfe Single Barrel Rye, to the classic full-bodied vanilla and dark sugar sweetness of Henry McKenna, new sipping experiences await.

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JOIN OUR WHISKY CLUB…

A fan of Murray McDavid?

Want to be part of an exclusive whisky community? Join our Murray McDavid Whisky Club for  a look behind the scenes and opportunities to join in with unique tasting sessions.

Kanosuke: A Japanese Whisky Dinner
at Jeong yuk Jeom in Los Angeles

Thursday, March 12^th
$100 per ticket
7:00PM — Jeong yuk Jeom, Los Angeles

Join us for a spirited evening exploring the distinctive character of Kanosuke, one of Japan’s rising stars in single malt whisky, hosted at Jeong Yuk Jeom in Koreatown. This exciting dinner will be hosted by Bay Area great Chris Lane of High Road Spirits and Roland Ng from Kanosuke, both Japanese whisky experts.

Located on the lush coast of Kagoshima, Kanosuke Distillery was founded in 2017. Drawing on the coastal climate, diverse barrel aging, and their signature use of a pot still inherited from the Hioki Distillery, Kanosuke whiskies have quickly earned a reputation for their smooth texture, elegant complexity, and gentle seaside character. Each expression in this lineup reflects the distillery’s evolving style.

Our host for the evening, Jeong Yuk Jeom, a Korean barbecue restaurant whose name translates to “butcher shop”, is known in LA for its vibrant dining experience focusing on high-quality dry-aged and prime cuts grilled tableside, offering an interactive and celebratory take on Korean barbecue rooted in both tradition and contemporary flavor exploration. With a menu designed to showcase what the restaurant describes as an interactive and dynamic approach to Korean barbecue, the setting is a compelling complement to Kanosuke’s nuanced whiskies.

Seats are extremely limited—we recommend reserving now, as tickets will go quickly! All alcoholic beverages will be served exclusively by Jeong yuk Jeom in accordance with their licensing. Lineup is subject to change.

Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

As we welcome the Year of the Horse, all of us at Tamdhu would like to wish you a very Happy Lunar New Year. Today is a moment for families to gather, traditions to be honoured and ambitions to be set for the year ahead – and we’re delighted to share it with you.

The Horse is celebrated for strength, perseverance and forward momentum. They’re qualities that have guided Tamdhu since 1897 on the banks of the River Spey, and they sit at the heart of our Year of the Horse Limited Edition, crafted especially for this occasion – now available on Tamdhu.com, and through specialist retailers across the UK, Taiwan and China.

Eight Steeds.

 One Shared Spirit.

To bring the Horse’s character to life, we partnered with acclaimed visual artist Page Tsou. His bespoke illustration of the Eight Steeds graces the presentation box: dynamic yet composed, detailed yet understated – a visual echo of the whisky within.

On the nose, you’ll find warming spices and mature oak, opening into dried fruits and honey. The palate reveals profoundly rich oak, ginger biscuits and caramelised pear, before a long farewell of full‑bodied malt, sweet spice and orange zest.

Today, whether your celebrations are grand or quietly reflective, we hope there’s room for a well‑earned dram.

Slàinte mhath,

Sandy McIntyre

Distillery Manager

THE TAMDHU LUNAR NEW YEAR COLLECTION

Updated Online Diploma Now Available

Our online Diploma in Single Malt Whisky has been refreshed for 2026, bringing the world of whisky right up to date. The World Whiskies module, now authored by leading whisky writer Dave Broom, explores global styles, traditions and flavour profiles, while Iain Russell adds new in-depth video discussions with Dave in the History module, providing clarity, debate and engaging insight.

The Diploma’s tasting pack has also been updated, with six carefully selected whiskies (in addition to the nine samples that accompany the blind Sensory element of the final assessment). Current students can access all updates immediately via their learner Dashboard, while new candidates can join to experience the most up-to-date, SQA-certified whisky qualification available.

🛒 Learn More

Make Tomatin the Heart of Your Valentine’s Day Cocktails

Award winning Highland Distiller, Tomatin, is celebrating this Valentine’s Day by introducing two new sweet and indulgent whisky cocktails, perfect for an at-home date night or a cosy evening with friends.

For whisky lovers or those just discovering the magic of single malts, Tomatin 10 Year Old and Tomatin Double Cask whiskies provide the perfect foundation for Valentine’s Day cocktails this February.

The recently launched expressions are showcased in a duo of new serve creations from Tomatin, both of which are easy to make yet delicious, and let the soft, sweet and fruity flavours of the distillery’s single malts shine through.

Celebrate what matters this Valentine’s Day with Tomatin, sharing a moment with loved ones and bringing a touch of Highland charm to the occasion.

Tomatin Peaches and Dream 

A modern twist on the classic peaches and cream, this cocktail is light, creamy and delightfully moreish. Featuring Tomatin 10 Year Old, it brings out soft, sweet notes of peaches, buttery croissants, crunchy apples, macadamia nuts and white chocolate, all beautifully balanced by the whisky’s subtle ex-bourbon cask influence. Oat milk keeps the serve smooth and slightly lighter than traditional cream. 

Ingredients

• 35-50ml of Tomatin 10 Year Old, exclusively available at Waitrose or on Amazon
• 35ml of unsweetened oat milk
• 15ml syrup from tinned peaches
• A splash of soda wate

To serve

• Highball or tall glass
• Bar spoon or long spoon
• Cubed ice
• Straw (optional)
• Cocktail skewers (optional)

Method

Mix the Tomatin 10 Year Old, tinned peach syrup and oat milk in a glass until combined. Fill a tall glass with cubed ice and stir, finish by topping up the glass with soda water and garnish with skewered peaches.

Tomatin Apple of My Eye 

Bold, warming, and indulgent, this cocktail puts Tomatin Double Cask centre stage. Matured in ex-bourbon and ex-Oloroso sherry casks, the whisky’s rich dark fruit, gentle spice, and apple notes make it a perfect Valentine’s serve. Muddled fresh apple and a touch of honey (or dairy-free caramel) create a sip that’s sweet and balanced. 

Ingredients

• 50ml of Tomatin Double Cask, exclusively available in Tesco and on Amazon
• 15ml of honey or dairy free caramel
• A splash of soda water
• Sliced apples of choice; Tomatin recommends Pink Lady or Granny Smith apples

To serve

• Highball or tall glass
• Bar spoon or long spoon
• Cubed ice
• Straw (optional)
• Cocktail skewers (optional)

Method

Place apple slices into a glass (muddle for extra apple flavour), add Tomatin Double Cask and the honey or caramel. Stir well, fill the glass with ice and top up with soda water. Garnish with skewered apple slices.

Tasting notes

Tomatin 10 Year Old

Nose: Aromas of lemon sherbet sweets and crunchy green apples followed by buttery

croissants, white chocolate and macadamia nuts.

Palate: Lemon meringue pie, honey and a touch of toffee are complemented by apricot and

peach.

Finish: Clean and fresh.  

Tomatin Double Cask

Nose: Aromas of vanilla-sweetened baked apples and pears lead.

Palate: Dark fruit flavours, gently balanced with ginger and cinnamon.

Finish: Sweet and spicy. 

Tomatin is located in the Scottish Highlands, 16 miles south of Inverness, and is famous for its portfolio of refined and elegant whiskies.  The distillery has a proud heritage stretching back to the 15th century when illicit production was likely to be taking place, but it wasn’t until 1897 that the first formal distillery was established by John MacDougall as the Tomatin Spey Distillery Company.

In 2022, Tomatin was awarded ‘Scotch Whisky Producer of the Year’ and ‘Outstanding Spirits Producer of the Year’ at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC). Later that year, it was recognised as ‘Sustainable Distillery of the Year’ at Whisky Magazine’s Icons of Whisky 2023, in recognition of its continued contribution to sustainably at the distillery.

In 2023, Tomatin took home seven awards at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, while Cù Bòcan, took home three. Tomatin’s 36 Year Old was crowned the ultimate winner at SFWSC for malts, being named ‘Best in Show’, officially making it one of the best whiskies in the world.

Building upon this triumph, 2024 saw Tomatin’s 18 Year Old secured Double Gold for the third consecutive year at the SFWSC, elevating it to Platinum status. Meanwhile, both Tomatin’s 45 Year Old and 12 Year Old, alongside Cù Bòcan’s 15 Year Old took home Double Gold Awards, and Cù Bòcan’s 12 Year Old also secured a prestigious Gold Award.

In 2025, Tomatin has been awarded Gold designation for its Tomatin Sherry Collection Ximénez Edition and Silver for both its Sherry Collection Manzanilla Edition and Sherry Collection Palo Cortado Edition in the inaugural 2025 Whiskey Wash Awards.

Tomatin has a first-class wood policy and an enduring commitment to knowing the history of each cask that passes through its warehouses. It is one of only a handful of Scotch whisky distilleries to have its own cooperage on-site, with cooper Allan Bartlett being named ‘Cooper of the Year’ at the 2025 Icons of Whisky Awards.

‘To What Matters’ is the latest chapter in the brand’s evolution; it is a positive call to arms that represents the spiritual DNA of Tomatin – a belief in savouring what is truly important in life and time spent together. Tomatin is owned by the Japanese company Takara Shuzo International: www.takara-intl.co.jp/en/

The Rt. Hon. John Swinney MSP, First Minister of Scotland Officially Opens Luss Distillery

First Minister unveiled the new landmark visitor experience from Loch Lomond Group 

The Rt. Hon. John Swinney MSP, First Minister of Scotland, officially opened Luss Distillery, a new multi-million-pound distillery and visitor experience by Loch Lomond Group on the banks of Loch Lomond, marking one of the most significant new whisky tourism investments in Scotland in recent years.

Unveiled ahead of the peak tourist season, Luss Distillery represents a major commitment by Loch Lomond Group to Scotland’s spirits industry, rural tourism, and long-term economic growth, while creating new employment opportunities and supporting the local community.

Situated in the heart of the historic village of Luss, at the gateway to the Scottish Highlands, the new destination has been designed as an immersive discovery experience for whisky and gin connoisseurs, as well as those newly curious about Scotch whisky and premium spirits.

The purpose-built site comprises four distinctive buildings, including a working distillery, immersive whisky and gin discovery areas, a dedicated tasting room, retail space, and a café overlooking Loch Lomond. Together, they form a vibrant brand home for Loch Lomond Group’s multi-award-winning whiskies and spirits. The retail experience also showcases the Group’s wider portfolio, including Glen Scotia and Littlemill single malts, alongside other premium spirits and Champagne.

Following a soft opening in late 2025, Luss Distillery is expected to welcome up to one million visitors during 2026, capitalising on Luss’s status as one of Scotland’s most visited locations and a popular destination for both domestic and international travellers.

During the official opening event, the First Minister toured the new distillery and visitor experience, reflecting on the economic contribution of Scotch whisky and the positive impact the project will bring to the region, before unveiling a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion.

Following the visit, Loch Lomond Group presented the First Minister with a bespoke bottle of Loch Lomond 14-Year-Old Luss Exclusive Cask, featuring personalised engraving. One of just 291 bottles produced, the exclusive release showcases the distillers’ unrivalled capability in flavour creation and is available only at Luss Distillery.

Colin Matthews, Founder and CEO of Loch Lomond Group and Council Member of the Scotch Whisky Association, said:

“Scotland is celebrated worldwide for its tourism, its exceptional Scotch whisky and spirits, and the natural beauty of places such as Loch Lomond and the Scottish Highlands. At Luss Distillery, we have brought these elements together to create a truly memorable destination – one that welcomes seasoned whisky and gin enthusiasts, as well as those curious to discover the people, place, the craft and passion behind our brands.

“We have long held ambitions to open a destination like this here on the banks of Loch Lomond, and it is a real privilege to have the First Minister mark this occasion with us as we look ahead to a busy spring and summer season.

“Scotland’s spirits sector is facing challenging times, which makes continued investment more important than ever. As one of the largest independent distillers in Scotland, we remain steadfast in our commitment to quality, history, authenticity and innovation, and we will continue to play a prominent role in developing Scotch whisky and the wider spirits industry to ensure it remains relevant, exciting and appealing to modern consumers.

“We call on the First Minister and colleagues across the political spectrum to continue their strong support for this great historic industry and the meaningful contribution it makes to Scotland and the wider UK.”

Colin concluded: “Every detail at Luss has been designed to celebrate the character of our spirits and the extraordinary landscape that inspires them, and we look forward to welcoming visitors throughout 2026.”

First Minister of Scotland John Swinney said: “It has been a pleasure to open the new Luss Distillery on the banks of Loch Lomond. The distillery and visitor centre not only adds to the quality of the tourism offering in Luss but also to Scotland’s international reputation as a world class destination for visitors.

“This investment by the Loch Lomond Group is extremely welcome, particularly when there are serious challenges impacting on the whisky sector, both at home and abroad.

“The spirits sector may be defined by its 170 export markets, its approximately £5.3 billion contribution to the Scottish economy, and the thousands of jobs it sustains, but it is the history and stories behind it, like those told here, that capture people’s imagination and bring visitors from across the world. Telling the story of the history and quality of our produce and its importance to Scotland’s economy, like that at Luss Distillery, is a key priority of my government and we will continue to do all we can to support this vital industry.”

The design and experiential concept for Luss Distillery was led by Scottish creative studio Paul Hodgkiss Designs, alongside Diverse Contracts and brand experience agency Hot Pickle, working with a wider team to deliver the construction and realisation of the project. From the earliest stages, the vision was to create a building that belongs to its setting rather than competes with it, drawing inspiration from the natural rhythms of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.

The result is a contemporary distillery that celebrates sustainability, heritage, and community in equal measure.

Luss Distillery will be open daily from 10am to 5pm.

For more information, visit https://lussdistillery.com/

For more information about The Loch Lomond Group, visit www.lochlomondgroup.com

About the Loch Lomond Group

Loch Lomond Group is an independent distiller based in Alexandria, Scotland and is home to many multi-award-winning brands that are sold in more than 125 countries worldwide.

Loch Lomond distillery has been producing the finest single malt whiskies since 1814.

Images and interviews with key staff from the Group are available upon request. www.lochlomondgroup.com

In Whisky Conference

11 March 2026

The Scotch Whisky industry is coming together!

Join us for a full day of insight, discussion, and connection at the

In Whisky Conference 2026.

Whether you’re focused on growth, sustainability, innovation, or leadership, this is the event designed to explore the challenges — and opportunities — shaping the future of whisky.

📅 Wednesday 11 March 2026

📍 DoubleTree by Hilton, Cambridge Street, Glasgow

🎟️ Tickets are on sale now – secure your spot today!

BOOK DELEGATE TICKETS