The programme includes: ¯ A Gala opening ceremony, where guests can make the final decision in the 'Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards', followed by a luxurious buffet and ceilidh. ¯ Chivas Brothers are hosting a variety of events including guided tours, nosing and tasting sessions. Festival goers have the opportunity to purchase their own personalised hand-filled bottle from a single case selection at Aberlour Distillery - a chance many whisky lovers would love to grab with both hands! ¯ Gordon and MacPhail offer the opportunity to discover the complexities of single and vatted malts, blended and deluxe whiskies covering the Highland, Lowland, Speyside and Islay whisky producing regions. Taste the difference. ¯ There are several opportunities to meet the 'greats' of the whisky world such as whisky writer Dr. David Wishart author of Whisky Classified and Michael Jackson, who will be signing his new book. ¯ Luxury mini bus tours and on-foot tours around some of Speyside's lesser known distilleries, where you can discover the secrets of the water of life and sample one or two of those secrets as well. ¯ The Whisky Museum is hosting a number of talks, including nosing and tasting sessions, throughout the Festival. ¯ Whilst appreciating the scenery, enjoy a dram of a Speyside Malt, a slice of whisky cake and a journey into the whisky heartland on the Keith and Dufftown Railway. ¯ To get your day off to a great start enjoy a whisky Brunch at Glenfarclas Distillery. For that something different hows about a dash of Glenfarclas 105 in your porridge?

The festival has events taking place all over the Speyside area and includes some of the world famous names in whisky such as Chivas, Glenfarclas, Glenfiddich and many more. But the whisky doesn't stop flowing there - the festival spirit spills over to the local hotels and bars with many restaurants offering whisky themed meals:

¯ Aberlour Whisky Dinner and Tasting, - A whisky themed dinner created by French gastronomy expert Martine Nouet, to complement a selection of Aberlour malts, with nosing and demonstrations throughout the evening. ¯ Special Festival Lunch at Johnstons Cashmere Visitor Centre, Elgin - Indulge in a 3 course whisky inspired lunch in the relaxing atmosphere of the coffee shop, whilst being entertained by local musicians. Further indulge in a tour to see how the natural raw material is converted to luxury finished products and browse through the delightful shop. ¯ Special Festival Menu, at the Cluny Bank Hotel in Forres, will offer festival goers as well as locals a very special selection of dishes to celebrate Scotland's whisky festival, the whisky themed evenings will be hosted by Dr David Wishart, author of "Whisky Classified". ¯ The Minmore House Hotel in Glenlivet, will be hosting a mouth-watering gourmet dinner inspired by classic single malt whiskies made at The Glenlivet Distillery. An expert will introduce a dram during the dinner and provide an entertaining discourse on what makes the Glenlivet so special. ¯ The Sunninghill Hotel presents various dishes featuring Speyside whiskies, as well as offering suggestions for individual whiskies to match specific foods. ¯ Taste of Speyside Restaurant, Scott's Restaurant and Restaurant La Faisanderie will be laying on special evening meals with a heavy emphasis on whisky.

Malt whisky and music are an ideal combination and are sure to provide an evening of entertainment - Scottish style.

¯ The True Spirit Concert - Chivas Regal sponsors a night of music featuring "Wolfstone" as well as some of Moray's finest folk talent. ¯ Dance the night away at the Aberlour Festival Marquee, - something different each evening, be it a ceilidh, a live band to appeal to the younger visitor or an evening of traditional music, song and dance. Licensed bar. ¯ From the Gay Gordon's to the Eightsome Reel enjoy a Scottish ceilidh at the British Legion hall in Dufftown.