The picturesque village of Braemar, located in the heart of Royal Deeside and the Cairngorm National Park, is gearing up to host its inaugural whisky festival on 25th and 26th October. The Braemar Whisky Festival aims to honour Scotland’s rich whisky heritage while also emphasising the importance of giving back to the local community.
Organised by Julia Hall and Ann Medlock of GD Spirits, the festival features a stellar lineup of whisky experts and legends. Given Braemar’s cultural significance and royal connections, the event promises to be a significant addition to Scotland’s whisky calendar, offering attendees the chance to sample some of the finest Scotch whiskies while supporting the preservation of the village’s cultural heritage.
Kicking off on Friday, 25th October, the festival will feature an exclusive dinner at the Fog House of the Fife Arms. Renowned industry figure David C Stewart MBE will lead the evening, presenting an exquisite range of The Balvenie. Stewart, a luminary from Speyside with over fifty years of experience, is expected to draw whisky enthusiasts eager to learn from his vast expertise.
The following day, Saturday 26th October, will showcase another highlight dinner hosted by iconic Master Blender Billy Walker from GlenAllachie. Walker, known for his exceptional skills in crafting spirits, will present a unique GlenAllachie-inspired whisky cocktail to set the stage for an evening filled with rare whiskies and insightful discussions.
A standout event of the festival will be Peter Prentice’s Royal Salute tasting at the historic Braemar Castle. As the director of Pernod Ricard and a notable whisky ambassador, Prentice will guide guests through expressions of Royal Salute aged from 30 to 50 years. This experience will delve into the craftsmanship and tradition behind these esteemed whiskies, enriching attendees’ appreciation of the spirit.
St Margaret’s Church will serve as the heart of the festival on Saturday, featuring an engaging programme including tastings of Bacardi’s core whisky range, which encompasses brands like Aberfeldy and Craigellachie. The church will also highlight whiskies from Fettercairn and independent bottler The Strong Water Co. With live music and a cash bar featuring festival favourites, this gathering is expected to unite whisky lovers from all backgrounds.
In addition to tastings, the festival will host interactive Q&A sessions with industry experts, aiming to educate both seasoned connoisseurs and newcomers about the art of whisky-making and the rich stories behind each bottle.
For those seeking adventure, the festival offers a guided trek through the hills above Braemar, led by whisky expert Alan Winchester in collaboration with Sandgrouse Expeditions and Travel. This experience will lead participants to discover historical illicit whisky stills, complemented by stunning Highland views and the companionship of Highland ponies.
Co-founder Julia Hall emphasised the festival’s mission to create a unique experience. “We want to blend the expertise of whisky legends with a welcoming atmosphere for everyone. Whisky is about community, and this festival aims to reflect that spirit while giving back to Braemar,” she said.
With its combination of tasting, education, and community engagement, the Braemar Whisky Festival promises to be a memorable celebration of Scotland’s beloved national drink.
For more information, visit www.candacraig.com and www.turincastle.com.
