
Spirit of Speyside Events
This year, we are delighted to unveil our curated series of extraordinary events for the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival. Each occasion is crafted to captivate and enchant, ensuring an experience transcending the ordinary.
The Whisky Safari with Mitch Bechard
May 2nd- 1 2pm - 3 pm
Depart from The Dowans Hotel, drop off at The Highlander Inn
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Starting Point: The Dowans Hotel | Final Stop: The Highlander Inn
Join us in an exclusive three-hour whisky safari combining secret whisky spots, iconic distilleries, and local tales. All through the eyes of a Speyside local. Experience four exceptional drams in unforgettable locations - from hidden riverside haunts to the dramatic Craigellachie Bridge.
Join Mitch Bechard, Speyside's whisky virtuoso and CopperCairn's founder, for an afternoon of discovery through Scotland's whisky paradise. Mitch brings years of globe-trotting whisky wisdom from his time as the Diageo and Glenfiddich Ambassadors and has been honoured as a Keeper of The Quaich.
This isn't just another whisky tour - it's a journey through Speyside guided by someone who has literally taken Scottish whisky to the world and returned home to share its magic. Whether you're a curious newcomer or a seasoned whisky enthusiast, Mitch’s engaging style, insider knowledge, and genuine love for his craft will transform your understanding of Speyside whisky forever.
Your afternoon adventure begins when you will meet Mitch at the historic Dowans Hotel in Aberlour for a warm Scottish welcome and the start of your journey.
First dram - Venture to our secret spot along the River Spey, where Mitch brings tales of Speyside's whisky smugglers and illegal distilling to life with your first dram of the day.
Dram Two - Wind your way to Cardhu Distillery, where you'll savour a carefully selected dram while soaking in panoramic views of the Speyside hills. Learn how this remarkable distillery was founded by Helen Cumming.
Dram Three - Journey to Dufftown, the beating heart of whisky country, where you'll discover some giants of the industry - Glenfiddich and Balvenie and the closed distilleries of Parkmore and Convalmore. Mitch will reveal the fascinating stories of the town's lost distilleries.
The Perfect Shot - Stop at the iconic Craigellachie Bridge for a dram in one of Speyside's most photographed locations. This Thomas Telford masterpiece has watched over whisky's journey through Speyside for centuries.
The Final Dram - Complete your adventure at the world-famous Highlander Inn, where you'll join the locals for a traditional 'half and half' and raise a glass to your Speyside adventure.
Limited to just seven whisky adventurers, this intimate whisky safari ensures you're not just another face in the crowd.
£65 per person includes:
• Four premium single malt tastings at iconic locations.
• Your own CopperCairn Glencairn glass to take home.
• Comfortable transportation.
• A traditional 'half and half' at the Highlander Inn (a dram and a half pint.)
• Stories that'll make you the most interesting person at your next dinner party.
Space is limited to 7 guests - book early to secure your spot on this unique Spirit of Speyside adventure!
Note: While this experience includes stops at distillery locations for photos, storytelling and drams, it does not include internal distillery tours. Instead, we focus on giving you a broader, more authentic perspective of Speyside's whisky landscape.
Barrels and Botanicals: A Whisky Foraging Adventure
Friday, May 2nd , 12 pm – 3 pm
Start – Dowans Hotel
Finish – Mash Tun
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Forage, discover, and drink your way through Speyside! A three-hour adventure combining wild food exploration, bespoke whisky cocktails, and a waterfall walk. Learn which plants make Speyside special while sipping cocktails crafted from your discoveries.
Back by popular demand, this unique Spirit of Speyside experience pairs whisky wisdom with nature's flavours. Join two passionate experts for an adventure that goes beyond the ordinary: Fraser Campbell, CopperCairn's whisky virtuoso (and former Dewar's Global Ambassador), teams up with renowned foraging expert Leanne Townsend for an afternoon of discovery, drinks, and wild delights.
Your Wild Whisky Journey:
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Meet your guides at the historic Dowans Hotel in Aberlour, where your adventure begins.
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First Stop - Follow your expert guides along hidden paths to the spectacular Lynn Falls, where the magic of Speyside's natural larder comes alive.
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Along the Way - Leanne, a leading authority on wild food culture and culinary traditions, will reveal the secrets of Scotland's edible landscape, introducing you to plants that have flavoured local food and drink for centuries.
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The Perfect Pair - Fraser brings these botanical discoveries to life through three specially crafted whisky cocktails, each featuring foraged ingredients from the environment around you. Experience how Speyside's natural flavours complement and enhance its legendary spirits.
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Grand Finale - Complete your adventure at the iconic Mash Tun, where you'll toast to your newfound knowledge of Speyside's wild side.
What Makes This Experience Unique:
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Expert-guided foraging with one of Scotland's leading wild food experts
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Specially created whisky cocktails featuring foraged ingredients
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A blend of natural history, culinary tradition, and whisky expertise
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Stunning views and photo opportunities at Lynn Falls
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An adventure that engages all your senses.
£55 Per person that includes:
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Expert guidance from both whisky and foraging specialists
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Three whisky cocktail tastings featuring foraged ingredients
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A unique perspective on Speyside's natural and spiritual heritage
Important Notes:
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This adventure requires a reasonable level of fitness
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Sturdy, waterproof footwear is essential
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Dress appropriately for the Scottish weather
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Paths may be uneven and muddy in places
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Bring your camera - this tour is incredibly Instagram-worthy!
Meeting Point: The Dowans Hotel, Aberlour (12:00 PM sharp)
Final Stop: The Mash Tun, Aberlour (approximately 3:00 PM)
Limited to 20 adventurous souls - book early to secure your spot on this unique fusion of whisky wisdom and wild Scottish flavours!
Getting to our events:
Stagecoach Bluebird Service 36: This route shuttles between Elgin and Dufftown, making stops in Craigellachie. Buses run approximately every two hours from early morning until early evening, Monday through Saturday. The journey from Elgin to Craigellachie clocks in at about 30 minutes.
Moray Council Service 365: This line connects Dufftown and Keith, with a stop in Craigellachie. However, it's less frequent, so it's wise to check the latest timetable before planning your trip.
Drivers drams are not something that we can provide.
A Speyside Whisky Safari with Fraser Campbell
May 1st- 1 pm - 4 pm
Depart from The Dowans Hotel, drop off at The Highlander Inn
Join us in an exclusive three-hour whisky safari combining secret whisky spots, iconic distilleries, and local tales. All through the eyes of a Speyside native. Experience four exceptional drams in unforgettable locations - from hidden riverside haunts to the dramatic Craigellachie Bridge.
Join Fraser Campbell, Speyside's own whisky virtuoso and CopperCairn's master of ceremonies, for an afternoon of discovery through Scotland's whisky paradise. Born and bred in the Speyside hills, Fraser brings years of globe-trotting whisky wisdom (including his time as Dewar's Global Ambassador) back to where it all began.
This isn't just another whisky tour - it's a journey through Speyside guided by someone who has literally taken Scottish whisky to the world and returned home to share its magic. Whether you're a curious newcomer or a seasoned whisky enthusiast, Fraser's engaging style, insider knowledge, and genuine love for his craft will transform your understanding of Speyside whisky forever.
Your Afternoon Adventure begins when you will meet Fraser at the historic Dowans Hotel in Aberlour for a warm Scottish welcome and the start of your journey.
First dram - Venture to our secret spot along the River Spey, where Fraser brings tales of Speyside's whisky smugglers and illegal distilling to life with your first dram of the day.
Dram Two - Wind your way to Cardhu Distillery, where you'll savour a carefully selected dram while soaking in panoramic views of the Speyside hills. Learn how this remarkable distillery was founded by Helen Cumming.
Dram Three - Journey to Dufftown, the beating heart of whisky country, where you'll discover some giants of the industry - Glenfiddich and Balvenie and the closed distilleries of Parkmore and Convalmore. Fraser will reveal the fascinating stories of the town's lost distilleries.
The Perfect Shot - Stop at the iconic Craigellachie Bridge for a dram in one of Speyside's most photographed locations. This Thomas Telford masterpiece has watched over whisky's journey through Speyside for centuries.
The Final Dram - Complete your adventure at the world-famous Highlander Inn, where you'll join the locals for a traditional 'half and half' and raise a glass to your Speyside adventure.
Limited to just seven whisky adventurers, this intimate whisky safari ensures you're not just another face in the crowd.
£65 per person includes:
-
Four premium single malt tastings at iconic locations.
-
Your own CopperCairn Glencairn glass to take home.
-
Comfortable transportation.
A traditional 'half and half' at the Highlander Inn (a dram and half pint.)
Stories that'll make you the most interesting person at your next dinner party.
Space is limited to 7 guests - book early to secure your spot on this unique Spirit of Speyside adventure!
Note: While this experience includes stops at distillery locations for photos, storytelling and drams, it does not include internal distillery tours. Instead, we focus on giving you a broader, more authentic perspective of Speyside's whisky landscape.
