News & Current Affairs
The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival has announced the finalists for its prestigious 2025 Whisky Awards following a rigorous blind tasting by an expert judging panel. Whisky lovers worldwide now have the opportunity to participate in the final selection process.
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Key Takeaways
The 2025 Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards finalists have been announced, with global whisky fans invited to participate in judging events.
The festival, scheduled for 30 April to 5 May 2025, will see distilleries opening their doors to visitors.
Forsyths, the renowned copper pot still manufacturer, sponsors this year's awards.
The Selection Process
The competition began with a blind tasting conducted by a panel of nine whisky experts, including renowned whisky writers, industry representatives, and specialist retailers. Two whiskies from each category have been shortlisted, with finalists spanning four key age groups: 12 Years & Under, 13-17 Years, 18 Years & Over, and Non-Age Statement. The final decision now rests with festival-goers and international whisky enthusiasts who can participate in tasting events across multiple locations, including Speyside and select international venues.
The 2025 Finalists
The expert panel has chosen the following whiskies as the finalists for each category:
12 Years & Under
The Glen Grant 12 YO
Benromach 10 YO
13 - 17 Years
Tamdhu 15 YO
Aberlour 15 YO Distillery Exclusive
18 Years & Over
Aberlour 18 YO Double Sherry Cask
Benromach 21 YO
Non-Age Statement
Spey Chairman's Choice
Aberlour Triple Cask Matured
Meet the Judges
The 2025 judging panel consists of some of the most respected names in the whisky industry, including:
Justine Hazlehurst – Founder of Kask Whisky, an Edinburgh-based whisky events company.
Gavin D Smith – A veteran whisky writer based in the Scottish Borders.
Susan Morrison – CEO of The Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh.
Dr. Christopher White – Editor of the Edinburgh Whisky Blog.
Karen Somerville – Co-Director of The Fife Whisky Festival.
And more esteemed figures from the whisky world.
The Festival's Economic Impact
The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival continues to bolster the local economy, with the 2024 edition generating over £2.2 million. The upcoming 2025 festival, scheduled for 30 April to 5 May, promises to surpass previous records with an expanded lineup of events and increased international participation. With distilleries across the region opening their doors, the festival offers a unique opportunity to experience Speyside's whisky heritage firsthand.
Forsyths: The Legacy Behind the Stills
This year's awards are proudly sponsored by Forsyths, a family-run business with deep roots in Speyside. Established in 1933, Forsyths is renowned for crafting traditional copper pot stills used by some of the world's most prestigious distilleries. With a legacy of innovation and craftsmanship, Forsyths continues to play a vital role in the whisky industry, supplying equipment to distilleries worldwide.
The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival 2025 will take place from 30 April to 5 May. Tickets go on sale at noon (GMT) on Monday, 3 February. Don't miss your chance to be part of this iconic whisky celebration.
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