festival archives: spring 2008; autumn 2007; spring 2007; autumn 2006; spring 2006

Dufftown

The Malt Whisky Capital of Scotland

Autumn Speyside Whisky Festival 2008 Programme

THURSDAY 25th September 2008

10:00 (All Day) – Whisky Auction Preview @ The Whisky Shop (Free): A chance to see many of the bottles going into the auction on Sunday. Just pop in at any time. No limit

10.00 (2hrs) - Speyside Cooperage Tour @ Speyside Cooperage (GBP13.50) Specially arranged for the Festival, an exclusive tour of this unique 5 Star Visitor Attraction ending with the firing of the barrel. (Provide your own transport)

13.00 (2hrs) - Speyside Cooperage Tour @ Speyside Cooperage (GBP13.50) Specially arranged for the Festival, an exclusive tour of this unique 5 Star Visitor Attraction ending with the firing of the barrel. (Provide your own transport)

17:00 (1hr 30 min) – The 7 stills of Dufftown with Steve Oliver @ The Whisky Museum (GBP 15): Local whisky enthusiast Steve Oliver brings us this event which has become a bit of a tradition on the day before the first official day of the festival. Steve will guide you around seven offerings from the whisky capital of Scotland (if not the world!). Not to be missed for those who arrive early to the festival ~ or an excuse to get here early?

20:00 (2 hrs) - Whisky Quiz Evening @ The Whisky Museum (GBP 10): Have I Got Whisky News for You? Whisky Question Time. Panels of whisky experts and festival regulars pit their whisky knowledge against each other. There will also be the chance to ask the panel questions of the issues affecting the whisky industry. Quizzes for the audience with prizes. Drams included. Stovies will be available for a small charge.

FRIDAY 26th September 2008

09.00 (4hrs) - The Whisky Smugglers Experience (GBP30) Bus leaves from The Square. Join us on an exploration of the Braes of Glenlivet by Land Rover - home of the illicit whisky distillers and smugglers of the late 18th century. Starts and finishes at Dufftown.

09.30 (3¾hrs) - Glenrothes & Macallan Distillery (GBP28) Bus leaves from Whisky Shop.The tour will visit the Glenrothes Distillery, home of Cutty Sark, followed by a visit to Macallan for their Most Precious Connoisseurs Tour. (Max 10)

10.00 (1hr 30mins) Mortlach Distillery Tour @ Mortlach Distillery Dufftown (GBP10) This is a rare opportunity to visit the Mortlach Distillery, one of Diageo's best-loved distilleries.

10.00 (3hrs) The Balvenie Tour @ Glenfiddich Visitor Centre (GBP25) Includes a visit to the Balvenie Maltings.

10:00 (All Day) – Whisky Auction Preview @ The Whisky Shop (Free): A chance to see many of the bottles going into the auction on Sunday. Just pop in at any time. No limit

10.00 (2hrs) - Speyside Cooperage Tour @ Speyside Cooperage (GBP13.50) Specially arranged for the Festival, an exclusive tour of this unique 5 Star Visitor Attraction ending with the firing of the barrel. (Provide your own transport)

10:30 (All day til 16.30) - Benromach Tasting @ The Whisky Shop(Free): An open tasting of various bottlings of Benromach. Just drop in. No limit.

10.30 (3hrs) - Glenfiddich Manager's Tour @ Glenfiddich Distillery (GBP20) A unique opportunity to tour the Glenfiddich Complex in the company of Richard Cotton, William Grant's Distillery Manager, to see behind the scenes.

11:30 (1hr) – Glenfarclas Masterclass with Robert Ransom @ The Whisky Museum (GBP15): Robert will take you through some of the fabulous whiskies from this icon family owned distillery.

13:00 (2hrs) – The Whisky Kitchen - Cooking with Whisky @ The Whisky Museum (GBP 15): Spirit of Speyside award winning chef Graham Harvey prepares three of his fabulous dishes which include whisky in their recipe. Mike Lord of The Whisky Shop Dufftown will talk about the whiskies used and the flavor combinations. Max 32.

13.30( 5hrs 30mins ) - Knockdhu Distillery & Duncan Taylor (GBP25) Bus leaves from Whisky Shop. Visit the Knockdhu Distillery, home of An Cnoc, followed by a visit to Duncan Taylor of Huntly and Euan Shand's new Distillery project. (Max 15)

14.00 (4hrs) - The Whisky Smugglers Experience (GBP30) Bus leaves from The Square. Join us on an exploration of the Braes of Glenlivet by Land Rover - home of the illicit whisky distillers and smugglers of the late 18th century. Starts and finishes at Dufftown.

15.30 (1hr 30mins) – Whyte & Mackay Masterclass with Steven McConnachie @ The Whisky Museum (GBP 15): Steven will take you through a selection of the whiskies available from this long-standing whisky company.

16.30 (5hrs) - Glenfiddich Connoisseurs Tour & Dinner @ Glenfiddich Distillery (GBP70) An in depth distillery tour and nosing, followed by a dinner in the Robbie Dhu Centre.

17:30 (1hr 30mins) –Douglas Laing Masterclass with Jan Beckers @ The Whisky Museum (GBP 15): Jan Beckers is the new Malt Ambassador for Douglas Laing. He will take you through a selection of DL’s latest bottling. The press release on Jan from DL said , “ he stands 6 foot 2 inches high with shoulders like an ox. He has a shock of red hair with a red beard that makes him look more like Rob Roy McGregor and certainly he looks more the perfect Scotsman…”. Can you miss this? Jan is an old friend of Dufftown and it is good to see him back. Max 32.

19.30 - Festival Opening Party @ The Square. Everyone is welcome to join us in the Square, when our guest speaker, George Grant, the 6th generation of the family, who own Glenfarclas, will officially open this autumn's festival.Free drams (courtesy of J & G. Grant) and fireworks.

20.00~ 23.00 - Stramash Evening @ The Memorial Hall. (GBP6) Musicians from the Speyside area will entertain you with music and songs. A nice relaxing evening's entertainment which includes food and a licensed bar.

SATURDAY 27th September 2007

09.15 (4hrs 30mins) - Tamdhu & Glen Moray Distilleries. (GBP26) Bus leaves from Whisky Shop. Visit Tamdhu and the Saladin Box Malting (not normally open to the public) followed by the 5th Chapter Tour & Tasting at Glen Moray Distillery.

10.00 (30mins) The Healthy Breakfast Club @ Whisky Museum (GBP3.50) If you’d like to know what makes a good breakfast, join our Healthy Breakfast Club on Saturday and Sunday at 10am. You’ll get the perfect breakfast, along with nutrition advice on how best to look after your body and feed it well, to ensure you have plenty of energy and vitality and maintain a healthy weight. Run by Independent Herbalife Distributors, Joanne & Gavin Allday.

10.00 ~ 16.00 - Craft Fayre @ The Memorial Hall (Free) Stalls this year include jewellery, wood crafts, art and painting, card crafts, home cooked foods, embroidery, enamelled jewellery, hand painted gifts, wooden toys, water colours, stationary & greeting cards, wildlife display and wood turning. Outside the hall in the car park there will be a continuous display of barrel making by a Glenfiddich Cooper. Teas, soup & sandwiches etc available in the back hall at a charge.

10.00 (4hrs) - History of Glenfiddich Connoisseurs Tour (GBP25) @ Glenfiddich Distillery. An in depth tour of Glenfiddich including the history of how the distillery came to be. As well as a detailed talk through the distillery and tutored nosing, the tour will include a presentation and visits to some of the key sites in Dufftown that form our history.We will describe how William Grant fulfilled his vision: "to create the best dram in the Valley."

10:00 ( All day) – Whisky Auction Preview @ The Whisky Shop (Free): A chance to see many of the bottles going into the auction on Sunday. Just pop in at any time. No limit

10:30 (til 16.30) – Inver House Tasting @ The Whisky Shop (Free): An open tasting of various bottlings from Inver House. Just drop in. No limit.

11.25 (1hr 30mins) - Keith & Dufftown Heritage Railway@ Dufftown Station GBP9.50) All aboard for a spectacular journey on the Malt Whisky Line - 11 miles for beautiful countryside. A wee dram and shortbread is included in the price during the festival.

11.25 (4hrs) - Take the Train to Strathisla Distillery (GBP28) Leaves from Dufftown. Travel with the Keith & Dufftown Railway to Keith for a Tour of Strathisla Distillery and Masterclass with Chivas Brand Ambassador Ann Miller.

11:30 (1hr 30mins) – Tasting Masterclass to be confirmed @ The Whisky Museum (GBP 15): TBC

12.00 (5hrs) - The Seven Hills Bus Tour (GBP20) Bus leaves from Whisky Shop. A unique opportunity to visit all of Dufftown's distilleries, guided by Gordon Haughton of Dufftown 2000 Ltd. and Richard Cotton from Wm. Grant.

12.15 (1hr 30mins )- Keith & Dufftown Heritage Railway @ Keith Station GBP9.50) All aboard for a spectacular journey on the Malt Whisky Line - 11 miles for beautiful countryside. A wee dram and shortbread is included in the price during the festival.

13:30 (1hr 30mins) – Whisky and Salmon with Mike Lord @ The Whisky Museum (GBP 15): This has been a favourite at past festivals. Mike will be curing salmon in various whiskies and then take you through the various combinations he has devised. Max 32.

13.40 (5hrs) - Auchroisk & Glen Moray Distilleries.(GBP26) Bus leaves from Whisky Shop. Visit the Auchroisk Distillery, home of the original 'Singleton, followed by a tour and vertical nosing and tasting at Glen Grant Distillery.(Max 16)

14.00 (1hr 30mins) - Keith & Dufftown Heritage Railway@ Dufftown Station GBP9.50) All aboard for a spectacular journey on the Malt Whisky Line - 11 miles for beautiful countryside. A wee dram and shortbread is included in the price during the festival

14.50 (1hr 30mins )- Keith & Dufftown Heritage Railway @ Keith Station GBP9.50) All aboard for a spectacular journey on the Malt Whisky Line - 11 miles for beautiful countryside. A wee dram and shortbread is included in the price during the festival.

15.30 (1hr 30mins) - Whisky Masterclass (GBP15) @ Whisky Museum . Details available from Whisky Shop

15.50 (1hr 30mins) - Keith & Dufftown Heritage Railway@ Dufftown Station GBP9.50) All aboard for a spectacular journey on the Malt Whisky Line - 11 miles for beautiful countryside. A wee dram and shortbread is included in the price during the festival.

16.30 (6hrs 30mins) - The Balvenie Tour and Dinner (GBP75) @ Glenfiddich Distillery. An in depth tour, followed by a tasting and Scottish themed dinner at the Robbie Dhu Centre.

16.40(1hr 30mins )- Keith & Dufftown Heritage Railway @ Keith Station GBP9.50) All aboard for a spectacular journey on the Malt Whisky Line - 11 miles for beautiful countryside. A wee dram and shortbread is included in the price during the festival.

17:30 (1hr 30mins) – Tasting Masterclass with Susan Webster of A D Rattray @ The Whisky Museum (GBP 15): Susan will delight you with the latest offerings from this first rate independent bottler. Max 32.

19.00 for 19.30 - Tannochbrae Gala Dinner @ Tannochbrae Restaurant, Fife Street. GBP48. More details to follow or contact Alan & Susie on 01340 820541 or email: info@tannochbrae.co.uk

19.00 for 19.30 - A Taste of Speyside Festival Dinner @ A Taste of Speyside Restaurant, Balvenie Street.(GBP45) More details to follow or contact Sandy & Carol on 01340 820860 or email: asmart97@aol.com

20:00 (2hrs) – Beer Festival @ The Whisky Museum (GBP 12): The Whisky Shop Dufftown specialises in Scottish beer and ales. With over 40 or so in stock this is your chance to try a few. A great chance to get in to Scottish beer. Food will be available.

SUNDAY 28th September 2008

09.00(4hrs 30mins) - Guided Flora & Fauna Walk to Dufftown GBP20) Bus leaves from Whisky Shop.Join David Newland on a Flora and Fauna wildlife walk from Jock's Hill, Glenrinnes to Dufftown. Lunch at La Faisanderie Restaurant is included as well a dram or 2 along the way. . (Max 15)

09.30 (approx 5hrs 20mins) - Tomintoul Distillery and Whisky Castle (GBP27) Bus leaves from Whisky Shop. Guided tour of Tomintoul Distillery, The Whisky Castle, followed by lunch at the Clockhouse Restaurant. (Max 15)

10.30 (4hrs 30mins) - The Balvenie Tour and Lunch (GBP45) @ Glenfiddich Distillery. An in depth tour, followed by a tasting and Scottish themed lunch at the Robbie Dhu Centre.

11.00 (1hr) - Free Skincare Demonstration @ Whisky Museum. Learn how to look after your skin to protect against ageing, pollution, stress, whisky festivals etc.?

12.30 (1hr) Open Air Highland Dancing Display - Church Street. (Free) A wonderful display of highland dancing by local youngsters accompanied by the pipes. Be sure to bring a camera! If raining display will be in Commercial Hotel Hall.

13:30 (1hr 30mins) – Gavin D Smith Indie Racing Tour @ The Whisky Museum (GBP 15): Prolific whisky writer and expert Gavin Smith will take you through a selection from the Independent Bottlers not represented at the festival.

13.40 (3hrs 20mins) -The Aberlour Experience (GBP18) Bus leaves from Whisky Shop. Visit the Aberlour Distillery - probably the best value tour and masterclass on Speyside. (Max 16)

14.00 (4hrs) - History of Glenfiddich Connoisseurs Tour (GBP25) @ Glenfiddich Distillery. An in depth tour of Glenfiddich including the history of how the distillery came to be. As well as a detailed talk through the distillery and tutored nosing, the tour will include a presentation and visits to some of the key sites in Dufftown that form our history.We will describe how William Grant fulfilled his vision: "to create the best dram in the Valley."

15.00 - Whisky Auction @ British Legion Hall. (Free) A large range of whiskies and whisky memorabilia will go under the hammer at what has become an annual event at the Autumn Festival. A chance to add one or two rare bottlings to your collection maybe! (Contact The Whisky Shop Dufftown - 01340 821097 with regards to any entries you want to submit or any bids you wish to leave). No limit.

15:30 (1hr 30mins) – Whisky and Cheese combination tasting with Mike Lord @ The Whisky Museum (GBP 15): This is a sensational combination. Mike will take you through various whisky and cheese combinations, some selected by the British Cheese Board and some of his own. This is always a winner. Max 32.

15.50 (1hr 30mins) - Keith & Dufftown Heritage Railway@ Dufftown Station GBP9.50) All aboard for a spectacular journey on the Malt Whisky Line - 11 miles for beautiful countryside. A wee dram and shortbread is included in the price during the festival.

16.40(1hr 30mins) - Keith & Dufftown Heritage Railway @ Keith Station GBP9.50) All aboard for a spectacular journey on the Malt Whisky Line - 11 miles for beautiful countryside. A wee dram and shortbread is included in the price during the festival.

17:30 (1hr 30mins) – Duncan Taylor Masterclass @ The Whisky Museum (GBP 15): We will take you through some of the latest bottling from the extensive range of whiskies available from this award winning Independent Bottler. Max 32.

20:00 (2hrs) – Robin Laing @ The Whisky Museum (GBP 15): Singer, song writer, whisky expert, raconteur – is there no end to this man’s talents? A fun evening of whisky and song. What could be better? Max 32.

MONDAY 29th September 2008

09.00(4hrs) - The Whisky Smugglers Experience (GBP30) Bus leaves from The Square. Join us on an exploration of the Braes of Glenlivet by Land Rover - home of the illicit whisky distillers and smugglers of the late 18th century. Starts and finishes at Dufftown.

09.00 (4½hrs) - Cragganmore & Glenfarclas Distilleries (GBP30) Bus leaves from Whisky Shop. Visit Cragganmore Distillery prior to a tour and masterclass at the Glenfarclas Distillery.

10.00 (1hr 30mins) - Dufftown Distillery @ Dufftown Distillery (GBP8) This is a rare opportunity to visit the Dufftown Distillery, the heart of Bells Whisky.

10.00 (3hrs) The Balvenie Tour @ Glenfiddich Visitor Centre (GBP25) Includes a visit to the Balvenie Maltings.

10.15 (3hrs 45mins) - Glenfiddich Connoisseurs Tour & Lunch @ Glenfiddich Distillery (GBP40) An in depth distillery tour and nosing, followed by a lunch in the Robbie Dhu Centre.

11.00 (2hrs) - Glenfarclas Tour & Masterclass (GBP18) Enjoy a tour and Glenfarclas Masterclass with George Grant, the 6th generation of the family, who own Glenfarclas. (Provide your own transport)

13:30 (1hr 30mins) – Prize Winning Whiskies Masterclass with Per Løvlie @ The Whisky Museum (GBP 15): Whisky expert Per will guide you through some of the recent prize winning whiskies including a selection from the winners of this Spring’s Spirit of Speyside competition. Max 32.

13.55 (4hrs) - Mortlach & The Grouse Inn (GBP29) Bus leaves from Whisky Shop. Visit the Mortlach Distillery before travelling to the Grouse Inn for a nosing and tasting followed by the Grouse Inn's legendary High Tea.

14.00 (3hrs) The Balvenie Tour @ Glenfiddich Visitor Centre (GBP25) Includes a visit to the Balvenie Maltings.

15:30 (1hr 30mins) –Coopers Choice Masterclass @ The Whisky Museum (GBP 15): First time at the festival. This selective independent bottler mainly focuses on the overseas market but has a growing following in the UK. This is a fabulous opportunity to try some of their latest bottling. Max 32.

17:30 (1hr 30mins) – Tasting Masterclass with Alex Bruce of Adelphi @ The Whisky Museum (GBP 15): What better way to end the Masterclass programme than with this ever excellent independent bottler. Always a fabulous range of whiskies, Alex will take you through his pick. Not to be missed. Max 32.

20:00 (2hrs) – The Dregs Party @ The Whisky Museum (GBP 10 including whisky glass): Tradition or curse? This is the end of the festival party but also this year we will be marking the end of The Whisky Museum. We are still looking for a new location for the museum but at the moment it is likely that we will lose this unique asset for some time. Max 80

Produced by Dufftown 2000 Ltd