Braemar Whisky Festival

The Highland village of Braemar, nestled in the heart of Royal Deeside and the Cairngorm National Park, is set to host the inaugural Braemar Whisky Festival. This event will celebrate Scotland’s rich whisky heritage, focusing on giving back to the local community. Scheduled for a weekend of exceptional tastings, expert-led discussions, and community-driven events, the festival promises to become a fixture in the whisky calendar.

The Braemar Whisky Festival is a collaborative effort of GD Spirits' co-directors, Julia Hall and Ann Medlock, and has attracted a lineup of whisky legends, both past and present. With its storied history and royal connections, Braemar’s long-standing cultural heritage makes it the perfect setting to honour Scotland’s national drink. Attendees will have the rare opportunity to taste some of the finest and rarest Scotch whiskies while contributing to the preservation of Braemar's local culture and heritage.

The festival kicks off with an exclusive dinner hosted by industry legend David C Stewart MBE, who will present a remarkable range of The Balvenie. A Speyside luminary, Stewart has dedicated over fifty years to perfecting the craft, making his presence at the festival a true highlight.

On Saturday evening, whisky connoisseurs will be treated to a special dinner hosted by Billy Walker, the iconic Master Blender of GlenAllachie. Known for his mastery of both spirit and wood, Walker will offer a GlenAllachie-inspired whisky cocktail, setting the stage for a night of rare whiskies and unmatched expertise.

Another festival highlight will be Peter Prentice’s Royal Salute tasting event at Braemar Castle. As director of Pernod Ricard and an intrepid whisky ambassador, Prentice will present Royal Salute expressions ranging from 30 to 50 years old. Attendees will journey through the exceptional craftsmanship and tradition behind these revered whiskies.

At the centre of the Braemar Whisky Festival is St Margaret's Church, a key gathering place for festival-goers. On Saturday, St Margaret’s will host a vibrant program, including tastings of Bacardi’s core range of Aberfeldy, Craigellachie, Glen Deveron, Aultmore, and Dewar’s, the most awarded blended Scotch whisky in history. Visitors can also sample whiskies from Fettercairn and independent bottler, The Strong Water Co., ensuring that enthusiasts from all walks of life will discover something new to enjoy.

With live music filling the hall and a cash bar serving up festival favourites, St Margaret’s will also feature engaging Q&A sessions with leading figures from the whisky industry. These interactive discussions are designed to educate both newcomers and connoisseurs, bringing the Braemar community together in celebration of its shared passion for whisky.

For the adventurous, the festival offers a once-in-a-lifetime trek through the hills above Braemar, led by renowned whisky expert Alan Winchester. Organised in partnership with Sandgrouse Expeditions and Travel, this experience will take guests on a journey to discover the hidden, illicit whisky stills of the past, complete with Highland ponies and breathtaking views of the Scottish Highlands.

Co-founder of of GD Spirits and the Braemar Whisky Festival, Julia Hall states, ‘We want to create something truly unique with the festival, blending the expertise of whisky legends with a welcoming experience for everyone, from seasoned connoisseurs to newcomers. Whisky is about bringing people together, and we want the festival to reflect that spirit. It’s not just about showcasing rare bottles and revered names – it's about sharing those stories and traditions with a wider audience. Plus, giving back to the Braemar community, was at the heart of what we want to achieve.’