What’s on this Whisky Month
Our favourite time of year is here! Join us this Whisky Month to celebrate everything Scotch whisky. Read below to explore some of the exciting events that are taking place in May, as well as some great whisky content we will be sharing. Let’s raise a dram to the water of life!
Whisky Activities
Visit a distillery or a whisky festival
Scotland is home to over 150 Scotch whisky distilleries, so what better way to celebrate Whisky Month or World Whisky Day (May 17th) than by planning a visit! We have put together a list of all the distilleries you can visit by train, see the section below. You’ll also see below a list of events a few of our whisky distiller companies are hosting this May too.
The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival
Running from 30 April – 5 May, this annual celebration features 700+ whisky inspired events over six exciting days.
The Grants of Glen Grant at The Spirit of Speyside Festival
Taking centre stage, is a new musical uncovering the family history behind Glen Grant Distillery. The story spans across four generations from the illicit smugglings in the Braes of Glenlivet, to the sale of the distillery in 1978. Discover more here.
Campbeltown Malts Festival
The Campbeltown Malts Festival is taking place from 19th – 24th May. With lots of different events taking place throughout the region, a visit to Campbeltown should definitely be on your list!
From 23rd – 31st May fans of Islay, and her whiskies, gather from across the globe. Islay’s whisky and culture come together in a calendar of celebrations across the island.
A Dram of History Tour & Taste of Scotland Dinner
We’re excited to announce a collaboration this Whisky Month with The Real Mary King’s Close. Guests taking ‘A Dram of History’ tour at the underground close can enjoy a special dining experience at our Amber Restaurant, featuring our Taste of Scotland menu.
Taking place on 2nd, 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th, 23rd, 24th and 31st May, this package, includes an exclusive guided tour of The Real Mary King’s Close followed by an underground whisky tasting. Before or after the tour, visitors can indulge in our Taste of Scotland tasting menu, complete with a dessert paired with a dram.
Shop Samplings
We have a busy month ahead in our Whisky & Gift Shop. Pop in and enjoy a sampling from one of Scotland’s distillers and discover more about their range. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover new favourites and sample expressions you may not find elsewhere. Here’s what’s coming up:
Thursday 1st May: Bladnoch Distillery Ltd.
Friday 2nd May: Ardnamurchan Distillery
Saturday 3rd May: Elixir Distillers
Sunday 4th May: Hemisphere Brands Ltd.
Thursday 8th May: Glen Turner
Friday 9th May: Ballindalloch Distillery
Saturday 10th May: International Beverage
Thursday 15th May: Gleann Mòr Spirits Co. Ltd.
Friday 16th May: Woven Whisky
Saturday 17th May: Angus Dundee Distillers PLC
Friday 23rd May: The Clydeside Distillery
Saturday 24th May: Elixir Distillers
Thursday 29th May: Speyside Distillers Co. Ltd.
Distilleries to Visit by Train Blog
If you’ve always wanted to visit a whisky distillery, or add more to your bucket list, then our team have narrowed down a list of distilleries you can get to by train exploring the Lowlands, Highlands and Speyside. Whisky month is the ideal time to visit! The country’s railway lines are home to some incredible views, so get ready to immerse yourself in the Scottish landscapes as you begin your journey.
Part 1: Departing from Edinburgh Waverley
Where to enjoy a dram at SWE
Our Amber Whisky Bar features an impressive selection of over 500 Scotch whiskies. From well-known favourites to hidden gems, our whisky advisors are always on hand to help you find the perfect dram.
The Diageo Claive Vidiz Scotch Whisky Collection
If you have booked one of our tours, you will enter The Diageo Claive Vidiz Scotch Whisky Collection, a magical room filled with 3,384 bottles of unopened Scotch Whisky. An experience not to miss – you’ll learn about the five stages in appreciating whisky with a dram in hand.
At the end of each tour, you will be guided to our McIntyre Gallery Bar where you can catch a glimpse over the rooftops of Edinburgh. For those on the Gold or Platinum tour, you’ll be taken on a tutored tasting from one of our experienced guides.
Planning a private celebration or corporate event? We offer a range of rooms for hire in the ideal setting. One of our favourites is The Castlehill Room, which features a beautiful stain glass window and cosy fireplace.
Whether you’re discovering a new dram, exploring Scotland by rail, or diving into our country’s rich whisky heritage, we hope you have a fantastic Whisky Month.
Slàinte mhath!
News and events from our whisky distiller companies
Glasgow Distillery
Glasgow Distillery are holding a number of key events throughout the month, up and down the country:
- Friday 2nd May – Glasgow 1770 Whisky Tasting at Uile-bheist Distillery in Inverness
- Thursday 8th May – Glasgow 1770 Whisky Tasting at Grain & Glass in Birmingham
- Saturday 17th May – Glasgow 1770 Whisky Tasting at Malo Wine Bar in Glasgow with new product launch
- Sunday 18th May – A festival known as ‘The Whisky Event’ in London
- Saturday 31st May – Whisky An’ A’ That Festival in Ayr, hosted by Robbie’s Drams
Raasay Distillery
- 8 – 10th May – Partnering with Skye Live Festival which celebrates it’s 10th year, Isle of Raasay Distillery is the official festival partner and have created a limited edition whisky especially for the occasion, which also coincides with Raasay’s decade long journey from blueprint to bottle. The whisky – a playful twist on The Draam, Raasay’s signature single malt is now available to pre-order.
Blair Athol Distillery
- If you’re lucky enough to be visiting on 14th May, exclusive warehouse access will be given to all tours to celebrate world whisky day. There will be live music from Hugh Barbour from 1.30pm – 4.30pm and a Korean street food truck.
- 30th May – From 6pm – 9pm, enjoy music from Tilt band while enjoying some food served from Wild Kitchen by Delivino food truck.
Glenkinchie Distillery
- Launching on World Whisky Day, 17th May is Glenkinchie Flight Club. Flight Club involves a tutored tasting of five stunning whiskies with nibbles. More info here.
Talisker Distillery
- 21st – 26th May – Talisker Island Awakening – There will be various special experiences and tastings to celebrate the arrival of Spring on Skye.
Make sure you check back here for more events coming soon.