A new gin festival will debut in Scotland this summer in the heart of the country’s malt whisky-producing region.

Gordan Castle Walled Garden

The Spirit of Speyside: The Gin Experience festival will take place at Gordan Castle Walled Garden.

The festival, The Spirit of Speyside: The Gin Experience will take place between 12th and 14th July and will offer visitors the opportunity to taste gin and meet producers.

What to expect from the festival

The Spirit of Speyside: The Gin Experience will take place at different venues across the region and will include a flagship event on 13th July at the historic Gordan Walled Garden in Fochabers, which produces it own line of gin. 

The festival will offer guests the chance to enjoy locally produced gins, sample produce and meet the makers. Avva, Caorunn, El-gin, Gordon Castle and Red Door, are among the brands that will be serving up drinks and cocktails, with music and masterclasses to be revealed at a later date.

The festival has be created as the team behind the Spirit of Speyside recognised the area’s rapidly growing gin industry and the popularity of the spirit.

While it’s traditionally known as the malt whisky capital of the world, Speyside has reportedly seen a significant upsurge in gin production in recent years, with 13 new brands setting up in the local area.

Festival chairman James Campbell commented: “We have been running the internationally acclaimed Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival for 20 years – and more recently the food and drink event Spirit of Speyside: Distilled - so visitors know the quality of our events and that they will be in for something very special.

“We anticipate that in the early years the event will attract a relatively local audience, but we hope that one day The Gin Experience will grow to be every bit as popular as our flagship event.

Tickets for The Spirit of Speyside: The Gin Experience are now on sale. Transport options are available for an additional charge but places are limited.

Looking for something else to do in the area?

If you want to continue on a beverage themed trip, head to a Speyside Distillery such as Aberloch Distillery, Ballindalloch Distillery and Glen Grant Distillery. There are plenty of distilleries locally, many of which offer tours too.

Or enjoy a number of attractions and activities such as Ballindallich Castle for those who want to add a touch of histroy to their trip, or canoeing for those who seek adventure.

For more information, visit www.speysideginexperience.com.