Chivas Brothers played a major part in the Festival again in 2010 with a varied programme focussing on The Glenlivet and Aberlour Distilleries.

At the Opening Dinner Aberlour Distillery Manager Stuart Pirie was thrilled to walk away with not one but two Awards for the Aberlour range. Aberlour 10 year old and Aberlour 16 year old were both selected as winners in their age groups by Festival goers this year. The Glenlivet XXV was runner up in the 21 year old and over category.

The Festival provided an opportunity to tour The Glenlivet Distillery with Alan Winchester, the new Master Distiller on Friday morning and Saturday afternoon. He was delighted to explain the integration of the latest innovations in distilling science with the traditional skills which have established the enduring reputation of The Glenlivet. The tour led to a Masterclass with whisky writer Dave Broom and Ian Logan, International Brand Ambassador to celebrate the single malt that started it all – they conducted an expert tutored nosing of the elegant, mellow malt whiskies from The Glenlivet. The nosing included award winning expressions of the single malt from this iconic distillery as well as some cask strength samples not normally available.

The Crown Estate Ranger led an easy 6km short walk along the Smugglers’ Trail following the River Livet to Drumin Castle in the footsteps of George Smith on Friday afternoon which starts and finishes at The Glenlivet Distillery. Next day visitors had the opportunity to participate in the longer 11km walk along the Malcolm Gillespie Smuggler’s Trail to Cairn Daimh and the site of the original distillery led by Alan Winchester and Rangers from the Crown Estate.  This trail also starts and finishes at The Glenlivet Distillery.

Whisky writer, David Wishart hosted a talk on the “Heritage of Whisky” with drams on Saturday morning and afterwards he signed copies of his books.  Distillery Manager Hamish Proctor ran the Sma’ Still soon after midday beside the Visitor Centre. Visitors were able to see it in action and taste the spirit produced at this free event. Distillery tours at The Glenlivet are free of charge and continued to run throughout the Festival.

Established favourite, the Aberlour Whisky Dinner, created by Martine Nouet, French whisky enthusiast and gastronomy expert took place on Friday 30th April. This 10th anniversary event brought together some of the best dishes from previous dinners, each with a refreshing new twist. Distillery Manager Stuart Pirie hosted the dinner with Martine.

There were three opportunities to enjoy the new Founder’s Tour at Aberlour which includes nosing of samples at different stages of production, a tutored tasting which matches different expressions to delicious chocolates and more. This is in addition to the normal distillery tours and tastings which can be booked at the Visitor Centre.

Chivas Brothers’ 2011 programme should be on the official Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival website, http://www.spiritofspeyside.com/ when it goes live, hopefully by the end of the year. Tickets can be reserved using the secure online booking system.  The website shows details of transport arrangements, including information about bus services between events and of the taxi voucher scheme.

If you have any enquiries please contact festival@chivas.com and we will try to answer you promptly.