Gordon Castle near Fochabers in Scotland has announced that it will open its doors to festival goers during the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival this year.
The castle played an important role in the legalisation of Scotland's whisky production in 1823. The fifth Duke of Gordon, who lived in the castle, was instrumental in legalising whisky distilling in the Highlands of Scotland.
The castle will celebrate this, and Speyside’s whisky heritage, by putting on a number of whisky and dining experiences throughout the five day event for visitors.
Exclusive dining experiences
The castle is normally closed to the public, but as part of the Spirit of Speyside programme, it will provide whisky fans with the chance to attend several exclusive dining experiences inside.
On 29th April, visitors can enjoy what’s been termed ‘a dram fine dinner’, which is a four course whisky and food pairing dinner.
Groups who’d like an extended version of this dinner can attend a second dining experience on 30th April. Diners will be able to learn about Gordon Castle's contribution to the whisky industry whilst enjoying a four course dinner paired with wine and local whiskies.
Also on 30th April, groups can enjoy a whisky breakfast that will take place inside Gordon Castle's walled garden café.
Guests will be treated to a traditional Scottish breakfast paired with whisky by international malt whisky nosing champion, Vic Cameron.
Cider sampling and a game lunch
Groups can also opt in to enjoy afternoon tea on 1st May, during which they’ll get to sample Gordon Castle's own whisky cask cider.
A whisky and game lunch on 2nd May will complete the programme of events at the festival.
Both the afternoon tea and the game lunch will be taking place in the walled garden café.
More about the whisky festival
The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival will run between 28th April and 2nd May, and is in its 17th year.
Events will be taking place in a multitude of venues throughout the region, from Aviemore in the south, following the River Spey to central Speyside, to the historic towns in the coastal north.
The festival delivers a programme of over 400 events, including exclusive distillery tours, tutored tastings, talks, whisky auctions and fairs, outdoor adventures by foot, canoe or argocat, traditional ceilidhs, fine dining dinners, live music and crafts.
For further information visit www.spiritofspeyside.com.
